seat squatting noun [U]
UK /ˈsiːt skwɒ.tɪŋ/ US /ˈsiːt skwɑː.tɪŋ/
the practice of sitting in an unassigned aeroplane seat, usually a better one than the assigned one, in the hope of staying there without being asked to move
People who travel internationally are up in arms over a new trend known as “seat squatting”. The craze sees passengers take seats that have not been assigned to them, often ignoring cabin crew, and not waiting until boarding has finished.
[mirror.co.uk, 1 January 2025]
mileage run noun [C]
/ˈmaɪ.lɪdʒ rʌn/
a flight taken purely to earn points with the airline’s loyalty programme and not to visit a particular place
Over the years, the popularity of mileage runs has decreased as airlines have switched from a distance-based to a revenue-based frequent flier system. Despite this, mileage runs are not entirely dead, but they are almost not worth it.
[simpleflying.com, 23 June 2024]
air jail noun [S]
UK /ˈeə dʒeɪl/ US /ˈer dʒeɪl/
the activity of lifting a pet animal, usually a dog, into the air and holding them there for a short time to stop or prevent bad behaviour
Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek that, as a veterinarian, she is not a fan of “air jail” for cats, and it is not something that she does with her own cats. “Whether ‘air jail’ is being used in a playful manner or as a form of punishment, there are several things to consider before trying this trend,” Cahn said.
[newsweek.com, 14 October 2024]