I've been following this thread, and it seems that what was a pleasant discussion has turned into a heated debate involving personal attacks. Thus, I would like to chime in with my opinion
You've done about as fantastic of a job reading me as you did reading my post. Please re-read what I wrote and tell me how you came to any of your idiotic conclusions.
Not too long ago, one could buy a ticket to fly somewhere, bring a bag or two so that they would have clothes upon arrival, carry on a reasonable sized bag on the plane with them (granted on most airlines one can still do this) get a seat assignment, and get get a crappy high-fat, high-sodium meal; all included in the cost of their ticket. Now airlines charge extra for all of the above. When someone says "I'm not going to play the airline's game" and you wind up next to a hypothetical (not mine) 4 year-old next to you then your problem should be with the airline who has decided that an extra $25 in fees is worth more than the goodwill they lose by upsetting you and anyone else affected by a parent not being able to sit next to their young child.
Does the parent have a choice? Absolutely. Does the airline have a choice? Absolutely.
I am relatively young, and I remember the "not too long ago" time that you describe. I traveled often with my family, and rarely ever had to sit away from my parents. I remember the time when we didn't have to worry about bags, or not being seated together, etc. I know that that has now changed. The airline does have a choice, and they have made it. That said, I don't think it's an issue of "not playing the airline's game." The airline is a business, and we purchase a service from them. Airlines have many competitors, and some have different policies than others. If you want to use their service, I think you need to abide by their rules, however inconvenient. If not, then don't.
With the airlines' changes, my family and I have adjusted our travel patterns. We have consolidated our travel mostly on AA. My dad and I both have status, and issues of checked bag fees, seating assignments, etc. rarely cross our minds when flying. If people want to fly, they should adjust as well. Either fly enough to get status, pay for preferred seating, or use an airline like WN. If they don't, then they shouldn't complain about crappy seats, separated seats, etc. They should definitely not attempt to get other pax the move out of the seats that they paid for or earned the right to select. That said, in exigent circumstances, I am hoping that most people will be able to provide reasonable assistance.
djs, you started this thread. I will now offer you my opinion on your original question. My SO and I love each other, love spending time with each other, and don't foresee that to change even after many years have passed. Although it isn't as big of a deal for me to sit apart from her, I would prefer to sit together. We can lean on each other to sleep, we can talk, we can watch a movie together, etc. It is, however, a bigger deal for her. Recently, I asked her which scenario is worse: her sitting in business with in coach, or us sitting together in Y. Her response: "what's worse is when I don't get to sit next to you!" Which made me smile
We usually fly coach, and she likes the window seat. And I like to make her happy, so I sometimes end up in a middle seat. While middle seats suck, it's not too bad when I am sitting next to my SO. I am fortunate enough to be able to sleep in a coach seat without reclining, so FAs don't have to bother me on landing, so a middle seat doesn't make a huge difference. However, if my SO isn't there, I will choose the seat that I prefer. If someone wants me to switch, he/she has about 30 seconds to make their case, plenty enough to say "Sorry, but I have such and such situation and I would like to sit next to my kid/SO for this reason. Would you mind switching?" In those cases I will use my discretion, and I am usually a nice person. But if the person is rude and demanding, I will respond coldly and shortly, that this is my seat, one that I am able to choose because of my status. And if you wanted seats next to your companion, you should've chose those seats, even if you had to pay extra. And if you did, and the airline switched you, you should take it up with them. With that, I have nothing more to discuss with you.
Ok, that ends my rant. That was much longer than I expected
