It doesn't surprise me either. There are silly people in this world who brimming with self-righteous indignation appoint themselves as the moral arbiters of everyone else's behavior. Part of their need is to brag about it.

The more they openly criticize complete strangers in public the odds increase they will deservedly get smacked in the mouth by someone who takes offense. No one else will particularly care when it happens.

Thread ender? LOL

I (and someone else) already explained that. If one has to sit in a middle seat, it is more comfortable to have a companion on one side than strangers on both sides.

Please consult a dictionary.

If I'm with a companion and we have a choice between aisle/window + middle or aisle + aisle, I guarantee you we're taking aisle + aisle.

There's no way we think sitting between someone you know and a stranger is more comfortable than sitting between an aisle and a stranger.

Maybe it's different if you're with someone you like cuddling with during a flight; I don't cuddle with my traveling companions on flights.

I didn't say that. Please read my post carefully. I said that sitting between someone you know and a stranger is more comfortable than sitting between two strangers.

yes but if I'm sitting in an aisle seat - I only have a stranger on one side..... and can chat to DH (quietly) across the aisle - and slightly more room.

Why should we be expected to use the middle seat which neither of us wants when we can choose window/ aisle or aisle/ aisle? Neither of us is so bothered about sitting together that we would choose a middle seat over a window or an aisle, and we wouldnt be so rude as to talk over the bod in the middle, or continually pass stuff back and forth.

My wife and I often sit across from each other. It's not like we hold hands across the aisle and demand a password to let people pass.

But then, just as often, we sit aisle/middle or window/middle.

I find this happening on tour buses - and yes, as a single traveller I find it annoying (although not enough to say anything, or get upset over). A short flight would bother me less, but on a tour bus you generally keep your place for the whole day.

It's one of those "greatest good for the greatest number" type of things. If the row is A - B C, and a couple sits in A and B, and single traveller in C, you end up with two people sitting next to a stranger. Whereas if the couple sits in B and C, you get no-one sitting next to a stranger.

Worse yet, if a couple takes A and A behind, and there are enough single travellers on board, you can get up to 4 people sitting next to a stranger.

How many people are affected depends on the ratio of singles to couples, but it does get frustrating if you have to sit next to a stranger because two people who wouldn't mind sitting next to each, don't. And yes, I know, they could be two unrelated people, and you'd be in the exact same situation, but stlll...

I agree - that is why we leave the window and middle seat available! :)

On tour buses, general rule of thumb is if you want a specific seat configuration, get on the bus and select your seats. Although, its more difficult with Children, and often parents with families enter the bus late. In those instances, requests may be made to have parents sit with the kiddies. No priority and definitely no rights to a seat if a family comes in late, it seems most of the time someone is willing to accommodate.

Big of you :rolleyes:

I sit on the aisle and have both my wives in the middle and window. That's big o'me.

Since most people on FT would agree that the middle seat is the least desirable I don't know why it is okay for me or my wife to be in the middle and not a solo traveler? I am sure there are plenty of rows on planes where A-M-W are all solo travelers. Maybe my wife & I shouldn't use our FF miles for F seats. Since award space is so limited we are hindering two solo travelers from using their miles - I know it is rude but I am not giving those seats back.

Did I read this right? You have two wives? And you are based out of Scotland I guess..

I prefer window but never get it.. I need to sit by my kids.

OK, to clarify, there's no way I/we want a middle seat under any circumstances, traveling alone or traveling with a companion.