Why Boarding Early Can Save You from Airplane Seat Disputes

The Perks of Boarding Early

Many travelers opt to pay extra to be among the first to board an airplane. This strategy ensures they can stow away their carry-ons with ease and settle into their seats without the hassle of navigating through crowded aisles. However, another significant benefit of early boarding is the ability to secure your assigned seat, which can be critical in avoiding disputes with other passengers.

An original poster on a popular forum shared their preference for being the last person to board after everyone else is seated. While this approach might seem appealing for those who dislike the rush and congestion of boarding, it can lead to unexpected complications. For instance, the poster recounted an incident where they found someone else already occupying their assigned seat.

The Seat Stealer Dilemma

In this particular case, both the original poster and the person in their seat had boarding passes for the same seat due to a computer error. As a result, the original poster ended up relegated to the back row, middle seat, an uncomfortable position that could have been avoided by boarding earlier.

Seat stealers may try to coerce passengers into switching seats by occupying their assigned seat first. Arriving at your seat first allows you to refuse a seat stealer's request without much hassle. If you find someone already in your seat and they refuse to move, you may need to involve a gate agent or flight attendant to resolve the issue.

Advantages of Early Boarding

There is a clear advantage to getting to your seat early in case of accidental double booking. If you are already seated, the second person with the same seat assignment cannot easily displace you. The second person in a double booking scenario would more likely have to be seated elsewhere or change flights. Although double booking of seats by airlines is a rare occurrence, it does happen.

For example, the original poster’s aunt experienced a situation where she was the first to sit in a double-booked seat. Being first to sit in a double-booked seat protected her from being displaced. This underscores the importance of boarding early to secure your assigned seat and avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

The Logic Behind Early Boarding

The original poster questions the logic of wanting to rush to get on the airplane. While boarding last might be preferable for those who want to avoid crowded boarding areas, the inconvenience of dealing with a seat stealer can be avoided by boarding early. The poster’s story illustrates a practical situation where boarding early had a clear advantage.

While some travelers prefer a more relaxed boarding experience by boarding last, the benefits of boarding early are significant. Securing your seat, avoiding disputes, and ensuring a smooth start to your flight are compelling reasons to consider paying extra for early boarding.