‘Both Rows Were Completely Empty’: Woman Boards Southwest Flight From Houston To California. Then a Flight Attendant Threatens To Kick Her Off The Plane Because She Switched Seats

There’s no joy quite like boarding an airplane and seeing that you have the entire row to yourself.

At a time when legroom is getting more limited by the day, it’s always a pleasure to be able to actually stretch out and have some space to yourself—without paying the absurd prices of first class.

Sometimes, however, you get on a plane and find that your row is filled, but that other rows are completely empty. Surely the airline won’t have a problem with you moving to this empty row, right?

As one TikTok user recently learned, this is wrong.

Can You Switch Seats On A Flight?

In a video with over 13 million views, TikTok user Niki (@niki_nik20) shows a flight attendant on a Southwest Airlines flight.

“Good morning. Can I see your boarding pass?” the flight attendant starts. In response, Niki hands over her pass—revealing she’s supposed to be in another seat and flying from Houston to California.

“That’s where you’re gonna have to sit at,” the flight attendant says, gesturing to her assigned seat.

Niki protests, saying that there’s no one in the seat in which she’s currently sitting.

“I understand. That’s just not how it works. The seat you have to sit in is a seat that’s assigned to you,” the flight attendant states.

After a bit more pushback from Niki, the flight attendant says, “I would either move, or else we’re just gonna have to take you off the flight altogether.”

“If you want a specific seat on the aircraft, you have to purchase that specific seat,” the flight attendant summarizes.

Eventually, Niki gives up and switches seats.

In the caption, she writes, “Southwest Airlines tried to remove me from the flight simply because I moved from one seat to another, even though both rows were completely empty and no one was sitting there. I immediately returned to my original seat because I had no intention of causing any trouble. However, right after takeoff, some other passengers came and sat in those exact same seats, and no one said anything to them. I truly believe in following rules, but sometimes a little flexibility and kindness would go a long way.”

What Are The Rules About Switching Seats?

While it may be tempting to switch to an open seat on a flight, many airlines forbid passengers from doing this without permission.

Southwest Airlines used to have an open seating policy. This meant that passengers could sit in any seat, as long as it was not occupied.

Now, however, the airline employs the industry-standard assigned seating policy. Although they do not appear to have an official policy regarding switching seats without permission, it’s likely that their policy is similar to other airlines when it comes to this practice.

For example, according to Aerospace Global News, American Airlines says in its Terms and Conditions that, “If you sit in a seat other than the one assigned, you may be asked to move.”

Delta has a similar policy: “If you’d like to move to an unoccupied seat within your ticketed cabin/seat product during the flight, please ask a flight attendant — changes are at the crew’s discretion and depend on safety considerations.”

Why Can’t You Just Change Seats?

In summary, it may be okay to move to another seat. However, one must ask for permission from a flight attendant.

Why do you need to ask? As reported by Wired, there are a few reasons. First, there are potential weight distribution issues. Empty rows may stay empty in order to maintain the plane’s balance.

Second, Conde Nast Traveler explains that there are restrictions on certain seats that may make them unavailable to some travelers. For example, there are some restrictions on who can sit in an exit row seat. Additionally, airlines may be hesitant to allow passengers to sit in seats above their class, as competition over these seats could cause issues.

Commenters Are On The Airline’s Side

In the comments section, users supported the actions of the flight attendant.

“He is absolutely 100% correct,” wrote a commenter.

“Moving without asking is so weird,” added another.

“As a former CSA for an airline those seat numbers are important. if they plane were to crash that’s how they identify you,” offered a third. “and yes move that little bit could effect the balance of the plane.”

“Your supposed to ask them before you move your seat,” stated a further TikToker.

BroBible reached out to Southwest Airlines via email and Niki via TikTok direct message and comment.