Originally Posted by
Kacee
Total non sequitur. Whether it is a "criminal violation" was not the question. Suggest you re-read the thread.
It is in fact beyond reasonable dispute that disobeying a flight crew member can get you tossed off the aircraft. That was the question we were responding to.
And you're 100% right. Fair or unfair, it can get you thrown off a plane. Keep your dispute with a FA civil and polite. Weigh the advantage of the seat you choose with the cost of waiting for the next flight.
If you get forced to change, take it up with the airline when you get home.