my car has side airbags and when i change the front seats do i need to do anything special or can i just unplug and swap them without them blowing up in my face?

You will proberbly need a new airbag module, or the side airbags programmed out or you will cause a faultcode and the airbag light to come on.

Disconnect the battery when swapping the front seats.

Rears are easy the bases unclip and the backs need tilting forward and the catch on the hinge releasing with a big flat bladed screw driver. Then unbolt the centre seat belt.

Fronts, remove the plastic runner covers by undoing the single screw on each one on the top at the rear. Then unbolt the 2 bolts on the lower front of the seat which can be seen with seat slid fully back. Then slide the seat towards the rear of the car so it come off the runners. You then need to tip the seat back and disconnect the airbag connector. On the drivers seat you also need to disconnect the seat belt sensor. Fitting is the reverse making sure you connect the airbag connectors before reconnecting the battery.

As for the airbag module you should first attempt to clear the codes with VAG 1551 or vagconm but if that doesn't work you will need a new airbag controller, these can be picked up used from a car that's been written off but the airbags haven't been deployed for about