Just because an airplane seat is empty doesn’t mean you’re entitled to sit there. And if you move without asking, you may have to pay. Some passengers on United Airlines had to be reminded of that ...

I’m a planner when it comes to travel, so I almost never get stuck in a middle seat or, worse, in that avoid-at-all-costs spot next to a busy airplane bathroom. But there have been plenty of times ...

When you're squished into a full economy row on a plane, it can be tempting to swap into an empty seat nearby once boarding is complete. However, doing so could put the aircraft in jeopardy, according ...

Cruising Altitude is a weekly column about air travel. Have a suggestion for a future topic? Fill out the form or email me at the address at the bottom of this page. Just because an airplane seat is ...