Can you lay down on empty plane seats?

Flying Etiquette: Politely Requesting to Lie Across Empty Seats on a Plane

Air travel can often involve extended periods of sitting in confined spaces, making it tempting to spread out and get comfortable. While it may be tempting to lie across empty seats to stretch out, it’s essential to maintain proper etiquette and respect fellow passengers’ space.

Politeness First

When considering requesting to lie across empty seats, it’s important to prioritize politeness. Always ask the person seated next to the empty seat if they mind if you do so. If they are not comfortable with it, kindly respect their wishes.

Wait Until Boarding is Complete

It’s polite to wait until after boarding is complete before requesting to lie across empty seats. This ensures that all passengers have had an opportunity to find their designated seats and settle in.

Utilize Available Seating Before Takeoff

Before takeoff, it’s essential to utilize all available seating to ensure the safety of all passengers. This means that if there are empty seats within your immediate vicinity, use them to maximize your comfort while respecting other passengers’ space.

Request Seat Changes Post-Boarding

If you wish to change seats to lie across empty seats, the best time to do so is after all passengers have boarded. Once the plane has settled down and taken off, approach a crew member and politely inquire if you can relocate to empty seats.

Be Prepared for No

While crew members are typically accommodating, they are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers. If the crew determines that it’s not feasible to allow you to lie across empty seats, they may decline your request. It’s important to accept their decision and respect their authority.

Respecting Passenger Space

Remember that lying across empty seats can infringe on the personal space of other passengers. Always ensure that your feet or limbs are not obstructing anyone’s path or disturbing their comfort.

By following these guidelines, you can politely request to lie across empty seats while maintaining proper etiquette and respecting the space and comfort of fellow passengers. Happy travels!