Originally Posted by
txaggiemiles
i don’t really agree with this. I basically have only ever asked to switch to sit next to a companion and I always will pick an identical seat - aisle or whatever. If I happen to board first I’ll usually sit in the wrong seat but have my bag in my lap and not settle in while trying to make eye contact. I’ll then quickly say would you mind if I sat here my seat is this one (again it’s generally across the aisle or right in front or back of where I am). This has only happened one or two times but never been a problem. I feel like this is easier than asking someone to switch once they’ve settled in, put things away, etc and less disruptive to the overall boarding.
edited to add: just got to the bottom of the thread and saw the discussion on perching. Count me among the perchers!.
Not cool.
Would be better to have your companion (or whoever is in the row you're going to) work it out when the passenger arrives. That would tend to cause less hard feelings, and most people won't mind with an equivalent seat. It also gives you two chances, as if one is turned down, you can ask the other. Again, without too much consternation.
Same result, less risk of animosity.