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
#92
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Tucson
Programs: Delta Platinum; Harrah's Diamond; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 950
This actually makes me less likely to switch. Again, if it is such a big deal they should have stayed in coach and enjoyed each other's company. There have been a few times my partner and I have had to sit apart in FC and we survived just fine.
#93
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: DEN
Programs: United Premier 1K, Marriott Platinum, Frontier, Delta, Hertz Gold, National Emerald Club
Posts: 928
Just ask the people sitting in those seats if they would be willing to accommodate you sitting together. When someone asks me, I almost always switch, unless:
1. They ask in a tone like they are demanding it
2. They get on board before me and sit down in my seat first and then ask me to switch
3. I have chosen a specific seat for a reason, and the seat they are offering me is one that I want to avoid (such as a bulkhead with no legroom or the last row that doesn't recline fully)
1. They ask in a tone like they are demanding it
2. They get on board before me and sit down in my seat first and then ask me to switch
3. I have chosen a specific seat for a reason, and the seat they are offering me is one that I want to avoid (such as a bulkhead with no legroom or the last row that doesn't recline fully)
Good attitude. And keep it classy if the person says "No", even if it is snarky DYKWIA-type response to your request. It is their seat, afterall.
I don't view it as a burden to ask to sit next to a loved one. I think in this case too, karma comes into play in the long haul.
BTW . . . if you lose, and don't get the switch, just let it go. Whining about it afterward only gives the other person satisfaction, and makes you look like a whiner. It's a no-win.
#94
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: DL DM, AA PE
Posts: 46
Ask the passengers in the aisle seats next to the both of you if they would switch, if they say no, drop the idea of trying to switch seats and accept you'll be sitting apart for two hours. IMO, starting to then ask other people in the cabin really is not appropriate and it can cause a delay in others that are boarding.
Also, just keep checking the seat map (or set an Expertflyer alert if you have that service) for an aisle seat to open up, then grab one if it does. Asking to switch aisle for aisle will be a hell of a lot easier then asking to switch aisle for window.
Also, just keep checking the seat map (or set an Expertflyer alert if you have that service) for an aisle seat to open up, then grab one if it does. Asking to switch aisle for aisle will be a hell of a lot easier then asking to switch aisle for window.
And even if you don't subscribe to Expertflyer, keep checking DL ... people's plans change and you may be able to grab a better seat.
Failing all else, if sitting next to each other is paramount, you may be able to convince two seatmates from the rear cabin to swap
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,659
#96
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: missing YX more every day
Programs: Delta KM/PM/MM, Nexus, CLEAR, Sharriott Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,105
waiting . . .
Waiting for the "country girls" comments, then the "farmer's daughter" jokes, and finally the lock.
#98
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM. 1MM
Posts: 2,042
honestly I quite prefer sitting apart from my partner on long (transcon) flights. Usually I start with us together in EC but often times I'll UG at the window and he won't until companion window or at the gate if we're seated apart it's fine especially on the return trip. After on a vacation together in a small hotel room or sharing a guestbed we're often happy to have some time apart. Plus he's a restless sleeper so there's very little chance I'll have a peaceful flight even with an ambien!
#99
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PHL (kinda, no airport is really close)
Programs: AA Exp, but not sure for how long. Enterprise Platinum woo-hoo!
Posts: 4,546
I'd just ask politely. In F, I think a window vs. aisle isn't that big a deal, especially on a short flight where you aren't going to be heading to the restroom that often. If you just say politely "Excuse me, would you mind swapping seats with my wife (or me) so that we could sit together, I think you have a great shot. You can also ask at the gate (you never know who will be a no-show and whose seat you can grab before it's given away). And if you say it JUST loud enough that other people can hear, maybe someone else will volunteer.
#100
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,391
Or tell him if it's that important for them to sit together to just buy a first class ticket when booking and they can select the seats at booking or fly Delta more and there will be a greater seat invenentory when the upgrades clear
#101
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ATL
Programs: DL - PM (Sky Priority);HH - Gold; Marriott - Silver; National - Executive; DL Reserve AMEX
Posts: 5,232
Thanks to everyone! Great ideas. And frankly, these are the ideas that we've used in the past.
Update: two seats together opened up in the first class cabin and BAM, we got them. So, all is resolved before we even step on board.
Thanks again for your help and ideas!
#102
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ATL
Programs: DL - PM (Sky Priority);HH - Gold; Marriott - Silver; National - Executive; DL Reserve AMEX
Posts: 5,232
#103
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
#104
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ATL
Programs: DL - PM (Sky Priority);HH - Gold; Marriott - Silver; National - Executive; DL Reserve AMEX
Posts: 5,232
Man, I miss the old days when this site was about travel and sharing ideas and thoughts and NOT attacking anyone that had a different opinion.
#105
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: ATL
Programs: DL - PM (Sky Priority);HH - Gold; Marriott - Silver; National - Executive; DL Reserve AMEX
Posts: 5,232
I think the point has been made here... MODS can you please lock the topic? It's gone kind of "off the reservation" lately.