Would you switch a good seat for a worse seat?
Jan 26, 2015, 12:23 pm
#151
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
Programs: Delta Silver thanks to Million Miles; Choice Plat., point scrounger everywhere
Posts: 1,595
Most people who know they have a special need know it well in advance of their flight. Sometimes they don't pay the few dollars needed to solve their problem. Instead, they try to browbeat or guilt others into giving them their seats.
I am more than happy to pay extra for a premium seat. I'd rather get off of the plane that sit in a center seat. So why should I move, ever?
Jan 26, 2015, 1:01 pm
#152
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 960
Before people assume and freak out that a family or couple haven't bothered to arrange to sit together, please consider that the airlines make equipment changes etc. Several times we've paid for E+ and gotten seats together. We show up at airport and voila, new plane and different seats. Not our fault.
But at your real case, you were upgraded, therefore adjacent seats wasn't assured. It was your choice to take the upgrade, therefore it was your fault. You could have kept the original Y seats together.
Jan 27, 2015, 1:10 am
#153
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 729
I recently saw a man who looked to be in his 20s decide during boarding that he would not take his aisle seat. Rather than step into the row (or an adjacent row) and allow others to continue boarding, he stood in the aisle and refused to move, despite several passengers already seated in the area asking him to move aside so that others could continue boarding. His reply to these requests was repeating something to the effect of "I will stay here until a flight attendant addresseses my concerns" in a menacingly calm tone, as if his temper was barely under control. An FA eventually came up to him to see what why he wouldn't move. He said that he could not sit in his seat because he did not want to sit next to the man in the adjacent window seat (2-3 seating config), and he demanded a different seat. The FA quickly took him to the back of the plane. He was escorted back to his seat after boarding was more or less over. A different FA came from the front of the plane and told him very sternly, "This is your assigned seat, and if you cause any more trouble, the captain will remove you from the flight."
I suspect that the man sitting next to him had the worst seat on the plane that day.
I suspect that the man sitting next to him had the worst seat on the plane that day.
Last edited by Schmurrr; Jan 27, 2015 at 1:17 am
Jan 27, 2015, 2:34 am
#154
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 8,460
I recently saw a man who looked to be in his 20s decide during boarding that he would not take his aisle seat. Rather than step into the row (or an adjacent row) and allow others to continue boarding, he stood in the aisle and refused to move, despite several passengers already seated in the area asking him to move aside so that others could continue boarding. His reply to these requests was repeating something to the effect of "I will stay here until a flight attendant addresseses my concerns" in a menacingly calm tone, as if his temper was barely under control. An FA eventually came up to him to see what why he wouldn't move. He said that he could not sit in his seat because he did not want to sit next to the man in the adjacent window seat (2-3 seating config), and he demanded a different seat. The FA quickly took him to the back of the plane. He was escorted back to his seat after boarding was more or less over. A different FA came from the front of the plane and told him very sternly, "This is your assigned seat, and if you cause any more trouble, the captain will remove you from the flight."
I suspect that the man sitting next to him had the worst seat on the plane that day.
I suspect that the man sitting next to him had the worst seat on the plane that day.
Jan 27, 2015, 6:59 am
#155
Join Date: May 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA Frmr AA Plat AW Plat Frmr UA 1K Frmr HGP Plat now just UA 1MM/1P
Posts: 320
I have given up an excellent front economy aisle, side section seat for a back of plane middle seat, middle section on a Trans-Atlantic. The couple were clearly very young and ignorant, and I was feeling generous.
It would up not being that bad other than being in a flesh straitjacket for about 7 hours (I am 240 pounds and 6 feet tall). I would never do this if I were not the type that typically goes entire flights without getting up.
The FA was so impressed she dropped off both a dessert and an amenity kit from biz - she knew as well as I did that these kids probaby had no idea whatsoever the kind of favor I just did them.
However, I do fully understand and agree that there is no moral or societal obligation whatsoever to cough up your seat so that some couple with poor planning can make up their lack on your account. A considerate trade is one where at least an equivalent seat is offered: aisle for aisle, window for window, etc.
It would up not being that bad other than being in a flesh straitjacket for about 7 hours (I am 240 pounds and 6 feet tall). I would never do this if I were not the type that typically goes entire flights without getting up.
The FA was so impressed she dropped off both a dessert and an amenity kit from biz - she knew as well as I did that these kids probaby had no idea whatsoever the kind of favor I just did them.
However, I do fully understand and agree that there is no moral or societal obligation whatsoever to cough up your seat so that some couple with poor planning can make up their lack on your account. A considerate trade is one where at least an equivalent seat is offered: aisle for aisle, window for window, etc.
Jan 27, 2015, 7:13 am
#156
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Programs: AA, HH, UA, Amtrak
Posts: 270
Due to various financial issues, I had to sell my Gulfstream recently and switch to commercial flights for my travel.
Are seat assignments really that big a problem on airlines nowadays?
Are seat assignments really that big a problem on airlines nowadays?
