Travel expert says people shouldn't have to change seats to let others sit next to each other

A travel expert has weighed in on the age-old question: should you give up your seat on a flight so a couple or family can sit next to each other?

The debate ignited after a TikToker shared her experience when she encountered a mum of two already sitting in her assigned window seat when she boarded the plane.

The mum immediately asked the solo traveller to switch to a middle seat so the family could be together.

However, the woman refused, explaining in the caption of the video that she only had 90 minutes of sleep the night before and was about to give a presentation to 500 people.

She added that the mum’s children were aged 11 and 15.

She continued in the caption: “The woman proceeded to complain for 15 minutes to the next person, loud enough so I could hear. But the woman actually defended me - several times. It was so kind and appreciated because I was actually feeling really guilty.”

Nicole Campoy Jackson, a longtime writer and editor focused on travel, has also weighed in on the debate.

“In this particular case [of the TikToker], I understand why she didn’t want to move. A window seat, especially one pre-booked as such, is very much not the same thing as a middle seat,” she told People.

She advised that passengers should select their seats ahead of time to avoid this situation.

“I don’t think that you can board a plane with the expectation of someone leaving their seat for you,” Jackson added.

"Generally speaking, don’t board a plane expecting passengers to shift for you," she said, adding, especially if your seat is not as comfortable as (or more than) ‘theirs’.

Similarly, last month a man asked a passenger to switch seats with him so he could sit with his girlfriend in business class.

Jay Kloss was shocked when the Virgin passenger refused to give up their seat, describing: “I wanted to slap him.”

However, the video left many furious, as one user commented: “You’re in the wrong. Just book the right seat.”

Another said: “You should just book your seats together.”

While another panned: “At the end of the day, you shouldn’t expect anyone to move for you. Always determine seat availability before booking.”

A little louder for the people at the back.