Upgraded to First Class with Companion but different seats
Hi all,
Just need thoughts on how to handle this since I was upgraded along with my wife but we are different seats and want to sit together. We are on the last row in window seats in the first class cabin.
I know there are travelers in first class who buy their seat outright for the chance to sit where they sit. I want to respect that as well. I believe the aisle seat passenger between us were upgraded passengers as well. Nevertheless, is there good etiquette when asking to change seats in first class?
Thanks for your responses in advance and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!
Ask nicely of the two aisle passengers in your row. Don't get mad if they say no. And don't "squat" in the aisle seat waiting for them to show up and hoping they'll change.
If you can get on before them such that you can be in a position to ask before they are settled in that likely helps you, too.
Ask nicely of the two aisle passengers in your row. Don't get mad if they say no. And don't "squat" in the aisle seat waiting for them to show up and hoping they'll change.
If you can get on before them such that you can be in a position to ask before they are settled in that likely helps you, too.
I find that it also helps if you tell the FAs that you would like to sit together and that you will ask the passengers. It helps them because they have a list of passenger names, especially in FC.
Ask nicely of the two aisle passengers in your row. Don't get mad if they say no. And don't "squat" in the aisle seat waiting for them to show up and hoping they'll change.
If you can get on before them such that you can be in a position to ask before they are settled in that likely helps you, too.
And ask discreetly, too.... I find it annoying when someone makes a big, loud show of such a request in front of everyone else (other passengers, FAs). I suppose one could argue -- not the OP, who is looking for civil advice -- that this raises the chances of getting one's wish, since it makes the person not want to "look bad." But it can conjure the opposite response as well.
Since you have two window seats in the back row, I think your chances are slim. The etiquette is usually to be able to swap like for like, and as you have two inferior window seats, there is no "like" to offer. Asking the FA to make the request doesn't work either. At least it doesn't work on me. I suppose it might work on weaker minds but there is really no point in giving up an aisle seat to be perceived as "nice," since the first time or third time I have to get up and make you get up so I can go to the lav, you are probably having dark thoughts about me anyway. As Biggie Fries says, when somebody tries to use the FA to pressure me, I almost never swap. I find it better to stick to my default of, "Please ask someone else. I picked an aisle seat on purpose because sometimes I have to get up a lot." And never have I agreed to swap for an inferior seat in that situation. I'm a customer too, and my feelings and comfort are just as valid as the guy who got upgraded AFTER me. Hey, I might even be a better customer...But in general it just doesn't pay to give up an aisle for a window.
I wouldn't worry about it too much. The difference between aisle and window seats in F is not nearly as great as in Y - you don't really need the extra aisle room to stretch your legs - it's just a question of restroom access, really. I don't think it will be too hard to get someone to switch, and I don't think too many people pay F fares just to make sure they get a certain seat in F.
Personally, I prefer the window to the aisle (I'll get up maybe once during a flight, rather than every 20 mins like some jack-in-the-box pax I've sat next to).
So, I wouldn't suggest the OP go into the situation thinking it's an "inferior" seat. I'd be happy to trade an aisle for a superior window.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TomBrady
I would be shocked if you couldnt get someone to switch with you.
I prefer the window seat also.
Same. You might not get it on the first try but I can't recall the last time I haven't ultimately been able to switch. Sometimes, people will even volunteer if they see you talking during boarding.
Same. You might not get it on the first try but I can't recall the last time I haven't ultimately been able to switch. Sometimes, people will even volunteer if they see you talking during boarding.
Board early and the success rate for this is almost 100% - happens all the time. Just ask nicely.
Ask nicely of the two aisle passengers in your row. Don't get mad if they say no. And don't "squat" in the aisle seat waiting for them to show up and hoping they'll change.
If you can get on before them such that you can be in a position to ask before they are settled in that likely helps you, too.
I very strongly prefer aisles to windows, but I've always agreed to switch with couples in this position anyhow. I think that is true for most people. You might also try calling US, because sometimes they are holding seats in row one that they could move you into.
