Originally Posted by RaflW

So, is it seat poaching to board and sit in a seat that the DL app shows is empty? I'm guessing the consensus will be yes, because I know that seat maps are notoriously wrong, that pax check in and get seats late, etc.

Is there any point to asking the GA? I usually only care on long-haul. Like today, I'd like to split up and grab two 2-seat pairs on a 767 on a 10 hr flight. We have one FG exit pair, but two rows ahead there appears to be an empty pair - restricted recline but I'd take it for the personal space & angle myself to be able to sleep.

If I move one of us up there on the app, and the other seats check in/get nabbed, then we have to ask for a swap and pax can, and clearly regularly do, say no. (I would probably say no, too, if it was to swap to 19 from exit row!)

That said, GAs are almost always rather busy esp on Int'l departures. Am I being a pest to ask the GA around boarding time "how's the load in Y, do you think 19FG will fill up?" Should I ask "Is it OK if one of us hangs out in 19 in case it doesn't get assigned late?"

Thx for any suggestions.

Originally Posted by 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).

Originally Posted by jamienbaker

I believe that check-in time is one of the criteria that goes into the algorithm that determines involuntary denied boarding. When I travel with my kids in a separate PNR and they have no status and are likely traveling on a cheap fare or mileage redemption, T-24 is mandatory. T-5 also lowers your upgrade priority in tie breakers. Do what works for you, but T-5 is risky and amateurish for me.

Agree my SEQ test potentially discriminates against international itineraries. Though I've never been asked to swap seats in DeltaOne, only domestic First for some reason.

Originally Posted by HongKonger

But the pax could be on the domestic leg of an international itinerary. Starting in the US and had to check in at the counter, that's T-2 at best.

Originally Posted by LaserSailor

I think the key to this etiquette is to NEVER sit in the seat one is trying to 'poach"

The few times I have had to ask, I have always stood in the seat area, and when the rightful owner has arrived, promptly moved out of the way and then politely asked if a swap is possible. This makes it clear this is YOUR seat, and you have a right to it which you can comfortably assert by sitting in it, if you choose.

..and my success rate is 100%

Originally Posted by jamienbaker

True. I readily admit my procedure isn't perfect. I've probably only needed to do it a dozen times. Let's just say passengers aren't always happy when I politely explain that "given my status, I'm inclined to remain in the seat I booked. But may I inquire, when did you check in?"

Similarly, I routinely yield to nicer cars. If two of us arrive at an intersection simultaneously, I'm inclined to waive a Bugatti through whereas I'm not inclined to show much courtesy to a minivan. Though I suppose the Bugatti could be stolen and not deserving of deference. Sort of the same concept, I suppose.

Originally Posted by CMK10

Your attitude in both of these paragraphs is not something to be proud of

Originally Posted by Esltroy

Otherwise, this thread should be moved to DYKWIA.

Originally Posted by Canarsie

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

Originally Posted by CMK10

Your attitude in both of these paragraphs is not something to be proud of

Originally Posted by jamienbaker

Why? Passengers dress up in hopes of upgrades. Not saying it helps, but people believe it helps. I'm more inclined to stop and help somebody with directions when asked, if they are dressed in a suit and ask me politely, than if they are dechelved with needle tracks in their arms and demand my assistance. How this qualifies as DYKWIA behaviour is beyond me. Yes, I yield to fine automobiles as a courtesy, and will entertain a seat switch if the pax status is superior to mine. Just being courteous, hardly DYKWIA.

Originally Posted by CMK10

Courtesy and proper manners should be given to all regardless of what car they drive, what their FF status is and what their bank account is. If someone asks you politely to swap seats, or needs to pull in front of you, or needs directions or any of another one hundred scenarios, your behavior should be the same regardless of who they are.

Originally Posted by jamienbaker

...Similarly, I routinely yield to nicer cars. If two of us arrive at an intersection simultaneously, I'm inclined to waive a Bugatti through whereas I'm not inclined to show much courtesy to a minivan. Though I suppose the Bugatti could be stolen and not deserving of deference. Sort of the same concept, I suppose.

Originally Posted by CJKatl

You've got it backwards. The Bugatti owner wants his/her car to stay pretty, so that's not the driver you need to worry about. Nobody wants to drive around in a banged up Bugatti, nor do they want the car tainted with a dent, scratch or ping. Cut the Bugatti off, make your turn even if the Bugatti got to the other side of the intersection before you and cut into the parking space even if the Bugatti was there first. Not deferring to the driver in the thirty-five year old banged up Ford LTD is more likely to wind up with your car being damaged.