Why You Should Stop Giving Up Your Plane Seat-and How a Traveler of 30 Years Deals With Last-minute Swaps

"Sorry, not sorry: I'm "that" person who usually refuses to switch seats on flights (especially when I have the window seat). And even with recent headlines inspiring online debates on whether or not it's okay to ask to switch seats with someone, I'm still a staunch supporter of staying in my assigned seat, specifically when I've paid to be in it."

"However, despite my strong stance on the matter, there have still been times when my seat assignment was out of my control. From filling in for an exit row passenger who couldn't provide evacuation assistance in the event of an emergency to having my coveted window seat reassigned to an off-duty flight crew member, I've had to navigate my fair share of unwanted seat swaps before takeoff."

"Over the years, I've figured out that the best way to deal with it is by preparing as though it'll happen on every flight. Packing just a handful of in-flight travel accessories, like a customizable neck pillow or a light-blocking eye mask, can help make the aisle or middle seat much more comfortable. Keep scrolling for the eight products I trust for making unwanted plane seat switch-ups no big deal-all under $30 at Amazon."

A frequent refusal to switch seats on flights is rooted in valuing paid seat assignments, particularly window seats. Seat assignments can still change due to safety needs or airline crew reassignment, forcing unwanted swaps. Preparing for possible seat changes by packing a few compact travel accessories reduces discomfort in aisle or middle seats. A twistable memory foam travel pillow with a bendable metal core provides versatile head and neck support and can form a Z shape against the window or a donut shape for other seats. Affordable products under $30 can mitigate seat-change frustration.

Read at Travel + Leisure