Travel Expert Settles Debate On Whether Solo Flyers Should Give Up Their Seats For Families

Oct 16, 2025 by apost team

The debate began, as so many modern ones do, in a comment section. A single social media post from “The Today Show” snowballed into thousands of discussions from travelers, parents, and frequent flyers alike. What started as a simple question quickly turned into a reflection of personal boundaries, responsibility, and the unwritten rules of public behavior.

By the end of the day, the argument had spread across platforms, and everyone had something to say. One of the most notable voices to join in was Food Network’s “The Kitchen” star Sunny Anderson, who didn’t mince words when explaining her stance.

“Sorry, mom. I’m sitting in the window seat for my anxiety. I shouldn’t be forced to explain that for your visible issues or picked on about it. If ever I can’t get a window seat, I legit look for another flight,” she expressed. 

As Anderson’s post circulated, the internet divided into two camps: those who believed empathy should come first, and those who argued for respecting personal choice and boundaries. The spark for this fiery conversation went from a viral TikTok. In it, a solo traveler recounted boarding a plane only to find that her assigned window seat was already occupied by a mother of two. 

The woman immediately asked her to switch to a middle seat so her family could sit together. The TikToker refused, politely but firmly. So, what’s the proper etiquette in such a situation? Travel advisor and writer for Fora Travel, Nicole Campoy Jackson, told PEOPLE: “In this particular case (of the TikToker), I understand why she didn’t want to move. A window seat, especially one pre-booked as such, is very much not the same thing as a middle seat.”

According to Jackson and official airline practices, passengers have the right to the seat they selected and paid for. She added:

“Passengers should always check the seating policies of their airline before booking.” 

However, Jackson advised that the best way to avoid this type of awkward encounter is prevention.

“As much as it’s possible, passengers should be choosing their seats ahead of time for this exact reason. I don’t think that you can board a plane with the expectation of someone leaving their seat for you,” she stated. 

In the summer of 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a guideline meant to ease the burden. The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection sent a notice that “encouraged,” though did not require, airlines to have policies that enable children to be seated adjacent to an accompanying adult to the maximum extent practicable and at no additional cost.”

But when those policies fall short and a seating conflict arises mid-flight, who bears the responsibility? Jackson made it clear.

“It’s really up to the airline and flight attendants to offer customer service for the family if someone declines to switch seats,” she explained, adding, “When there’s a conflict, it’s no longer that one passenger’s responsibility.”

She then gave her practical bottom line on the matter.

“Generally speaking, don’t board a plane expecting passengers to shift for you, especially if your seat is not as comfortable as (or more than) theirs.”

One comment on “The Today Show” post seemed to offer a simple middle ground. The commenter wrote:

“Think it’s as okay to ask as it is okay to say no. We need to accept as a society that saying ‘no’ to something isn’t offensive, and that asking for something isn’t rude.”

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The great seat-swap debate continues to divide travelers everywhere. Would you give up your spot or stay put? Let us know, and then pass this story on to your fellow travelers and see how they’d handle it!