The first rule of trading seats is you don't talk about trading seats.
This post originally appeared on Map Happy.
The second rule of trading seats is the middle seat is almost always fine trading to the window or aisle seat when all parties are solo travelers.
The third rule of trading seats is the window or aisle seat is almost always never fine with trading to the middle seat when all parties are solo travelers.
The fourth rule of trading seats is if the window seat needs to pee a lot, the window seat will alert the middle and aisle seat for a possible trade.
The fifth rule of trading seats is that it's okay to trade the same type of seat (exit for exit, aisle for aisle).
The sixth rule of trading seats is if the seat needs to be traded because of a medical condition (allergic to dogs while sitting next to a dog), thou shalt alert the flight attendant.
The seventh rule of trading seats is if you need to sit next to your children, have hope a stranger will accommodate you -- taking your chances here! -- if you didn't request to sit together beforehand or with the gate agent.
The eighth rule of trading seats is you shall only trade your seat.
The last and final rule of trading seats is that the flight attendant holds final authority over all seating disputes.