A vane seal system includes a first non-rotatable vane segment that has a first airfoil with a first pocket at one end thereof. A second non-rotatable vane segment includes a second airfoil with a second pocket at one end thereof spaced by a gap from the first pocket. A seal member spans across the gap and extends in the first pocket and the second pocket. The seal member includes a seal element and at least one spring portion configured to positively locate the seal member in a sealing direction. Also disclosed is a seal for a vane seal system and a method related thereto for damping relative movement between a first pocket and a second pocket.