Why is there somebody sitting next to me?
 

I have a flight in J from ARN to DOH coming up shortly on the old fashioned 777 with the 2-2-2 seat layout.

The J cabin is about half full, but with availability remaining for all seat options from rows A to K. I had chosen 3A, and as OWE was hoping to have a free seat next to me. However, QR have decided to let somebody sit next to me, even though they could have sat in the next row back with a free window seat. So the question is:

• Why would QR let this happen (BA block seats adjacent to status passengers, do QR not do the same?)
• Why would anyone book a seat next to a stranger when there are plenty of other free setas available?

Have you checked ExpertFlyer? Could it be they have blocked the seat next to you?

You paid for one seat, and you are free to move to another row with an unoccupied seat next to you.

If the row behind has both seats free why don't you just move to it? Is row 3 any better than row 4?

They used to block the seat next to you unless the flight was full, they have stopped doing this for about a year.

I've checked with EF and the only blocked seats are row 1

I am aware of how many seats I booked, and I am aware of my options.

I am just asking if anyone can explain how this particular scenario has arrisen

Are you sure? You seem aggrieved that the airline hasn’t given you two seats when you booked one.

QR doesn't do seat blocking, not even to their own elites. Unless it's a published benefit, I don't see why they would block a seat next to you unless it's faulty or if you're Akbar Al Baker himself.

Maybe that person likes that seat. I choose seats based on MY preference, not what some ego ridden stranger thinks is the best seat for me.

When you get on the plane, maybe you can ask them. Hell, their secretary may have just chosen the seat that looks good for their boss that day

You sound like a nice seat neighbour...

If I know ahead of time my seatmate doesn't like the fact that I will be sitting next to them, who cares

I'll load up on baked beans and pickled eggs and have a party

Why do people park next to you in an empty car park or drive up behind you at a speed greater than yours on an empty multi-lane road and then proceed to follow you. Some people like company

just move.... I have on a few occasions...

WOW - don't even know how to respond to this elitist and entitled question. Do we really expect to have empty seats next to us now on airplanes? Prepare to be disappointed.