How do you handle someone sitting in your seat when you board?
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,577
yes its a big deal. First its rude and extremely disrespectful to just poach someone's seat. 2nd its a big deal for me as I pick aisles for a reason. I need to get up and use a lavatory a lot and have no desire to wake people, step over people, and constantly pester them to get up.
and one day I might have split seats but I have the respect and courtesy to take my seat first...THEN ask the other person once they get to their seat. And if they say no thanks...which happens but its rare...I then suck it up because #1 they picked the seat before I did and #2 not sitting together for a couple hours is whats no "big deal" I often wonder how these people manage day to day life being apart 8-10 hours a day when going to work but you get on a 2 hour plane ride and you cant be more than a foot away from each other
and one day I might have split seats but I have the respect and courtesy to take my seat first...THEN ask the other person once they get to their seat. And if they say no thanks...which happens but its rare...I then suck it up because #1 they picked the seat before I did and #2 not sitting together for a couple hours is whats no "big deal" I often wonder how these people manage day to day life being apart 8-10 hours a day when going to work but you get on a 2 hour plane ride and you cant be more than a foot away from each other
They never asked and it is rude as all get out to just take someones seat prior to boarding. I would never nor ever done that to someone.
On the flip side why was it a big deal to them? The flight was 2 hours and they slept the whole way. I have been split from my wife on shorter flights such as this and never had a problem with it.
I have also been asked on dozens of occasions to switch seats with others so they could travel together and if it is a seat I find acceptable I switch with them. Actually not sure I have ever said no.
I probably would have granted them their wish had they decency to ask.
As an FYI I ended up in an aisle in row 1 as the young man sitting there preferred the window so he offered to take my "new" seat in 3A. I just told the FA (never even talked to the couple nor would I ever be rude to them) I prefer to get an aisle if possible and the kid heard and offered up the seat. The lady in the seat saw me pointing to the seat and through a minor woe is me hissy fit for a few seconds when she heard me say I prefer an aisle seat.
Last edited by apodo77; Jun 23, 2012 at 1:25 pm
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,577
[QUOTE=specialeffects;18807156]
I was never rude to anyone and didn't even speak to the couple. I saw her in the seat (they were both Asian and was pretty obvious they were a couple) and told the FA I prefer to be in an aisle and someone is in my seat.
She threw her arms up and let out a huge sigh and shook her head as I was pointing.
It all worked out and was curious how others react to poachers.
I always try my best to be polite and respectful.
yes its a big deal. First its rude and extremely disrespectful to just poach someone's seat. 2nd its a big deal for me as I pick aisles for a reason. I need to get up and use a lavatory a lot and have no desire to wake people, step over people, and constantly pester them to get up.
No disagreement here. Although, I must admit it still pays to be kind even if others are not. Three weeks ago I flying a East coast to CH on an award ticket, an old man was sitting in my "aisle seat", his wife asked if it was ok as he was ill. She then proceeded to sit on the other aisle. The passenger whose seat she sat was pissed and fuming. A little while later the head purser came to me and said " Hi I have another seat for you upfront" I sat the next 8hrs in C on a Y award ticket, while the woman who was pissing and moaning wasn't even offered one upfront.
Moral of the story, kindness pays.
No disagreement here. Although, I must admit it still pays to be kind even if others are not. Three weeks ago I flying a East coast to CH on an award ticket, an old man was sitting in my "aisle seat", his wife asked if it was ok as he was ill. She then proceeded to sit on the other aisle. The passenger whose seat she sat was pissed and fuming. A little while later the head purser came to me and said " Hi I have another seat for you upfront" I sat the next 8hrs in C on a Y award ticket, while the woman who was pissing and moaning wasn't even offered one upfront.
Moral of the story, kindness pays.
She threw her arms up and let out a huge sigh and shook her head as I was pointing.
It all worked out and was curious how others react to poachers.
I always try my best to be polite and respectful.
#18
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SEA, SoCal
Programs: AS 75K, DL Plat, AA, WN, Hertz, HHonors, Marriott
Posts: 1,306
I have very specific seating preferences based on the aircraft type, the length of flight, and the time of day. Sometimes I pay a premium for the privilege of selecting my FC seat before the upgrade window.
Why should I have to be uncomfortable just because you're sleeping with someone?
Why should I have to be uncomfortable just because you're sleeping with someone?
#19
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AS MVPG, CO, NW(now DL), Flying Blue
Posts: 6,554
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,577
#21
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Seattle WA, USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, AS Lounge
Posts: 3,478
I once was supposed to be in something like 30E and I sat in 30B by mistake -- was very tired and just turned right instead of left knowing that I was bound for a middle seat. I was lucky that the guy with 30B was kind and asked about the mixup before getting upset. I did the mea culpa bit, moved to luxurious 30E, and all was fine.
If it turns out not to be just a mistake and the seat poacher doesn't want to go then I might ask the FA for help depending on how long the flight is and how bad my new seat would be. I'm much more likely to swap if someone asks first instead of just sitting down.
#22
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: DL: 3.8 MM, Marriott: Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 24,575
Since this is not specific to AS and happens with all airlines, we are going to move the thread to TravelBuzz!.
Pls follow at it's new home.
Thanks.
____________________
Cholula
Alaska Mileage Plan Co-Moderator
Pls follow at it's new home.
Thanks.
