Reseated due to Infant/Bassinet
#46
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#47
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Goalie, I see things differently. The OP didn't move because of a bassinet. He was asked to, declined, and was not reseated. So the bassinet part of the story is only background.
The OP was asked to move because another passenger didn't want to sit next to him. I think it's reasonable to discuss if there are ever any reasons where United should move one passenger because another one doesn't want them there, and if so, what those reasons might be.
The OP was asked to move because another passenger didn't want to sit next to him. I think it's reasonable to discuss if there are ever any reasons where United should move one passenger because another one doesn't want them there, and if so, what those reasons might be.
#49
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Back on topic.... No way the OP should have been pressured into moving because the mother felt uncomfortable breastfeeding. No one should infringe on a mother's ability to breastfeed on a plane, period. But, if she's not comfortable doing so? That's her problem.
#50
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This happened to me in BF, row 8, a few months ago. I refused to move and nothing happened to me.
Breastfeeding wasn't an issue in my case, they just wanted my seat in the center pair because they had two babies (they only paid for two seats, but evidently wanted the use of three--something was said about there not being enough oxygen masks in the side pair as the excuse) and I said no because I am too tall for the BF seats in all but row 1 and 8.
They worked-out something where the couple was split to opposite sides of the cabin, and I felt no guilt at all. If they want to use three seats, they should pay for three seats.
Breastfeeding wasn't an issue in my case, they just wanted my seat in the center pair because they had two babies (they only paid for two seats, but evidently wanted the use of three--something was said about there not being enough oxygen masks in the side pair as the excuse) and I said no because I am too tall for the BF seats in all but row 1 and 8.
They worked-out something where the couple was split to opposite sides of the cabin, and I felt no guilt at all. If they want to use three seats, they should pay for three seats.
Last edited by zombietooth; Oct 23, 2014 at 4:05 pm
#51
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I can sympathize with the OP to a point. But, thousands upon thousands of people use 15" laptops in non-bulkhead, non-E+ seats every day.
#52
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This happened to me in BF, row 8, a few months ago. I refused to move and nothing happened to me.
Breastfeeding wasn't an issue in my case, they just wanted my seat in the center pair because they had two babies (they only paid for two seats, but evidently wanted the use of three--something was said about there not being enough oxygen masks in the side pair as the excuse) and I said no because I am too tall for the BF seats in all but row 1 and 8.
They worked-out something where the couple was split to opposite sides of the cabin, and I felt no guilt at all. If they want to use three seats, they should pay for three seats.
Breastfeeding wasn't an issue in my case, they just wanted my seat in the center pair because they had two babies (they only paid for two seats, but evidently wanted the use of three--something was said about there not being enough oxygen masks in the side pair as the excuse) and I said no because I am too tall for the BF seats in all but row 1 and 8.
They worked-out something where the couple was split to opposite sides of the cabin, and I felt no guilt at all. If they want to use three seats, they should pay for three seats.
#53
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Bassinet can only be placed in the bulkhead, so it's standard practice to move pax who already have seats assigned in the bulkhead in order to accommodate.
However, the woman has NO right to demand other passengers be moved in order to breastfeed. I would have stood my ground on principle.
However, the woman has NO right to demand other passengers be moved in order to breastfeed. I would have stood my ground on principle.
#55
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Goalie, I see things differently. The OP didn't move because of a bassinet. He was asked to, declined, and was not reseated. So the bassinet part of the story is only background.
The OP was asked to move because another passenger didn't want to sit next to him. I think it's reasonable to discuss if there are ever any reasons where United should move one passenger because another one doesn't want them there, and if so, what those reasons might be.
The OP was asked to move because another passenger didn't want to sit next to him. I think it's reasonable to discuss if there are ever any reasons where United should move one passenger because another one doesn't want them there, and if so, what those reasons might be.
Comments were made w/r/t breast feeding (pro, con, do it/don't do it at the seat, do it/don't do it in the lav, it's gross, it's natural and etc) and that is not part of this discussion-discussing what happened to the OP as a result of the action/inaction of UA employees is what this thread is about.
goalie
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#56
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As with FlyingTin, I often make my booking decisions (and try to book early) based on which specific seats are available, especially on longer flights. Doesn't seem to make a difference to me whether you want E+ bulkhead because you want to use your laptop, have long legs, be close (or away from) the lav, sleep, whatever. While there may be good reasons for the carrier to deny you the seat you reserved, this doesn't sound like one.
I can't imagine asking a pax to swap to an inferior seat, unless I'm willing to offer them a bit of cash for their inconvenience. Many comments here on the board over the years suggest that we're generally happy to consider seating alternatives when politely asked, and rarely will move gracefully when forced, especially for what seems to be specious (or manipulative - trying to get an extra seat) reasons.
In this case the couple was given an extra seat because they were "uncomfortable" sharing with the OP. Frankly I am almost always "uncomfortable" when someone sits next to me on crowded planes. I'm
"uncomfortable" sitting next to someone who is obese, or uses a lot of
fragrance, or flops all over me when they sleep or...
