Originally Posted by
corporate-wage-slave
In 99%* of cases, "next to" means the next seat along, same row, same block. Very, very occasionally it could be two seats separated by the aisle, but from observation that doesn't happen often, and if it does it would be for older children.
* another CWS invented statistic but it's probably understated.
I, as a single traveler, have been moved several times either across an aisle or a row in front/back to accommodate this, I don’t have an issue with this if it makes it easier to keep families together.