Originally Posted by jphripjah

I thought there was an unwritten rule that no one should ever sit next to a stranger (or use a urinal next to a stranger) if it's not absolutely necessary. I guess I was wrong and no such written rule exists.

I wasn't looking to use the empty middle seat next to me, I just thought assumed the buffer would remain.

If I had put a bag there, and they ask me to move the bag so they can sprawl out, or someone else in their party wants to sit there, am I within the bounds of etiquette to say "no way."