Jul 14, 2015, 2:48 pm
Last edit by: BadgerBoi
The Definitive Guide to Seat Poaching
1. Don't do it.
2. Alternatively to #1: Asking politely (and not demanding) to swap for an equal or better seat is acceptable by most (but the final decision always lays with the original seat holder)...but, be warned, some FT'ers may breathe fire at you.
3. Keep in mind that Point 2 is not seat poaching.
1. Don't do it.
2. Alternatively to #1: Asking politely (and not demanding) to swap for an equal or better seat is acceptable by most (but the final decision always lays with the original seat holder)...but, be warned, some FT'ers may breathe fire at you.
3. Keep in mind that Point 2 is not seat poaching.
Seat Swapping, Seat Poaching and Seating Etiquette: The Definitive Thread
Mar 25, 2015, 8:21 am
#421
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 86
alright, please instruct me on the proper etiquette to request a seat swap. I have the following situation.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
Last edited by Canarsie; Mar 25, 2015 at 8:03 pm Reason: Removed terminology which caused the discussion to go off topic.
Mar 25, 2015, 8:30 am
#422
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: QFF Gold, Flying Blue, Enrich
Posts: 5,366
alright, please instruct me on the proper etiquette to request a seat swap. I have the following situation.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
Last edited by BadgerBoi; Mar 25, 2015 at 8:18 pm Reason: Removed now-deleted quoted content and response thereof.
Mar 25, 2015, 8:34 am
#423
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA Plat 2MM/UA G MM/DL MM DM 2015/BA Silver/Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 3,103
alright, please instruct me on the proper etiquette to request a seat swap. I have the following situation.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
I would suggest - get 21A or its EC window equivalent if you think a swap would be agreeable. Like for like is the safest way - however, your assumption of like for better based on your preferences as opposed to the unknown preferences of the swapee is a recipe for "no" and rightfully so.
Last edited by Canarsie; Mar 25, 2015 at 8:04 pm Reason: Removed now-deleted quoted content.
Mar 25, 2015, 8:35 am
#424
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Seattle
Programs: Delta DM; *A FO. UG since(1/1/15): 11/14
Posts: 683
alright, please instruct me on the proper etiquette to request a seat swap. I have the following situation.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
Last edited by Canarsie; Mar 25, 2015 at 8:04 pm Reason: Removed now-deleted quoted content and response thereof.
Mar 25, 2015, 8:39 am
#425
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: TPA
Programs: United - PG, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,625
Well, no one would listen to either of us; so I decided to do something about it.
Please swap seat swapping stories and poach on seat poaching stories all you like and to your hearts’ content in this new discussion, which was extracted like an aching tooth from the “Do You Know Who I Am?”: The Definitive Thread of DYKWIA Stories discussion.
Regards,
Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles forum
Please swap seat swapping stories and poach on seat poaching stories all you like and to your hearts’ content in this new discussion, which was extracted like an aching tooth from the “Do You Know Who I Am?”: The Definitive Thread of DYKWIA Stories discussion.
Regards,
Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles forum
Mar 25, 2015, 9:23 am
#426
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,997
Mar 25, 2015, 9:26 am
#427
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: DL exDM MM
Posts: 762
MCO-MSP on a 767 today. F is 2+2+2. 3rd F to board. Settled into 5D. 5C arrives and begins to stow her gear. As she finishes 4E arrives.
5C: "Would you mind swapping with my boss in 4E?"
Me: "Actually, I would rather not."
Both 5C and 4E give me looks of surprise and dismay. I am thinking DYKWIA at this point as they clearly expected me to give up my preferred inside aisle seat (which I selected weeks ago when there were many choices), for an inferior outside seat which would put me at risk to move to allow 5F to get out who-knows-how-many-times on a 3+ hour flight.
4E then trys to get 4F to switch with 5C. 5F says no.
I am so glad I brought my noise-cancelling headset as the two have had numerous conversations before and during the flight. Not sure how 4D can stand it. Not sure why they gave up so easily.
Since I do not seat swap frequently the following solution did not occur to me until halfway to MSP. I offer it to help those who must SS:
5C should have offered to swap with me. Since 5C is equivalent to 5D I would have agreed. 5C (now in 5D), should then have asked 4D to swap with her. If he agreed she would have been immediately across the aisle from her boss. Not perfect, but close enough to easily communicate during flight. And who knows, 4C may have agreed to swap with 4E.
5C: "Would you mind swapping with my boss in 4E?"
Me: "Actually, I would rather not."
Both 5C and 4E give me looks of surprise and dismay. I am thinking DYKWIA at this point as they clearly expected me to give up my preferred inside aisle seat (which I selected weeks ago when there were many choices), for an inferior outside seat which would put me at risk to move to allow 5F to get out who-knows-how-many-times on a 3+ hour flight.
4E then trys to get 4F to switch with 5C. 5F says no.
I am so glad I brought my noise-cancelling headset as the two have had numerous conversations before and during the flight. Not sure how 4D can stand it. Not sure why they gave up so easily.
Since I do not seat swap frequently the following solution did not occur to me until halfway to MSP. I offer it to help those who must SS:
5C should have offered to swap with me. Since 5C is equivalent to 5D I would have agreed. 5C (now in 5D), should then have asked 4D to swap with her. If he agreed she would have been immediately across the aisle from her boss. Not perfect, but close enough to easily communicate during flight. And who knows, 4C may have agreed to swap with 4E.
