I just recently asked to switch with someone on a flight from JFK to SNA with my two boys. (14 and 17). They could easily sit alone as they are experienced travelers, but for that lengthof time I would have preferred to have them with me. I was able to book 31 A and B then 32 A so I was taking the row 32 window, younger son was in middle and older was in other window in 31 (they wanted to at least be together). The gentlemen in 31 C boarded and I noticed him talking to people in the rest of 31 and all of 32 so I mentioned to him that I was with the two boys and they would be fine, but if he would be willing to switch his aisle for my window that would be nice. But I also said, I completely understand if you don't want to switch since it's window for aisle.

Turns out, his family and in-laws were all seated in the rest of those two rows so he happily put his SIL in my seat and gave me the aisle with my kids. I was much appreciative, but did not expect him to make the change. Worked out for him as well as he sat behind me drinking with his in-laws while his wife took care of their two young kids in 31 .

I pick my seats very carefully, so I respect others desires to stay where they are, but in this case it turned into a win-win but I made it clear that it was not expected. If I hadn't made the switch, it would have worked out just fine as it was.