Jan 27, 2024, 10:41 pm
How do you handle a seat change request? Do you ever feel like a jerk for saying no?
Sep 12, 2023, 11:37 am
#181
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,481
Sep 12, 2023, 11:37 am
#182
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,548
I was up front (plus points upgrade at purchase) PHL-IAH a couple of weeks ago in 3C, with my kids 3 D and F. Guy comes up from row 1 bulkhead and asks if I would swap with him so he could sit by his wife who was presumably next to me in 3A (she had not boarded yet). Even if solo I would not have switched as I hate bulkheads and want my bag with me at all times. I would have just said no and told him to ask the guy next to him up front to switch with her, but since my kids were there I just said "No, I have to sit by kids" and he frowned and walked back to his 1D seat. HIs wife got on shortly after and sat next to me promptly falling asleep for the entire flight. I don't fault folks for asking, per se, but no means no.
Sep 12, 2023, 12:35 pm
#183
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,885
I was up front (plus points upgrade at purchase) PHL-IAH a couple of weeks ago in 3C, with my kids 3 D and F. Guy comes up from row 1 bulkhead and asks if I would swap with him so he could sit by his wife who was presumably next to me in 3A (she had not boarded yet). Even if solo I would not have switched as I hate bulkheads and want my bag with me at all times. I would have just said no and told him to ask the guy next to him up front to switch with her, but since my kids were there I just said "No, I have to sit by kids" and he frowned and walked back to his 1D seat. HIs wife got on shortly after and sat next to me promptly falling asleep for the entire flight. I don't fault folks for asking, per se, but no means no.
Sep 12, 2023, 1:47 pm
#184
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold,HH Gold
Posts: 2,751
For sure. Mentally noted now. Have gone through several seat swaps without issue. I am usually very accommodating, As an aside, I was travelling home with 2 of my kids last year when my daughter and myself were upgraded to first while we were boarding. I gave my upgrade to my son. They were not seated together and I decided not even to try to have them sit together by asking others around them. They were 15 and 13 at the time and well behaved. Funny thing was, my son declined all drink and food service thinking that I would have to end up paying extra for it. haha. He was so bummed out when he found out as his sister was telling us everything that she had after we landed. I guess he will know for the future.
Sep 12, 2023, 2:12 pm
#185
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: KUSA
Programs: Whatever AMEX Plat comes with... I buy on price.. Spirit Big Front Seat, want First/buy First
Posts: 1,489
A few weeks ago on a UA Express EMB-145 flight from Lake Charles to IAH, sitting in like 5A, the person in front of me kept shoving their seat back forcibly from the moment they sat down. Much further than normal recline. My knees were firmly stuck into the back of the seat to the point of being painful. I asked if he could put his seat upright and I got a grunt in return and further forcing back of the seat. So, after pushback and while the flight attendant was doing final walk-through, I so helpfully pointed out to her that the seat in front of me must be broken because it won't stay upright and is reclined so far I'd have trouble evacuating. First, I think she knew it and didn't want to be bothered but now had to. Second, since we were away from the gate now, she made the man in 4A move to another open seat, which was in the last row.
Sep 12, 2023, 2:15 pm
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,425
I am very hesitant to mention any issue with my seat until after arrival ever since I got a flight delayed 0h50 for telling someone that the cocktail tray could slide completely out.
Sep 12, 2023, 2:23 pm
#187
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,471
Can anyone top this?
A few days ago I pre-boarded with 1Ks and was in 3A, already a few minutes into a Netflix movie when I felt a tap on my shoulder. A man asks if I would mind switching with his wife because she’s terrified of flying and he needs to be next to her.
Is she in a window seat?
Yes, right behind you.
OK sure. I gather up my stuff, leave my seat, and look at the woman in 4A (last row FC) and she’s just sitting there reading a newspaper. I then see the wife standing there who just vacated 7A.
I look at the husband with a W.T…? look on my face and he’s thanking me.
Um, no, this is not happening, sorry.
He starts throwing a fit saying I already agreed so now I HAVE to switch.
I told him I’m sure the guy sitting in 7B will be more than happy to switch seats with you.
His answer: “I can’t sit in a middle seat - I’m claustrophobic”
I just started laughing. I mean uncontrollably laughing as I pushed past him to retake my original seat. He actually tried to block me at first. Meanwhile boarding was held up during all of this.
The entire 2 hour flight he sat there glaring at me and every time I met his eye I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
I’m still laughing typing this.
A few days ago I pre-boarded with 1Ks and was in 3A, already a few minutes into a Netflix movie when I felt a tap on my shoulder. A man asks if I would mind switching with his wife because she’s terrified of flying and he needs to be next to her.
Is she in a window seat?
Yes, right behind you.
OK sure. I gather up my stuff, leave my seat, and look at the woman in 4A (last row FC) and she’s just sitting there reading a newspaper. I then see the wife standing there who just vacated 7A.
I look at the husband with a W.T…? look on my face and he’s thanking me.
Um, no, this is not happening, sorry.
He starts throwing a fit saying I already agreed so now I HAVE to switch.
I told him I’m sure the guy sitting in 7B will be more than happy to switch seats with you.
His answer: “I can’t sit in a middle seat - I’m claustrophobic”
I just started laughing. I mean uncontrollably laughing as I pushed past him to retake my original seat. He actually tried to block me at first. Meanwhile boarding was held up during all of this.