Mar 25, 2015, 9:40 am
#428
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Minneapolis, originally from Cincinnati
Programs: Diamond with Delta, Hyatt and Hilton. 2 MM and Plat with America (thank you citi:))
Posts: 2,345
alright seat Nazi's, please instruct me on the proper etiquette to request a seat swap. I have the following situation.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
I booked my family of four (10 and 12 YOs) in EC on a 3-3 configuration. We booked the 3 side plus the aisle seat across the aisle. Delta switched us onto a new flight and put us all in an exit row, which obviously would not work. I rearranged us a couple of times and have now landed on the below:
22B
22C
22D and
21D
All pretty close and in EC, but I would like to swap 21D for 22A. This is a aisle for window swap, so a decent deal for most flyers.
Please coach me on the proper timing and approach to make this request to 22A.
I await with Popcorn in hand
Edited to add, I am fine with the current arrangements, but I know my youngest would love the window seat.
If not get to the gate early and hope 22A is on the upgrade list and gets upgraded and explain the situation to the GA and ask if they will move your son to 22A if 22A gets a gate upgrade.
If not, politely ask 22A to switch and hope for the best. I would wait until 22A boards to ask and not take the seat before then, because like others in this thread have stated, if someone poaches my seat it is a deal breaker.
Whilst I would take an aisle over a window any day, you may have an issue in this case. If aisle seats were available when 22A booked and he wanted an aisle, he would have probably chosen an Aisle over 22a so they probably prefer a window over an aisle and won't be as likely to switch.
Mar 25, 2015, 10:54 am
#429
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
You were able to book two aisle seats but not the 22A window because someone else had already booked it. Seems to me that 22A WANTS the window seat so your swap is not "decent."
I would suggest - get 21A or its EC window equivalent if you think a swap would be agreeable. Like for like is the safest way - however, your assumption of like for better based on your preferences as opposed to the unknown preferences of the swapee is a recipe for "no" and rightfully so.
I would suggest - get 21A or its EC window equivalent if you think a swap would be agreeable. Like for like is the safest way - however, your assumption of like for better based on your preferences as opposed to the unknown preferences of the swapee is a recipe for "no" and rightfully so.
Last edited by Canarsie; Mar 25, 2015 at 8:06 pm Reason: Removed now-deleted quoted content and response thereof.
Mar 25, 2015, 11:03 am
#430
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 960
Since I do not seat swap frequently the following solution did not occur to me until halfway to MSP. I offer it to help those who must SS:
5C should have offered to swap with me. Since 5C is equivalent to 5D I would have agreed. 5C (now in 5D), should then have asked 4D to swap with her. If he agreed she would have been immediately across the aisle from her boss. Not perfect, but close enough to easily communicate during flight. And who knows, 4C may have agreed to swap with 4E.
5C should have offered to swap with me. Since 5C is equivalent to 5D I would have agreed. 5C (now in 5D), should then have asked 4D to swap with her. If he agreed she would have been immediately across the aisle from her boss. Not perfect, but close enough to easily communicate during flight. And who knows, 4C may have agreed to swap with 4E.
Mar 25, 2015, 1:58 pm
#431
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SLC
Programs: DL FO, KM, & 1.7MM; UA nothing; HH♦; National EE
Posts: 6,344
You were able to book two aisle seats but not the 22A window because someone else had already booked it. Seems to me that 22A WANTS the window seat so your swap is not "decent."
I would suggest - get 21A or its EC window equivalent if you think a swap would be agreeable. Like for like is the safest way - however, your assumption of like for better based on your preferences as opposed to the unknown preferences of the swapee is a recipe for "no" and rightfully so.
I would suggest - get 21A or its EC window equivalent if you think a swap would be agreeable. Like for like is the safest way - however, your assumption of like for better based on your preferences as opposed to the unknown preferences of the swapee is a recipe for "no" and rightfully so.
Mar 25, 2015, 2:00 pm
#432
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SLC
Programs: DL FO, KM, & 1.7MM; UA nothing; HH♦; National EE
Posts: 6,344
Mar 25, 2015, 2:22 pm
#433
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
There was a report recently on FT were someone did exactly that. IIRC it was someone on a BA flight in business class who didn't like their assigned seat, saw an empty seat as the door closed, and decided to pour champagne onto the old seat so that FAs could not force them to move back to the original seat.
Mar 25, 2015, 3:59 pm
#434
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 86
I still plan to kindly request (but not poach) a seat swap from 22A as you never know their preference without asking. A 'no thanks' is a reasonably acceptable and expected response, but you never know without asking.
Personally, I have never found a kind and polite request for a favor from a stranger as rude, but I guess there are different strokes for different folks.
Personally, I have never found a kind and polite request for a favor from a stranger as rude, but I guess there are different strokes for different folks.
Last edited by Canarsie; Mar 25, 2015 at 8:06 pm Reason: Removed unnecessary content.
Mar 25, 2015, 8:10 pm
#435
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,997
Please Remain On Topic
Well, there is nothing like a little clean-up to highlight a night in a discussion which went awry.
Please stay on topic; try not to use terminology which may potentially be considered offensive; and resist posting personal attacks.
Thank you.
Regards,
Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles forum
Please stay on topic; try not to use terminology which may potentially be considered offensive; and resist posting personal attacks.
Thank you.
Regards,
Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles forum