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A passenger on a Southwest flight from Jackson to Nashville noticed that premium economy and business is nearly empty and hoped they could spread out. However, their luck ran out when they saw that economy was still packed. Viewers are split on the traveler’s reaction to what flight attendants told them about the seating arrangement.
In a video with over 1.8 million views, TikToker Jane (@jane20515) tapes the back of the plane, with three-person economy rows fully booked. Then, they flip the camera to show the front of the plane.
Some rows of upgraded seats are completely empty.
Jane asks if they can move into one of the open seats. But a flight attendant quickly shoots the idea down.
On-screen text reads, “Back of the plane was packed but look at all the empty seats up front. Southwest wouldn’t let anyone switch seats or spread out. They said the people who paid for premium seats would get mad…”
Southwest recently implemented assigned seats after 54 years of allowing passengers to select on a first-come-first-served basis, according to CNBC. Now, customers must pay extra in order to reserve a seat in their preferred area on the plane.
The TikToker continues in the caption, “The doors had officially closed and no one else was boarding. The flight wasn’t even half full yet the flight attendants wouldn’t let anyone switch seats.”
They say that the flight attendants worried that passengers who paid for upgraded seats would be upset if economy travelers moved into the more expensive section for free.
Can You Move Into Empty Business-Class Seats?
While it’s not unheard of to score a free upgrade if seats are available, passengers should always ask a flight attendant before moving. According to Booking.com, many airlines have specific policies preventing non-paying passengers from moving into a higher seating class.
In the r/NoStupidQuestions subreddit, another traveler wondered why they can’t simply pick up a move into an empty business class seat. Commenters offered potential explanations.
“Because people are going to fight for these seats. Every Karen will try to say they ‘deserved it’ more than someone else and try to check which seat are vacant even before boarding. [That] will provoke fights before customers even at that early stage,” one suggested.
“The same reason every company that sells food throws away massive amounts of it every single day instead of giving it away for free,” another said. “If people can get something for free, they’ll stop paying for it.”
A third remarked, “They want you to pay for it.”
Do Viewers Agree With The TikToker Or Southwest?
Many commenters say they would be upset if other passengers moved into the seat next to them in a higher class.
“The entire point of premium seats is to not have to sit next to people who aren’t willing to pay for it,” a viewer remarked.
A second said, “It’s fair to get the seat you paid for. Unfair to get the same seats others paid more for. If you want an upgrade, pay for it.”
“Lots of cars on the lot not sold should you get one for free? No . Pay for an upgrade if you want to be closer up,” a third said.
Some viewers agree with the TikToker, questioning why so many commenters are “siding” with a major airline like Southwest.
“People siding with corporations is a signal that things are bad lol,” a commenter wrote.
But some travelers who frequently fly in higher seating classes say they genuinely don’t care if others get an upgrade for free.
“I’m surprised so many people actually care, if I bought first class and then other people got moved up to first class for free I legitimately wouldn’t care at all. Lucky you! Congrats!” another said.
“I personally could care less. When I pay for a better seat, im paying for a guarantee of a better seat. I don’t care if someone else gets upgraded to an unsold seat,” a commenter added.
@jane20515 Come on Southwest! Today’s flight from Jackson to Nashville. The doors had officially closed and no one else was boarding. The flight wasn’t even half full yet the flight attendants wouldn’t let anyone switch seats. They claimed that those who purchase upgrades might get upset. WTH?? Rows and rows were empty, meanwhile the back part of the plane was packed with three people to a row. #southwestairlines #getittogether #emptyplane SWA@Southwest Airlines
BroBible reached out to Jane via TikTok direct message and comment and to Southwest via email for further comment. We will update the story when they reply.