synergistic

​​​​​​I don't think that's usually the case, it's not like we sit in even the first dozen rows. Usually the person has passed up several comparable seats before deciding 'that's far enough' and asking me. The vast majority of people are happy to take a seat just a little further, and often get a better seat. I always end up comfortable when someone feels like you and sits in the middle despite my request. I mean, feel free, I won't actually stop you, but is my request really that much ruder than your insistence?

Kevin AA

Fortunately I've never had to sit in a middle seat on Southwest. I've always gotten a window seat, though twice it was the last window seat left (when middle seats start filling in from the front and the back).

You didn't say, but I'm going to assume that the window seat is unoccupied at the time you do this. If there are aisle or window seats further back, maybe that person doesn't want to sit further back. Maybe that person is really scared and wants to sit as close to the exit as possible. Maybe that person hates aisle seats and since all the window seats have been taken, a middle seat will do. Maybe that person hates window seats and since all the aisle seats have been taken, a middle seat will do. Whatever the reason is, move out of the way so someone else can sit down. It's called OPEN SEATING. Maybe you two would be happier flying on an airline with assigned seats. The rest of us would, one seat saver at a time.

ursine1

For the millionth time: Southwest. Allows. Seat. Saving.

(As yet another thread devolves into an argument about seat saving.)

justhere

what if it's the third Tuesday of the month, it's after 11AM but before 2:47PM, Jupiter is in retrograde, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, and there's a German polka group at the next gate?

Cledaybuck

Yeah, but we are talking about someone saving a middle seat this time (and someone having a problem with it!). That doesn't happen every day.

InkUnderNails

Well, it happens more than you might think, but I am a special case. As a COS, I preboard. I generally try to find a window seat after Row 5 and I place my "Reserved Seat" document in the middle. The aisle seat is generally quickly taken. Almost every flight will involve someone asking to take the seat. A certain percentage will get huffy if I say it is saved. I have had people sit down on the card. I have had them complain to the FA. I have had them say "It is open seating and you can't save seats." I do not make a big deal of it because it is a skirmish I always win.

NoStressHere

What is the statement was "sorry, this seat is taken" vs "saved"? Just wondering since the "saving" thing seems to set so many people off.

InkUnderNails

I usually say "reserved" as that is what the document says.

LegalTender

This is a placard with date, flight # and passenger name?

Only the most combative and obnoxious would challenge that.

Territorial dominance usually involves splashing urine.

InkUnderNails

You forgot illiterate, blind, obtuse or oblivious.

NoStressHere

Though you are technically correct - I would guess many would respond with "Southwest does not reserve seats". I agree with your statement, but....

ursine1

I think the document, on the seat, from Southwest, stating that the seat is reserved, would prove that statement wrong.

wrp96

I think you should just let them know that your invisible emotional support animal is sitting in that seat.

rsteinmetz70112

Is his name Harvey?

Kevin AA

How would someone even sit there? Don't you have to be too big for one seat to qualify for COS in the first place?