The entire 2 hour flight he sat there glaring at me and every time I met his eye I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
I’m still laughing typing this.
Sep 12, 2023, 2:57 pm
#188
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
Can anyone top this?
A few days ago I pre-boarded with 1Ks and was in 3A, already a few minutes into a Netflix movie when I felt a tap on my shoulder. A man asks if I would mind switching with his wife because she’s terrified of flying and he needs to be next to her.
Is she in a window seat?
Yes, right behind you.
OK sure. I gather up my stuff, leave my seat, and look at the woman in 4A (last row FC) and she’s just sitting there reading a newspaper. I then see the wife standing there who just vacated 7A.
A few days ago I pre-boarded with 1Ks and was in 3A, already a few minutes into a Netflix movie when I felt a tap on my shoulder. A man asks if I would mind switching with his wife because she’s terrified of flying and he needs to be next to her.
Is she in a window seat?
Yes, right behind you.
OK sure. I gather up my stuff, leave my seat, and look at the woman in 4A (last row FC) and she’s just sitting there reading a newspaper. I then see the wife standing there who just vacated 7A.
If you don't want to say "NO" outright maybe the correct response is:
- Sorry we have to wait until boarding is completed, you are blocking the aisle
- Sorry company policy prohibits me from changing seats
- Sorry I can't give up a window/aisle because I suffer from aerophobia/pollakiuria
- Show me your spouse's BP (this will send them off to retrieve the phone, while you dig in)
Sep 12, 2023, 3:17 pm
#189
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: KUSA
Programs: Whatever AMEX Plat comes with... I buy on price.. Spirit Big Front Seat, want First/buy First
Posts: 1,489
I am so tired of these scammer attempting to take advantage of people (and sometimes succeeding with elderly, etc.)
If you don't want to say "NO" outright maybe the correct response is:
If you don't want to say "NO" outright maybe the correct response is:
- Sorry we have to wait until boarding is completed, you are blocking the aisle
- Sorry company policy prohibits me from changing seats
- Sorry I can't give up a window/aisle because I suffer from aerophobia/pollakiuria
- Show me your spouse's BP (this will send them off to retrieve the phone, while you dig in)
Sep 12, 2023, 3:23 pm
#190
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,481
Sep 12, 2023, 3:29 pm
#191
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United, American, Delta, Hyatt, Hilton, Hertz, Marriott
Posts: 14,807
I am so tired of these scammer attempting to take advantage of people (and sometimes succeeding with elderly, etc.)
If you don't want to say "NO" outright maybe the correct response is:
If you don't want to say "NO" outright maybe the correct response is:
- Sorry we have to wait until boarding is completed, you are blocking the aisle
- Sorry company policy prohibits me from changing seats
- Sorry I can't give up a window/aisle because I suffer from aerophobia/pollakiuria
- Show me your spouse's BP (this will send them off to retrieve the phone, while you dig in)
Sep 12, 2023, 4:30 pm
#192
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: CoUniHound 1K 1MM, AA EXP 2MM, DL Plat, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,625
I am so tired of these scammer attempting to take advantage of people (and sometimes succeeding with elderly, etc.)
If you don't want to say "NO" outright maybe the correct response is:
If you don't want to say "NO" outright maybe the correct response is:
- Sorry we have to wait until boarding is completed, you are blocking the aisle
- Sorry company policy prohibits me from changing seats
- Sorry I can't give up a window/aisle because I suffer from aerophobia/pollakiuria
- Show me your spouse's BP (this will send them off to retrieve the phone, while you dig in)
Sep 12, 2023, 9:50 pm
#193
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: South Coast NSW, Australia
Programs: UA and SQ; Hilton, Fairmont, Marriott, Rydges Priority
Posts: 290
My wife sits behind me in an aisle seat.
She doesn’t like being reclined on.
Lady immediately across the aisle asks if I would swap seats with her so she could sit next to her husband who’s next to me.
I agree on the condition she doesn’t recline.
But immediately after take off she does and when confronted says ‘too bad’.
Thankfully only a 3 hour flight.
But that’s if for us, no more Mrs and Mr Nice Gal and Guy.
If you want a specific seat….book it.
We are not moving!
She doesn’t like being reclined on.
Lady immediately across the aisle asks if I would swap seats with her so she could sit next to her husband who’s next to me.
I agree on the condition she doesn’t recline.
But immediately after take off she does and when confronted says ‘too bad’.
Thankfully only a 3 hour flight.
But that’s if for us, no more Mrs and Mr Nice Gal and Guy.
If you want a specific seat….book it.
We are not moving!
Sep 13, 2023, 4:58 am
#194
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,067
I would have called the flight attendant, explained the situation, and asked to be reseated in my assigned seat.
Sep 13, 2023, 5:42 am
#195
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Californa
Programs: 100000 mile flyer
Posts: 99
As Nancy Reagan once said "Just say NO."
OR
say "Sure, $500 in cash. No problem.."
Lessons learned after too many horror stories I've experienced in 50 years of flying both for work and for leisure.
OR
say "Sure, $500 in cash. No problem.."
Lessons learned after too many horror stories I've experienced in 50 years of flying both for work and for leisure.