It’s happened to me on a couple of airlines, including BA. Problems with IFE / broken, semi-broken seats / next to loud and obnoxious pax etc. I am very much an aisle seat person and would tend to politely decline a move to a middle seat. A number of times when I’ve asked “is it an aisle seat” I’ve been met with a smile and “I’m sure Sir will find the seat very acceptable”. I’ve taken the hint on every occasion 🙂.
On the subject of politeness, raised by an FTer up thread, and in support of
Can I help you, I have no idea why people aren’t polite from the very start:
1. Why wouldn’t you chose to go through life being polite and kind to people?
2. Never p**s-off the people serving/looking after you!