____________________
Cholula
Alaska Mileage Plan Co-Moderator
#23
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Colorado
Programs: Skymiles, Mileage Plus
Posts: 89
I'm glad this topic was brought up and I'm sure it has been discussed here before in other threads. I personally prefer aisle seats. I'm a tall guy and I don't like being crammed in by other people. I too have paid extra for premium seats and just want to get the seat I picked and may even have paid extra for it.
#24
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: 10 months VLC, 2 months everywhere else
Programs: *A
Posts: 3,770
I will glare at them and say in my best Clint Eastwood:
"You are in my seat, punk. Now move or I will have to move you."
Actually, I meekly ask them if I could have my seat. If they are a couple I'll usually just acquiesce and take one of their seats, because I'm not a jerk in real life, just online.
"You are in my seat, punk. Now move or I will have to move you."
Actually, I meekly ask them if I could have my seat. If they are a couple I'll usually just acquiesce and take one of their seats, because I'm not a jerk in real life, just online.
#25
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Scarborough
Posts: 596
Had this happen twice this year.
Wasn't much of an issue as I ended up in an aisle seats instead of window so it was easier in terms of getting up and using the lav.
Once though, my special meal ended up being consumed by the seat-poacher.
I had to settle for the regular meal....which was not better anyway.
Now I get the FA involved.
Perhaps courtesy notes should be placed at every gate?
Wasn't much of an issue as I ended up in an aisle seats instead of window so it was easier in terms of getting up and using the lav.
Once though, my special meal ended up being consumed by the seat-poacher.
I had to settle for the regular meal....which was not better anyway.
Now I get the FA involved.
Perhaps courtesy notes should be placed at every gate?
#27
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 273
I encountered the opposite the other day.
I was in business class and sitting in the middle seat. An elderly Asian lady
(around 50 or 55) stood next to me and said I was in her seat. I showed
her my boarding pass and then looked at hers. I was definitely in the
correct seat. Her seat number was for the aisle seat... .however, she
insisted that I was in her seat. Since I never liked my original middle
business class seat, I didn't argue with her and just stood up. I took the
aisle seat and she had my middle seat. 10 hours into the flat, she looked
at me and said "you are in my seat!" I told her she was the one
who insisted that I was in the wrong seat in the first place. Since it was
only a couple of hours before landing, I gave up and traded seats with
her again... unreal.... Fortunately I slept in the aisle lie-flat. Stupid
UA for having middle seats in first class anyway.
I was in business class and sitting in the middle seat. An elderly Asian lady
(around 50 or 55) stood next to me and said I was in her seat. I showed
her my boarding pass and then looked at hers. I was definitely in the
correct seat. Her seat number was for the aisle seat... .however, she
insisted that I was in her seat. Since I never liked my original middle
business class seat, I didn't argue with her and just stood up. I took the
aisle seat and she had my middle seat. 10 hours into the flat, she looked
at me and said "you are in my seat!" I told her she was the one
who insisted that I was in the wrong seat in the first place. Since it was
only a couple of hours before landing, I gave up and traded seats with
her again... unreal.... Fortunately I slept in the aisle lie-flat. Stupid
UA for having middle seats in first class anyway.
#28
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Scarborough
Posts: 596
I encountered the opposite the other day.
I was in business class and sitting in the middle seat. An elderly Asian lady
(around 50 or 55) stood next to me and said I was in her seat. I showed
her my boarding pass and then looked at hers. I was definitely in the
correct seat. Her seat number was for the aisle seat... .however, she
insisted that I was in her seat. Since I never liked my original middle
business class seat, I didn't argue with her and just stood up. I took the
aisle seat and she had my middle seat. 10 hours into the flat, she looked
at me and said "you are in my seat!" I told her she was the one
who insisted that I was in the wrong seat in the first place. Since it was
only a couple of hours before landing, I gave up and traded seats with
her again... unreal.... Fortunately I slept in the aisle lie-flat. Stupid
UA for having middle seats in first class anyway.
I was in business class and sitting in the middle seat. An elderly Asian lady
(around 50 or 55) stood next to me and said I was in her seat. I showed
her my boarding pass and then looked at hers. I was definitely in the
correct seat. Her seat number was for the aisle seat... .however, she
insisted that I was in her seat. Since I never liked my original middle
business class seat, I didn't argue with her and just stood up. I took the
aisle seat and she had my middle seat. 10 hours into the flat, she looked
at me and said "you are in my seat!" I told her she was the one
who insisted that I was in the wrong seat in the first place. Since it was
only a couple of hours before landing, I gave up and traded seats with
her again... unreal.... Fortunately I slept in the aisle lie-flat. Stupid
UA for having middle seats in first class anyway.
#29
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 615
In the spring of 2007 I was flying flyBE JER-LGW, and I had paid to reserve seat 1A. When I boarded, my seat was occupied by a rather effete young man who, when I said that he was sitting in my seat, said, "Oh, find somewhere else. It's only a short flight after all."
I spoke to the flight attendant, who told (not "asked") the occupant of my seat to rise, turn around, and to leave the plane.
Apparently, the usurper was an employee's relation, travelling 100ID.
I spoke to the flight attendant, who told (not "asked") the occupant of my seat to rise, turn around, and to leave the plane.
Apparently, the usurper was an employee's relation, travelling 100ID.