I usually manage to get seat 1A on all domestic flights (except EMBs) and I won't give it up, except possibly for the other bulkhead window. Last week we were on a flight where I was in 1A and Hunki was in 1C. He politely asked the girl in 1B if she would like to switch and she was happy to do so. Even trade. Why not?

I am sure, however, that she would have held her ground had he demanded her seat. That only makes sense.

When I flew EMBs every week, I would always book seat 9C. Then I would check out all of the passengers in the boarding area, looking for the two biggest guys, and make it a point to be the last to board. If one of them (or anyone else) was in my seat, I would politelly point out that it was my seat and that they would have to find their seat. After they were moved back into their own seat, I would go up to the other biggest guy and offer him my seat. The planes are so tiny that the person who tried to steal my seat couldn't help but notice. Flying that much was kind of boring so this was a silly way to entertain myself.

I have on occasion given up a first class seat for a coach seat when I saw a need. Like most folks here, I am happy to volunteer to help out but dig in my heels when I feel like I am being coerced.