But back to the OP's question, it seems to me that as long as the crew have
the "interfering with crew" trump card, it is hard to fight back these days. Maybe OP would have had a chance if the FA was on his side; don't know what clout the GA has with the cockpit. But perhaps digging in your heels a bit more would make them hassle someone else and try to keep you up front in E+
I can't imagine asking a pax to swap to an inferior seat, unless I'm willing to offer them a bit of cash for their inconvenience. Many comments here on the board over the years suggest that we're generally happy to consider seating alternatives when politely asked, and rarely will move gracefully when forced, especially for what seems to be specious (or manipulative - trying to get an extra seat) reasons.
In this case the couple was given an extra seat because they were "uncomfortable" sharing with the OP. Frankly I am almost always "uncomfortable" when someone sits next to me on crowded planes. I'm
"uncomfortable" sitting next to someone who is obese, or uses a lot of
fragrance, or flops all over me when they sleep or...
But back to the OP's question, it seems to me that as long as the crew have
the "interfering with crew" trump card, it is hard to fight back these days. Maybe OP would have had a chance if the FA was on his side; don't know what clout the GA has with the cockpit. But perhaps digging in your heels a bit more would make them hassle someone else and try to keep you up front in E+
#57
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If you get forced to change, take it up with the airline when you get home.
#58
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As with FlyingTin, I often make my booking decisions (and try to book early) based on which specific seats are available, especially on longer flights. Doesn't seem to make a difference to me whether you want E+ bulkhead because you want to use your laptop, have long legs, be close (or away from) the lav, sleep, whatever. While there may be good reasons for the carrier to deny you the seat you reserved, this doesn't sound like one.
I can't imagine asking a pax to swap to an inferior seat, unless I'm willing to offer them a bit of cash for their inconvenience. Many comments here on the board over the years suggest that we're generally happy to consider seating alternatives when politely asked, and rarely will move gracefully when forced, especially for what seems to be specious (or manipulative - trying to get an extra seat) reasons.
In this case the couple was given an extra seat because they were "uncomfortable" sharing with the OP. Frankly I am almost always "uncomfortable" when someone sits next to me on crowded planes. I'm
"uncomfortable" sitting next to someone who is obese, or uses a lot of
fragrance, or flops all over me when they sleep or...
But back to the OP's question, it seems to me that as long as the crew have
the "interfering with crew" trump card, it is hard to fight back these days. Maybe OP would have had a chance if the FA was on his side; don't know what clout the GA has with the cockpit. But perhaps digging in your heels a bit more would make them hassle someone else and try to keep you up front in E+
I can't imagine asking a pax to swap to an inferior seat, unless I'm willing to offer them a bit of cash for their inconvenience. Many comments here on the board over the years suggest that we're generally happy to consider seating alternatives when politely asked, and rarely will move gracefully when forced, especially for what seems to be specious (or manipulative - trying to get an extra seat) reasons.
In this case the couple was given an extra seat because they were "uncomfortable" sharing with the OP. Frankly I am almost always "uncomfortable" when someone sits next to me on crowded planes. I'm
"uncomfortable" sitting next to someone who is obese, or uses a lot of
fragrance, or flops all over me when they sleep or...
But back to the OP's question, it seems to me that as long as the crew have
the "interfering with crew" trump card, it is hard to fight back these days. Maybe OP would have had a chance if the FA was on his side; don't know what clout the GA has with the cockpit. But perhaps digging in your heels a bit more would make them hassle someone else and try to keep you up front in E+
#59
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Goalie, I see things differently. The OP didn't move because of a bassinet. He was asked to, declined, and was not reseated. So the bassinet part of the story is only background.
The OP was asked to move because another passenger didn't want to sit next to him. I think it's reasonable to discuss if there are ever any reasons where United should move one passenger because another one doesn't want them there, and if so, what those reasons might be.
The OP was asked to move because another passenger didn't want to sit next to him. I think it's reasonable to discuss if there are ever any reasons where United should move one passenger because another one doesn't want them there, and if so, what those reasons might be.
However, his mere existence isn't offensive even if she wants to breastfeed.
This happened to me in BF, row 8, a few months ago. I refused to move and nothing happened to me.
Breastfeeding wasn't an issue in my case, they just wanted my seat in the center pair because they had two babies (they only paid for two seats, but evidently wanted the use of three--something was said about there not being enough oxygen masks in the side pair as the excuse) and I said no because I am too tall for the BF seats in all but row 1 and 8.
They worked-out something where the couple was split to opposite sides of the cabin, and I felt no guilt at all. If they want to use three seats, they should pay for three seats.
Breastfeeding wasn't an issue in my case, they just wanted my seat in the center pair because they had two babies (they only paid for two seats, but evidently wanted the use of three--something was said about there not being enough oxygen masks in the side pair as the excuse) and I said no because I am too tall for the BF seats in all but row 1 and 8.
They worked-out something where the couple was split to opposite sides of the cabin, and I felt no guilt at all. If they want to use three seats, they should pay for three seats.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Oct 25, 2014 at 7:08 pm Reason: multi-quote should be used
#60
Join Date: May 2009
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We had bought some E+ seats at a bulkhead a few years ago on a flight down to Rio. the original tickets were FF tickets. Some lady came up to as just as we sat down and asked if we could switch for a baby she had(bassinet). I said sure but we paid for these and my price to sell them is 1000 cash(no checks). She walked off to wherever her seats were. I wouldnt have sold them anyway. i just quoted a ridiculous price and wasnt interested in a refund of what I paid. People need to plan in advance. i have no sympathy for the people wanting to switch who said " they put me here".