It worked out ok for us, but it will be our last attempt to do this. From now on middle and aisle for us (we like to play cards so across the aisle doesn't work). I've NEVER had a person decline to move, it's just that this guys' strange reaction to the window prompted this post.

The choice is entirely up to the person assigned the B seat. There is no obligation on him/her to move. You gambled on the middle seat being free, and you lost. Live with it.

Personally, it would not blight my flight at all if I had to sit one seat apart from my traveling companion - the plane will take us all to the same destination. But if you asked me very nicely, I would consider moving to the aisle seat. :)

Why would it not be the choice of the person assigned to the seat you want?

So you would prefer to sit in the worst seat in the row just to inconvenience others?

If they wanted B, they should book B. It's not up to them do decide which seat is best for the person in B. Maybe the person in B doesn't want to get cold by the window, or doesn't want to sit in the aisle because they don't want to be hit by falling luggage, or the cart, or someone walking down the aisle. It's not my choice, but I am not going to question someone wanting to sit in the middle. I was on a 763 were some guy kept complaining because a guy didn't want to move out of a bulkhead seat in First (transcon). They person in the seat said he always sat there and booked month in advance. This didn't stop the other guy from making comments for most of the flight. He even whine about how normal people didn't like bulkhead. Never mind that the first row of F on a 763 has the same comfort as other rows. If I want to stay put, that should be the end of it.

A fearful flyer may actively not want the window, either because it's easier to get out of the middle than the window, or because they don't want to see out.

Neil

If you're a fearful flyer you have no business being in the Exit row.