Last week, flying from LGA-IAH, I finally get my battlefield upgrade to seat 1E....Excellent, I think. I am out of coach and I really prefer the bulkhead.

I board the flight only to find a male and a female occupying 1E/1F. I glance at my boarding pass (as if I am don't know) and say, Excuse me but I believe you are in my seat. The woman stares streight ahead and the guy just looks up and says "I'm back there" as he nods toward the rear of the aircraft and dismisses me by returning to his cell phone call without another word. Now I am always willing to swap seats so a fellow flier can sit with his wife/girlfriend/business friend, whatever, but I am used to bieng "asked" and hearing a "thank you". Obviously none were forthcoming in this case so I took seat 2F without making a scene or calling over FA.

As the aircraft is taxiing away from the gate, I hear the guy in my assigned seat ask his neighbor: "So what's your name? Are you from Houston? Any good resteraunts there? Do you ave any kids?" It is obvious that he just wanted to "hit" on my would-have-been seat mate!!! (unless he also strongly prefers the bulkhead).