Originally Posted by
phkc070408
This is a smart move. As a parent of two kids, I never would have trusted a stranger to help them with their oxygen masks if they were needed. If I were a seat mate to a younger child and, while with good intentions, improperly assisted them with their mask, am I now responsible? Also, I still don't like the idea of an older stranger sitting next to my 7YO unsupervised.
My bolding: Exactly. However, I typically do not have this issue except in the following categories: (1) on downgraded equipment, typically from a 77x / 78x to a 76x; and 2) on last minute flight changes and rarer, purchases. I remember on one downgraded equipment we had to ask and everyone was great and so amenable. On another, a UA flight change, we asked another pax, and he refused, instructing us to buy our seats together next time (LOL, we had!!!).