Nope.....here to back the OP. they have no "seat saving" rule, but they do have a "open seating policy". It's all up to interpretations, but if there's not a butt in that seat, IMO, the seats open.....the reason OP and others get worked up is because it's an "all about me world" and people are just selfish and want what they want.....the three wants to sit next together, they should ave done so at their cost......

There's plenty of examples that make seat saving obnoxious. There are times for kids, etc, completely fine......

I haven't had to deal with this in a lonnnnnnnng time, except in the exit row, but the OP is in the right IMO. I'd do the same exact thing.......

It's all insane. I've been A2, spending $$$ for what I want, and A1 wants to save 2-4 seats in the exit row? Gtfo and lmao......
But we all have different thoughts and opinions on a vague guideline....

If we're going to use some of you people's logic, 12 people wants to sit together, you're okay with 12 backpacks on rows 4 and 5, while there's only middle seats left?