Changing Seats On The Plane – Why You Should Always Ask for Permission

Even though changing seats might seem like a non-issue for passangers, it can be a potential problem that could put in danger the entire plane. When wishing to change seats, you need to ask the flight attendant for permission.

First of all, it is a weighty issue. Most of us don’t realize that aviation is a fine-tuned and calculated feat of engineering. Even though the movement of one person on a commercial jet won’t upend the plane, the issue is taken so seriously that the Federal Aviation Administration has a thick handbook regarding weight and balance on aircraft at all times.

It’s all about the center of gravity on the plane, as this is the most critical element during takeoff. Pilots need to be aware of the distribution of weight, also known as the “index number” in order to correctly set the trim, which is used to maintain airspeed.

“If the trim is set wrong, then the aircraft may crash at take-off,” pilot Magnar Nordal explained

“On a large, wide body aeroplane, a single person can move 10 rows of seats and the effect on the balance is negligible. Have that same person move just a few rows on a regional plane or turboprop and the effects are far more dramatic; possibly even exceeding the limits of the envelope," Darren Patterson, pilot, mentioned

However, there is no need to panic after the ariplane has taken off, as passengers are free to move without fear of putting the plane in danger.

Even so, some seats might be left empty intentionally, for “operational reasons”, as United Airlines explained, which is why you should not assume that an empty seat is up for grabs.

Source: travelandleisure.com