Would you agree to switch seats with someone on a plane? With luck, you might even get an upgrade.

▲Aircraft cabin (Photo / Dar-Tzeh / Illustration)

By Rita

Maintaining politeness in daily life is emphasized across cultures, but how polite one should be is actually hard to define—especially on a plane. Many people may have had the experience of someone approaching them to ask if they can switch seats. But that person might be unwilling, or they may not have chosen their seat in advance, and they just want to sit next to their companion. So, should you agree to the switch?

Conde Nast Traveler has compiled arguments for both sides—there are pros and cons to switching or not switching seats, and travelers can decide for themselves.

1. Not recommended to switch seats
Many people spend a lot of time doing research and seizing the right moment to book a good seat when purchasing tickets. When faced with someone asking to switch seats after boarding,you can actually be brave enough to say no—it’s not necessary to sacrifice your own comfort for those who didn’t choose their seats in advance.

2. You can offer your seat
Some people easily empathize with parents traveling with kids who end up being seated apart, and thus agree to switch seats with them. These individuals feel it’s no big deal and that sacrificing a bit of their own comfort for others is acceptable. Andsuch people often receive unexpected perks—for example, flight attendants may notice your kindness and upgrade your seat.