My experience at both Jack Trice and Hilton is that if I have empty seats because someone couldn’t make it people will sit in those seats. It feels a bit rude to come and sit down without saying anything. That is what makes people in my family angry.
If someone asks if someone is sitting there I will say “No, but I have a ticket for that seat. You can use it if you want.” I have never turned away someone who asked nicely.
If someone asks if someone is sitting there I will say “No, but I have a ticket for that seat. You can use it if you want.” I have never turned away someone who asked nicely.