Originally Posted by cheaptom

Just wondering if anyone had a similar experience...

A few months ago, we were trying to get on an earlier flight, so we approached the gate. There were two agents. One agent was helping a couple, so we went to the other one. The United agent was friendly and helpful, we got re-booked for free and were happy. Meanwhile, we heard the couple next to us complaining and being difficult. Just not nice people.

A few minutes later, the mean couple stormed away. We overheard their agent talking to our agent and she said something like, "I showed two open seats a minute ago, but now they are gone." So we got called up to the gate. Apparently, the 2 seats that our agent gave us were the last two seats available on the flight. And guess what? The rude couple next to us was in the process of changing to those same two seats. They spent so much time arguing and being overly picky about where they sat, that they lost out.

They were clearly in line long before we were, but because we just went in and asked nicely and took whatever was available, we accidently swiped their seats.