Originally Posted by pindi

Would you have swapped for us? I am a planner and always get an entire row of 3 seats for our family (DH, 10 yr old DD, and myself). On our recent ski trip, on the return DEN-EWR, could not find a full E+ row available. Best I could do was 12 EF and 21D (reclining exit row aisle). My thought was we could offer whoever was in 12D our 21D (in my opinion, a better seat as it has more legroom). At the gate, I asked the GA if 12D was a solo traveler - was told 12C/D were traveling together. We boarded in group 1 and DH took 21D while I took 12F and our daughter took 12E.

12C/D board with group 3 or 4. Older couple - back from skiing too. I politely ask the gentleman about to settle into 12D if he would help us and told him we had 21D. He agreed but his wife said something to him. He turns and says to me "I think I would rather not". We settled into our assigned seats. The couple did not talk to each other at all during the entire flight.

Would you have swapped with us?

PS This man kept his elbow firmly on the armrest containing our daughter's entertainment controls and managed to turn off her screen multiple times while she was watching a movie. She complained to me after a few times - I ask her to tap him and let him know if he does it again. He basically took over the middle seat armrest completely. I should have said something to him but did not. Karma got him as their luggage went missing - we saw him wait at the baggage carousel for their bags and then saw him walk to the luggage office dejected.
PPS That karma is for bullying my DD with armrest control - NOT for staying put in his assigned seat.