Thanks for the speedy reply

This is sort of a weird question I am due to fly Madrid/Cozumel on IWD9838 on 2nd May. I know seats are allocated at check in, but I have read on a forum that whatever seat you are allocated you have to stay in it the whole flight? Even if there are empty rows, the stewards don't allow people to move to these?

Can anyone tell me any more info? It does seem a strange rule, considering how long the flight is

madsue,

Strictly speaking, you should stay in the seat allocted to you. Part of this depends on how full the flight is. For example, if the flight is only half full, passengers will be allocated seating to ensure the balance of the aircraft is correct. If passengers then start to take seats towards the rear, the aircraft may become tail heavy and out of balance. If the flight is faily full with just a few seats spare, it's not as important. If you're only moving a couple of rows or from a centre seat to an available window, I can't see a problem but it's when you move from one end to the other it becomes an issue. Why would you want to change your seat through the flight?

Darren

Thanks Darren. I realise from past flights, that on half empty planes passengers are allocated seats all together usually across the middle of the aircraft (is that right?) for balance, but I presumed this was only for take off and landing.

I was thinking that if I was allocated a seat in the area that was full, then I could move to an empty row, if available, after take off, for comfort more than anything!!!

madsue wrote:

but I presumed this was only for take off and landing.

The aircraft needs to be balanced throughout the whole of the flight, not just take off or landing. All aircraft have limitations for balance and if it's not trimmed correctly, the aircraft won't handle correctly and fuel burn increased due to more drag. If there's too much weight at the rear for example due to passengers deciding to sit further back after take off, this means the horizontal stabilisers at the rear, effectly a pair of wings that produce negative lift to push the nose down, have to work harder and can only do so much. This can lead to instability and drag. Even cabin crew walking up and down the isle with carts will require minor trim changes, especially on the longer aircraft types. All seats are pretty much the same so you're unlikely to get more comfort other than having a spare seat next to you. As long as you aren't moving too far from your allocated seat, I can't see a problem. I've moved a couple of rows to get window seats or a spare seat next to me many times.

Darren

Thanks for the info Darren, I really didn't understand at all why I wouldn't be able to move to an empty row or one with less passengers in, and I do now

I'll keep my fingers crossed that I get lucky with a spare seat beside me, for more elbow room at least