Jan 27, 2015, 7:28 am
#157
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: LHR / HKG / SIN
Programs: KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, Virgin Atlantic, ANA, Eurostar
Posts: 56
Last month we were travelling from SIN to HKG on board a CX flight, if I remember correctly it was a 3-3-3 config and I got the aisle bassinet seat in the middle section with my baby boy. My hubby could only get the middle seat 1 row behind me.
The man on my left noticed that we were separated and he was very nice and kind to offer to swap his seat with my hubby so that we could sit together.
All's well... and then another man came up to my hubby and showed his boarding pass, apparently he's supposed to sit next to me. We all looked back to the man 1 row behind who is now in my hubby's assigned seat... turns out his correct seat is the middle seat of the front row in the left section.
So oh well, my hubby was going to have to go back to his seat 1 row behind me, but alas this man who's supposed to sit next to me kindly offered to take up the middle seat 1 row behind us!
So all in all, we've had 2 kind men who were willing to take up the middle seat 1 row behind just so that my hubby can sit next to me and our baby boy.
All of this without us requesting either man to do so! They willingly offered their seat for us!
The man on my left noticed that we were separated and he was very nice and kind to offer to swap his seat with my hubby so that we could sit together.
All's well... and then another man came up to my hubby and showed his boarding pass, apparently he's supposed to sit next to me. We all looked back to the man 1 row behind who is now in my hubby's assigned seat... turns out his correct seat is the middle seat of the front row in the left section.
So oh well, my hubby was going to have to go back to his seat 1 row behind me, but alas this man who's supposed to sit next to me kindly offered to take up the middle seat 1 row behind us!
So all in all, we've had 2 kind men who were willing to take up the middle seat 1 row behind just so that my hubby can sit next to me and our baby boy.
All of this without us requesting either man to do so! They willingly offered their seat for us!
Jan 27, 2015, 7:28 am
#158
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2
I've volunteered to switch from a window to a middle seat four or five times so that a child can sit with a parent. They weren't international flights, so no big deal. The most memorable one was where the mom and young daughter were both seated on the same row, both with middle seats. The mom was quietly and patiently reassuring the daughter, but clearly the daughter was a bit unsettled by the prospect of being away from her mom, plopped between two strangers. That was a no brainer. Boy was that little girl relieved. And it was worth whatever slight discomfort I had for the next four hours when I glanced over and saw the daughter sound asleep leaning against her mom. Afterward the mom thanked me profusely, but I already had my thanks.
On the other hand, I selected a premium window seat on a 787 right after they had been put into service. I know it's nerdy, but I was really excited about my first 787 trip and selected this seat literally 2 months in advance. A really cheeky twenty-something woman asked me to give up my window seat so that a friend of hers could sit together. Too late I realized I exchanged for a middle seat. My only consolation was that I didn't have to sit next to the woman who initiated the exchange. Based on my brief encounter it would not have been a pleasant experience seated together.
On the other hand, I selected a premium window seat on a 787 right after they had been put into service. I know it's nerdy, but I was really excited about my first 787 trip and selected this seat literally 2 months in advance. A really cheeky twenty-something woman asked me to give up my window seat so that a friend of hers could sit together. Too late I realized I exchanged for a middle seat. My only consolation was that I didn't have to sit next to the woman who initiated the exchange. Based on my brief encounter it would not have been a pleasant experience seated together.
Jan 27, 2015, 8:01 am
#159
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Finally back in Boston after escaping from New York
Posts: 13,644
Agreed. Anyone who wants me to switch to a coach seat JFK-SYD has to take my first born male child for the flight.
I traded in my Gulfstream for a chateau several years back. The catering crew always brought the wrong year of Krug. Nevertheless, your point strikes me as a good one. I can't remember the last time anyone asked me to change seats.
Mike
Mike
Jan 27, 2015, 8:18 am
#160
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: Many Affiliations: AA ExPlat, AA MM Gold Lifetime+, Hilton Diamond and such
Posts: 132
People are way too wrapped up in themselves... I have done this dozens of times. It's good karma. I have held babies, fiddling toddlers, small pets, bags/beverages/foods of various sizes, been shoved in the middle section of the five seat wide bodies next to a 1000 year old woman and a 20 year old who had already been traveling for 30 hours and was dead to the world, next to annoying business men with big elbows and large laptops, people who don't understand the term "bathe," and every permutation of humanity to the point of inhumanity. I take one for Team Human whenever asked and hope that the recipients of my good will pay it forward. I have even gone as far as saying that when I leave my seat.
Finally, on every flight where I unfortunately don't have the luxury of prior planning when with my girls and we are separated, if I don't find like minded people, I have coached my children (since the age of 8) to spin an interesting tale... Make up a name, make up a story, and be "fascinating" to your seat mates.
In all my time on-board, I have only experienced one absolute horror show. My experience is that most people are decent, some are simply neither, very few are not worthy of the air they breathe.
