Very weird middle seat encounter
Mar 30, 2023, 3:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 501
Very weird middle seat encounter
Not sure whether to post this here or if the current trend is on a specific Reddit thread but here goes. Short hop from MAD-LHR yesterday and I had (imo) the best seat on the plane being a window seat in the second exit row. Even better the middle seat was blocked (presumably because I am a GCH but can't be certain) leaving a woman in the aisle. Seems perfect? Well shortly after takeoff the woman moved herself into the middle seat. No partner coming and no one sat in the empty aisle seat until she moved back for landing.
Very puzzling experience and what's the correct response to this sort of situation because why would anyone do this?!?! Personally I would've asked the woman to move but I had zero energy for an argument having just flown in from NYC and Amsterdam the day before that
Very puzzling experience and what's the correct response to this sort of situation because why would anyone do this?!?! Personally I would've asked the woman to move but I had zero energy for an argument having just flown in from NYC and Amsterdam the day before that
Mar 30, 2023, 3:40 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: UK
Posts: 433
Not sure whether to post this here or if the current trend is on a specific Reddit thread but here goes. Short hop from MAD-LHR yesterday and I had (imo) the best seat on the plane being a window seat in the second exit row. Even better the middle seat was blocked (presumably because I am a GCH but can't be certain) leaving a woman in the aisle. Seems perfect? Well shortly after takeoff the woman moved herself into the middle seat. No partner coming and no one sat in the empty aisle seat until she moved back for landing.
Very puzzling experience and what's the correct response to this sort of situation because why would anyone do this?!?! Personally I would've asked the woman to move but I had zero energy for an argument having just flown in from NYC and Amsterdam the day before that
Very puzzling experience and what's the correct response to this sort of situation because why would anyone do this?!?! Personally I would've asked the woman to move but I had zero energy for an argument having just flown in from NYC and Amsterdam the day before that
Mar 30, 2023, 4:00 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: LON
Programs: BA Gold; LH FTL; IHG Diamond; Marriott Gold; ALL Gold
Posts: 1,758
If it happened to me, I'd put it down to my irresistible charm and dashing good looks, somewhat akin to those Lynx adverts. The ex-MAD flights often ooze with the passion and romance that the departure city is renowned for.
Mar 30, 2023, 4:01 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 501
. Did the lady start a conversion with you?
Mar 30, 2023, 4:16 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 1,593
Maybe her seat had a problem, or she has a shoulder injury and wants to make sure no one walked past and hit it.
It wouldn't cross my mind to say anything, as the middle seat wasn't mine (even if I had the relevant status, because it doesn't guarantee that you always get 2 seats on a flight).
It wouldn't cross my mind to say anything, as the middle seat wasn't mine (even if I had the relevant status, because it doesn't guarantee that you always get 2 seats on a flight).
Mar 30, 2023, 4:30 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: UK. West Sussex
Programs: BAEC. Gold
Posts: 786
I prefer an aisle seat
Due to if I need to stretch my legs or spend a penny (but I think it's only Ryan Air that charge)
I hate having to disturb people if I need to get up as have had the aisle occupant sleeping in the past.
I think that you may be correct with the bad shoulder, as I have lost count of the amount of times I have been bashed with carry ons or the buy on board trolly etc
Strange behavior without saying anything
Could easily have just said, I hope that you don't mind if I sit here as I keep getting knocked in the aisle etc
Due to if I need to stretch my legs or spend a penny (but I think it's only Ryan Air that charge)
I hate having to disturb people if I need to get up as have had the aisle occupant sleeping in the past.
I think that you may be correct with the bad shoulder, as I have lost count of the amount of times I have been bashed with carry ons or the buy on board trolly etc
Strange behavior without saying anything
Could easily have just said, I hope that you don't mind if I sit here as I keep getting knocked in the aisle etc
Mar 30, 2023, 4:45 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 1,387
It is a bit odd but I'm sure she had reason that was important to her. Not sure it would have been reasonable to ask her to move back and I certainly wouldn't have.
Empty seats in the ticketed cabin are pretty much fair game for anyone to move to and I'm pretty sure cabin crew wouldn't object if asked.
(Not relevant here but I think this doesn't apply on some planes when part loaded as there can be issues with aircraft balance if for instance all the pax move to the back.)
Empty seats in the ticketed cabin are pretty much fair game for anyone to move to and I'm pretty sure cabin crew wouldn't object if asked.
(Not relevant here but I think this doesn't apply on some planes when part loaded as there can be issues with aircraft balance if for instance all the pax move to the back.)
Mar 30, 2023, 4:56 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL/CR; Hilton Diamond; Mucci des Puccis
Posts: 5,614
Just let out passive aggressive harrumphing vibes and ensure you unequivocally own the shared armrest.
I think generally empty middle seats in exit rows get grabbed for staff travel quite often. I've started to avoid them, as blocks tend to stick better in other rows.
I think generally empty middle seats in exit rows get grabbed for staff travel quite often. I've started to avoid them, as blocks tend to stick better in other rows.