First-class pretenders cheat their way to free drinks by using 'seat-squatter' hack

Seat squatters are taking their "hack" to a new level by not just hoping to steal a better seat on a plane but trying to grab free drinks in the process.

The user was on a flight with Delta Air Lines from Providence, Rhode Island, to Atlanta, Georgia, in row 2. 

That's when the Reddit user saw two women "come [aboard] haphazardly" and sit in the first row.

"They throw their bags up and settle in. Few moments later, a woman comes on the plane and lets them know one of those seats is hers."

The person added, "They quickly get up, laugh and say, 'We are rookies.' The flight attendant asks what row they are in and they say 24. They leave their bags and travel back to their row."

This seat squatter, however, wanted something in addition to the upgraded seat.

The flight passenger and Reddit user went on to say that the women squatting in the front row may have been hoping to do the same thing.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Redditor for comment.

Other Reddit users jumped in on the conversation, calling the behavior shameful and "disgusting."

"Some people have no shame. They pulled a fast one and probably post[ed] it to social media, too," another Reddit user responded. "Dignity and respect for others is out, pranks and hacks are in."

Another Redditor posted on the "r/delta" forum, commenting about an experience with a first-class seat-squatter.

The passenger had been upgraded to first class because the original passengers did not show up. When the Reddit user arrived at the new seat assignment, a woman was found to be sitting in the spot.

The user then claimed that "this lady had just seen an open seat in first class and figured she'd see if she could get away with sitting there."

The seat squatter trend has been taking off over the last few months - and the controversial attempt at upgrading an airplane seat has been frustrating other flyers.

Instead of claiming the seat or attempting to self-upgrade, Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog "View From the Wing," suggested people try their luck by asking to swap seats with someone else on board.

"Have a compelling reason that will resonate with the person you're asking," Leff previously told Fox News Digital.

He said that if a passenger has "something decent to offer in return, it isn't as much of a hardship for the person to give you what you want."

Etiquette experts have also weighed in on the trend, sharing tips on how best to interact with a squatter aboard a flight.

California-based etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall said it is best to address the seat scenario calmly and in good faith.

"If the seat squatter refuses to move, do not engage; do not recruit other passengers to rally," Randall told Fox News Digital previously.

Rather, "immediately request assistance from the flight attendant."