Originally Posted by
pfreet
The OP has a point the responders seem to be missing. The passengers did not get upgraded to the exit row, they just took those seats. If you paid for a first class seat and someone from coach who wasn't upgraded just walked up and sat in an empty first class seat, would you be as cavalier? I think not.
Its the same cabin so to call it an upgrade is not correct. I often am on the hunt for a seat with one or two empty seats in a row and will move as fast as my legs will carry me to occupy and protect my new territory. Personally I dont covet exit row seats. I dont usually recline and if I nap it is usually leaning my head forward into the next seat.
On Air Asia they do evict people who try and jump the pay extra seats so its pretty much airline dependent.