PETER01

^

I've had this a few times over the years and even one couple who were really huffy about it a few years ago. I did explain that I paid for that seat (it was in CW on the UD of a 747) but still they were really unhappy with me and even complained to the CC i wouldn't move! In fairness to the CC they stuck by my side and needless to say the divider went up straight after the safety briefing.

jms_uk

One of those situations when you could either laugh or cry.

As a solo pax most of the time, I also don't understand OP's moan - what should be done if there are more couples booking WT+ than available window pair seats?

Hubbabridge

I always choose either J or B when travelling by myself; just where exactly do you expect my invisible friend to sit........?

scottishpoet

Let me get this right, Because you do not want a stranger sitting beside you, you do not want single travellers trying to book seats in a away that means they might not have a stranger sit beside them?

jah718

I always choose a B or J seat as I want to sit on the aisle, but not in the middle. I don't do it to block anyone or hope the seat beside me remains free. I can choose to sit anywhere I want and I shouldn't be dictated to by couples.

As someone said, plenty of private jets. Or if it bothers you so much, book early so you can secure those seats.

Paren

I've only travelled WT+ once before and set to fly again in a couple of weeks.

As a sole traveller, I am likely to choose the aisle seat. As much as I'd love a window view, as others have indicated, I too wouldn't want to disturb the passenger next to me if I need to go to the toilet or stretch my legs etc. Or worse still, if I'm feeling ill, I certainly wouldn't want to keep bothering them especially if it's a night flight (E.g. the last time I flew Y was in 2011 and I was glad I chose an aisle seat as I was very ill in the night flight from DXB).

I try and fly J or F where possible, but if sitting next to someone bothers the OP then I suggest they try doing the same.

Yachtman

Another one here that choses aisle seats, I like easy access out as often struggle to sleep and won't want to be trapped in by someone sleeping.

Cjacq

On the topic of not wanting to sit beside a stranger: I get that.

I'm not a particularly attractive woman, but I appear substantially younger than I am, and I have to travel for work. I've had enough of older men hitting on me in airplanes and I do get nervous of who will be next to me.

Premium economy is our max cabin unless business is cheaper (happens sometimes and it's blissful!). I don't do anything silly like booking a middle seat or anything (hell is middle seats), but one reason I adore the AA app is because I can literally change my seating at the last minute if there's a spot with an empty seat beside. I know I still may end up with a standby passenger or upgrade, but it helps my chances of a peaceful journey.

I'd love to sit beside a couple, frankly. That would be magic.

Flying in anything but a single window/aisle seat is going to be a crapshoot. I don't particularly blame people for trying to game it.

PETER01

I usually laugh, not at such persons but within myself, but why they got so flustered and really hot and bothered when I had done nothing wrong!

corporate-wage-slave

Though you can't do this once airside, nevertheless the combination of ExpertFlyer, Theoretical Seating and a bit of guess work should get you to a similar place on BA too. And once you get Gold then it will be a case of "hunt the fellow Goldie" and life will be a lot easier.

Having said that, I personally think you should never be made uncomfortable on a flight, and if that means telling someone assertively when to take a hike then so be it. If every woman did this, it would soon stop tomorrow, the male ego being what it is. If all else fails, a discreet word with the CSD will sort it, I'm sure, even if it means the creep goes up a cabin.

jday

I'm also a person who prefers the aisle. I usually have a stranger sitting next to me. It works both ways. If you're travelling on your own and prefer the aisle not much you can do. Just book early.

Stormbel

Oh dear.
Where has the sense of humour gone?

That "stranger" remark was totally meant with a wink. I have flown many flights in middle seats and happily chatted to whoever was beside me (if they wanted to).

I simply saw a cabin, fairly full, and thought I would make a comment.

Apologies to those who didn't read it as it was intended.

HilFly

@:-) Maybe a would have helped.

ChampagneSocialist

Not so much a lack of sense of humour, it's just that many people on this forum don't agree with you.

I'm another solo traveller who likes B or J aisle seats. Why? Because I always prefer an aisle seat if travelling next to a stranger for easy lav access, but I'm travelling with someone I know (who wouldn't mind me stepping over them) then I always prefer a window seat, because I sleep better. Selecting B or J is an insurance policy that gives me a chance for a window seat (assuming the window seat stays empty) without sacrificing aisle access. If I picked D or F then I'd never get a window seat.

It had never occurred to me that I might be splitting up a couple. A couple could surely just as easily fit in two of the middle three seats?

jms_uk

Of course they could, but then one of them would sit next to a stranger!