Finally, on every flight where I unfortunately don't have the luxury of prior planning when with my girls and we are separated, if I don't find like minded people, I have coached my children (since the age of 8) to spin an interesting tale... Make up a name, make up a story, and be "fascinating" to your seat mates.
In all my time on-board, I have only experienced one absolute horror show. My experience is that most people are decent, some are simply neither, very few are not worthy of the air they breathe.
Jan 27, 2015, 8:30 am
#161
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Roswell, GA
Posts: 646
Depends
On a flight inside the USA, I always switch. But I have asked the flight attendant Internationally if anything is opened up front if I change and sometimes there is and sometimes there isn't. I like an aisle seat as I get up a lot. So the answer makes up my mind. I did use to work for an airline.
Jan 27, 2015, 9:10 am
#162
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: HHonors Dia., Hyatt Plat., AAdvantage EXP
Posts: 1
Entitlement issues
Quick answer: No.
A mother asked me if I would give up my aisle seat for another aisle seat three rows back, so she can sit with her two kids, whom took the middle and window in my row. I kindly told her that I did mind, I booked this seat two weeks in advance, and her kids won't disappear during the flight from STL-LAX. I usually sleep during the flight, but this mother came over, hovering over me to check up on her kids about three or four times, which woke me up. After the last one, I told her that her behavior was bothering me and I didn't appreciate it. She had the audacity to blame me because I didn't switch seats with her, like she was entitled to my seat.
I do get it that familes travel together and they take the same flight; but that does not entitle them to sit next together.
A mother asked me if I would give up my aisle seat for another aisle seat three rows back, so she can sit with her two kids, whom took the middle and window in my row. I kindly told her that I did mind, I booked this seat two weeks in advance, and her kids won't disappear during the flight from STL-LAX. I usually sleep during the flight, but this mother came over, hovering over me to check up on her kids about three or four times, which woke me up. After the last one, I told her that her behavior was bothering me and I didn't appreciate it. She had the audacity to blame me because I didn't switch seats with her, like she was entitled to my seat.
I do get it that familes travel together and they take the same flight; but that does not entitle them to sit next together.
Jan 27, 2015, 9:40 am
#163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Finally back in Boston after escaping from New York
Posts: 13,644
Quick answer: No.
A mother asked me if I would give up my aisle seat for another aisle seat three rows back, so she can sit with her two kids, whom took the middle and window in my row. I kindly told her that I did mind, I booked this seat two weeks in advance, and her kids won't disappear during the flight from STL-LAX. I usually sleep during the flight, but this mother came over, hovering over me to check up on her kids about three or four times, which woke me up. After the last one, I told her that her behavior was bothering me and I didn't appreciate it. She had the audacity to blame me because I didn't switch seats with her, like she was entitled to my seat.
I do get it that familes travel together and they take the same flight; but that does not entitle them to sit next together.
A mother asked me if I would give up my aisle seat for another aisle seat three rows back, so she can sit with her two kids, whom took the middle and window in my row. I kindly told her that I did mind, I booked this seat two weeks in advance, and her kids won't disappear during the flight from STL-LAX. I usually sleep during the flight, but this mother came over, hovering over me to check up on her kids about three or four times, which woke me up. After the last one, I told her that her behavior was bothering me and I didn't appreciate it. She had the audacity to blame me because I didn't switch seats with her, like she was entitled to my seat.
I do get it that familes travel together and they take the same flight; but that does not entitle them to sit next together.
Mike
Jan 27, 2015, 9:44 am
#164
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
I recently saw a man who looked to be in his 20s decide during boarding that he would not take his aisle seat. Rather than step into the row (or an adjacent row) and allow others to continue boarding, he stood in the aisle and refused to move, despite several passengers already seated in the area asking him to move aside so that others could continue boarding. His reply to these requests was repeating something to the effect of "I will stay here until a flight attendant addresseses my concerns" in a menacingly calm tone, as if his temper was barely under control. An FA eventually came up to him to see what why he wouldn't move. He said that he could not sit in his seat because he did not want to sit next to the man in the adjacent window seat (2-3 seating config), and he demanded a different seat. The FA quickly took him to the back of the plane. He was escorted back to his seat after boarding was more or less over. A different FA came from the front of the plane and told him very sternly, "This is your assigned seat, and if you cause any more trouble, the captain will remove you from the flight."
I suspect that the man sitting next to him had the worst seat on the plane that day.
I suspect that the man sitting next to him had the worst seat on the plane that day.
Jan 27, 2015, 9:54 am
#165
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Programs: AA, HH, UA, Amtrak
Posts: 270
I don't travel to enough to make elite status anywhere. But I still do fly quite a bit and although I have aisle seats most of the time and the occasional window - I have been asked only once in all of last 10-11 years and that too in a very nice manner - because the companion was wearing a sling. I obliged for a similar seat and they thanked me and life went on.
Granted some people might run into being asked to change seats more, but I would still do it only on a case-by-case basis. And I would definitely not do it if someone brings up some religious prohibition as an excuse.