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Best bribe amount for switching aisle to aisle seat in F?

Best bribe amount for switching aisle to aisle seat in F?

Old Aug 23, 2019, 2:33 pm
  #1  
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Best bribe amount for switching aisle to aisle seat in F?

What is the best Appropriate bribe for switching aisle to aisle seat in F? 4 hour flight on United, Sfo to ord.
we all hate seat poachers. I’m going to buy last-minute seats and they’ll be separate for my minor child and me. What’s a fair amount to offer when asking the other person? I don’t want to be in Y or Y+

i am thinking $20 for 2 future cocktails
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 2:38 pm
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I have to believe that, if you just mention "minor child" to the GA(s) and/or FA(s), they will make the seat swap happen
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 2:42 pm
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Exactly how old is this "minor child"?
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 3:34 pm
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Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
Exactly how old is this "minor child"?
10 years old

i am willing to pay a bribe - I know how we all feel about seat poachers :-)
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 3:46 pm
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If it's an aisle-to-aisle swap, even crotchety me would do it as courtesy.

If an honorarium is needed, $20 seems reasonable and the max would be $50.
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 3:47 pm
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Try the GA or FA first. Save the bribe for "just in case."
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 3:49 pm
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Final data point that I forgot to mention - I lack Good status on UAL so often am final person (Family) coming in F. Boarding order for UAL is all elite GS / 1k before General Members can board in F. So the person will probably be sitting in their aisle seat and getting very comfy before I can even board.
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 3:52 pm
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It's gracious to offer something and since you can't buy them a drink in FC, a twenty or a gift card (Starbucks is in most airports) would be a nice gesture. Taking a food gift from a stranger can be an issue unless it's tamperproof, although good chocolates could work if the package is sealed.

More importantly, ask nicely and say thank you regardless of the answer.

Aisle for aisle should be easy, but try to board early and ask the "victim" before he/she gets settled.
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 3:56 pm
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Originally Posted by gaobest
Final data point that I forgot to mention - I lack Good status on UAL so often am final person (Family) coming in F. Boarding order for UAL is all elite GS / 1k before General Members can board in F. So the person will probably be sitting in their aisle seat and getting very comfy before I can even board.
all the more reason to let the GA handle it well before boarding starts
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 4:08 pm
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Originally Posted by dayone
If it's an aisle-to-aisle swap, even crotchety me would do it as courtesy.

If an honorarium is needed, $20 seems reasonable and the max would be $50.
Is it aisle F to aisle F seat? Then nothing.

I first read the headline and thought it might be economy to F and I thought $500. I must be out of the loop when folks say 20 bucks.
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 4:09 pm
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For you Gaobest I am sure you would ask very nicely and be very thankful. I am sure that a person would be happy with that.
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 5:47 pm
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We could only get 3 windows - 2 in rows 5 and 1 in row 1. It’s a 757-300 on Saturday 8/24 tomorrow. Hopefully there’s not a plane swap to a 3-row F.

But anyway, with it now being window to aisle, and if GA can’t help, then is $20 still enough?
i will do cash because a “gift card” can potentially look like it has a $20 balance but is empty whereas a $20 looks real and genuine.

And thank you for suggesting that I ask GA. Definitely will get to Gate early enough for this :-). Thankfully it’s a single one-way nonstop.
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 6:22 pm
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It happened to us once. A family of 4 scattered throughout the first class. My very young son, about 9, politely asked his seat mate if he would change seats with his older brother, about 14. The gentleman was charmed by his manners and maturity. The seat swap happened before my husband and I had a chance to ask anyone. He told me later that his plan B was to ask his brother's seat mate.

I believe most flyers are accommodating if seat type is identical and request is done respectfully. Also a lot of flyers would rather a kid to be seated with his family.
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 9:57 pm
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You have THREE people to ask to solve this- you have 3 seats currently, any ONE of the adjacent seats will solve your issue.

Just ask the gate agent to do it.

Here's the thing- I cannot imagine ANYONE in F who would decline a polite request then changing their mind for $20. Or $50.

Dont plan on a bribe, IMO it is odd.
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Old Aug 23, 2019, 11:18 pm
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Thanks everyone - fingers crossed for the gate agent!
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