RaflW

1. So where in my initial question did I say I would ask the FA immediately upon boarding?

2. I also clearly stated that, as of now, 19FG is an empty pair. I would not be inconveniencing someone expecting an empty seat next to them.

The particular facts I laid out - for a trip I'm taking today - I thought posed an interesting question of etiquette, but I see I've seemed to squashed your toes some how. You've made your opinion abundantly clear. Over and out.

I am still interested in other's thoughts on etiquette for approaching a GA about pax load & remaining seat choices.

Ben and Jerry

Just a sidenote: this is one of the most wrongly used terminology in radio communications.
"over" means its the other party's turn to speak. "out" means completion of the conversation. "Over and out" basically means "you can speak, but I'm not listening anymore". (unless you meant to convey that sentiment )

CalVol

If the GA isn't extremely busy, it is perfectly appropriate to ask about the load situation and the possibility of changing the seat assignment with the goal of getting two seats for the price of one. I have, on a few occasions, had this request granted. The GA always said, "I can't promise you the adjacent seat will remain empty, but I will try."

I've never tried that with an exit row pair and would think it unlikely to cajole that kind of favor. However, for a limited recline seat, I would think the odds are pretty good.

As always, YMMV.

GRALISTAIR

only a FAM can do this AFAIK

HongKonger

If multiple people want my seat, I'll put it up for auction.

mnredfox

I've posted on the DL forum many times about my experience, but seat poaching just disgusts me.

I have no problem with you asking me to move. I have no problem with you providing a good reason for me to switch with you. In those case I likely will switch with you. But what I despise is:

1. You sitting in my seat in presumption that I will say yes (ie switching before asking)
2. You sitting in my seat pretending you didn't know better (and then maybe sheepishly giving a dumb excuse like "many people like the window seat, so I thought you might want it")
3. You getting mad when I say no, as if I owe it to you to say yes regardless of your reason given

CJKatl

A couple related incidents, both of which I posted at the time...

Several years ago, ATL-LAX, I'm seated in 6C when a gentleman standing at the aisle tells me I'm in his seat, 6D. No, I inform him in no uncertainty, borderline threatening voice, 6D is the window. My finger points to the seat numbers above me, which show this, and tell him I would be happy to get up and let him into his window seat. As he's getting into the seat, I felt a glint or recognition. Since we were going to be sitting next to each other for several hours, he tried to make peace. He was the bigger man, both figuratively and literally. He asked me what kind of work I do, After answering, I asked him the same. His answer, "I'm a professional fighter." Yep, I picked a fight with former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield over a potential seat poach. He was the most interesting person I've ever had a conversation with, which surprised me.

Within the past year, I went to sit in 4C and someone was already there. He apologized and said he was assigned 4D, but since it made no difference and he was already seated, I should just take 4D. I said, in the most condescending voice possible, that yes, it makes no difference, so he should just slide over. He then unleashed a string of profanities towards me. The FA intervened, told him he could either move or get off the plane. The guy in 5C swapped seats with me so I wouldn't have to sit next to the jerk.

Bonus: FL flight back in the day, IAD-ATL. Out of nowhere, my sister who lives in DC got off the inbound flight, so we sat and talked until last call for boarding. When I get on the plane, also out of nowhere, my friend Jerry was sitting in my F seat. "Jerry, what are you doing in my seat?" He replied he, his wife and son had been in DC, which is the first I noticed them on the other side of the aisle. That answered what he was doing on the plane, but I again asked him why he was in my seat. He pointed to the seat next to him and said that was actually his seat, but the guy sitting there must have had his seat, so he just took the aisle seat, since it's closer to his family across the aisle. We both look at the guy in the F window seat, who says, "My seat is actually in the back. I guess I should go there." He picked up his PBD, his stuff and went to the back. Jerry and I both admired his chutzpah and were upset that we had never thought to do that.

jamienbaker

Before considering a swap, I ask to see the boarding pass. If the SEQ number is high (ie 108 on a 717) and the status is lower, it is a non-starter. Seriously, if you can't be bothered to check in when OLCI opens, you don't take travel seriously and I'm not inclined to be flexible. Granted, this is imperfect, as the pax may have come from a cancelled flight. But if a 360 member with a SEQ in the single digits asks me to consider a swap, I will definitely consider it, depending on the options. I've also moved for caregivers, the infirm, and military. But I totally agree with an earlier post re honeymooners. All that planning and you didn't book together? Yeah, you're going to make great parents...

tentseller

^^^

And

I see result proving your last statement every day!

HongKonger

Hope you didn't talk the rest of his ear off.

HongKonger

It has been many years since I've been able to OLCI. Seems like you're discriminating against people with international itineraries.

HMO

I have never considered to check the SEQ #. Interesting suggestion ^

sethb

I completely fail to see what one has to do with the other. What benefit is there to me checking in at T-24 rather than T-5? I'll do it when it's convenient (e.g. I'm near a printer).

HongKonger

That too.

GRALISTAIR

^