Sky Scam: How 'Seat Squatters' Cheat Their Way Into Free Drinks in First Class

Seat-squatters are stepping up their game by not only trying to grab a better seat on a plane, but also aiming to get free drinks while they're at it. Some passengers will do whatever it takes to score complimentary drinks before takeoff, even if it means temporarily sitting in someone else's seat.

Free-Drink Scam

The seat-squatter trend has been growing in the past few months, and it's been causing frustration for other passengers who are upset about people trying to steal first-class perks. Here's how the cheat works: A non-first-class passenger boards the plane and sits in a yet-to-be-occupied first-class seat. The unsuspecting flight attendant serves the passenger a pre-flight drink. The passenger then makes an excuse to visit another section of the plane, leaves with their drink, and sits in their assigned seat in coach — where they enjoy their free drink.

Thwarted Attempts

Seat-squatting doesn't always work, though. If a seat-squatter grabs a first-class seat, but the first-class passenger assigned to that seat arrives before the pre-flight beverage service, the squatter can feign ignorance and quickly relocate empty-handed to their actual seat. Even worse for the squatter, the pre-flight booze can be ordered, but not delivered, before the actual first-class passenger shows up. Then the squatter has to return to their coach seat while the drink is given to the first-class passenger.

A More Ethical Tactic: Seat-Swapping

Instead of trying to take a better seat or upgrade on their own, Gary Leff, a travel expert from Texas who writes the blog "View From the Wing," suggested passengers ask others on the plane if they can switch seats. "Have a compelling reason that will resonate with the person you're asking," Leff told Fox News Digital. He said if a passenger has "something decent to offer in return, it isn't as much of a hardship for the person to give you what you want."

Confronting a Seat-Squatter

Etiquette experts offer their advice on how to handle a seat squatter on a flight. Rosalinda Randall, an etiquette expert from California, said it's best to stay calm and approach the situation with good intentions. "If the seat squatter refuses to move, do not engage; do not recruit other passengers to rally," Randall told Fox News Digital. Instead, she suggested, "immediately request assistance from the flight attendant."

The seat-squatting trend on planes is becoming more common, causing frustration for many passengers. While some people try to grab better seats or free drinks, others are simply trying to make their flight more comfortable. However, it's important to follow good manners and handle these situations politely. If you're ever faced with a seat-squatter, it's best to stay calm and ask a flight attendant for help rather than getting upset.

References: First-Class Pretenders Cheat Their Way to Free Drinks by Using 'Seat-Squatter' Hack | How 'Seat-Squatters' are Enjoying First Class Flight Perks for Free: 'Such a Low Move'