New research from TravelInsurance.com.au reveals that when it comes to swapping seats on a plane, many Aussies are only willing to move if there’s something in it for them. A nationally representative survey of 1,000 Australians found that 35% of travellers would only swap seats on an international flight if they were getting a better or equivalent one.
Meanwhile, 31% would flat-out refuse to swap if it meant getting a worse seat — such as moving from an aisle to a middle — even if it helped someone else.
That leaves just 34% of Aussies willing to swap seats on an international flight unconditionally, simply to help others sit together.
TravelInsurance.com.au CEO, Shaun McGowan, says seat swapping has become a more nuanced decision, with comfort, cost and context all playing a role.
“Aussies are generous, but they’re also increasingly aware of what they’ve selected and paid for. For many travellers, seat selection is a comfort - or even a necessity - and they’re reluctant to switch, especially if it means losing a preferred seat like an aisle or extra legroom,” he says.
“It may also depend on the length of the flight, how full it is, and which seats you're switching to. In any case, if you’re planning to swap seats with another passenger, it’s best to check with the cabin crew first. There could be important considerations tied to seat numbers, like severe allergies, meal allocations, or flight connections.”
No fuss flyers: Gen X most willing to swap seats without conditions
Gen X (37%) are the most likely to happily swap seats with a fellow passenger to help out. Millennials, on the other hand, are the most likely to agree to a swap only if they’re getting an equivalent or better seat (41%). Gen Z are a bit more hesitant, with 37% saying they wouldn’t switch if it meant ending up in a worse seat.
Seat swapping in the sky: Aussies draw the line at friends vs families
The survey also asked who Aussies would be willing to swap seats for. More than a third (35%) said they’d be happy to move to help friends sit together on an international flight, while 24% would only consider swapping to help families with kids sit together.
Another 11% said they’d only consider switching seats on a domestic flight. Meanwhile, one in three travellers (30%) say they’d refuse to switch seats on an international flight, no matter who’s asking.
