When I watched. I totally understand both sides but as someone who is extremely organized and who spends hours planning trips and setting seat alerts so that my family and I get the seats were most comfortable in, it bothers me when I hear stories like this. "You don't ask someone to downgrade for your convenience," said one top comment with 46,000 likes. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. From what I've seen, last-minute requests to change seats are usually because of factors beyond the person's control, like a family got rebooked after their original flight was canceled. They asked if Id be willing to switch, I asked to which seat, they said the same rows other middle seat. Across TikTok, the audio in the video has been used by many to discuss the experience of being asked to look after or pander to the needs of another person's kids. Recovering from a blunder I made while emailing a professor. My husband and I sit aisles with me in front of him as I dont recline my seat but one notch. The caption when a family asks me to switch seats on the plane so they can sit together, followed by a raised Avoid continuing the argument unless you are willing to be persuaded/come to a compromise. Justin Kase zsixz / Alamy Stock Photo. Some readers will correctly object that flight attendants are too harried on today's crowded flights to do much seat-rearranging. Never again. It doesn't work on everyone, but it's been surprisingly effective for me. News.com.au ran a poll asking whether the passenger whom Aussie man Jay Kloss asked to switch seats with should have given it up and a massive 83 percent of If you decide to turn down the request to switch seats, doing it politely and in a friendly tone may help soften the blow even though you dont owe an explanation for why youre not okay with swapping. Anyone can read what you share. If it Southwest, I always preboard and will not give up my aisle seat. And generally a worse seat is not a gift I want. Twice. But you may be able to short-circuit these annoying conversations. Videos about seat switching continue to stir controversy and debate on TikTok. | doubt the flight attendants even think about this what I call flight attendant gender targeting. A man asked if he was in the wrong to ask a fellow airline passenger to switch seats with him so he could sit by his wife. How to tactfully refuse to provide academic help? I am 80+ years old and have a brace on my left leg. The next time she tries to pressure you, assert yourself: Ive already said I dont want to go. You could also change the way you respond to her invitations, from Im busy which suggests you would go if you werent busy to No, thanks. That way, your message will be clear. The debate around airplane etiquette has reached fever pitch in recent months - but it has been reignited once again by an influencer who refused to switch seats. "Turns out we were seated in front of kids that kicked the seat for the entire 8 hour flight. You've attributed them with a positive quality and to do otherwise means they explicitly prove they do not possess that quality people will (primarily sub)consciously attempt to live up to it. "Offering" implies something that is more of a gift and not as easily refused. (I consider this a harmless lie. When I was an armed federal officer on the flight (plain clothes), I could not switch seats. I'm short enough that my legs fit in just about any airline seat. Some people will of course become argumentative, but I am of the opinion they would have become so regardless of what you said. Four passengers seated themselves forward from their assigned seats before takeoff. That doesn't mean you need to agree to a bad trade, but don't add to the aggravation by being harsh with them. I recently had an AA flight from Atlanta to LA, and paid for a preferred seat on the aisle as I usually do. I said, 'respectfully ma'am, your travel issues are not my problem. I suggest that stewards look elsewhere for volunteers if fellow passengers try to shame me from the sidelines. Book the right seat first.' It turned out that the gentlemen beside me now was her husband. Paying extra didnt count for Jack!!! As you feel using "sorry" carries the wrong connotation, how would you succinctly express sympathy for someone's situation, without taking responsibility for it? One time we were traveling internationally and a woman wanted my window seat. For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here. I would say "Sorry, but I specifically booked this seat because { characteristics which made you pick that seat}". Pretty much an exact duplicate of this question on Travel SE. WebIn the caption under a video posted Tuesday, Audrey Peters, a 25-year-old influencer from Miami with 653,000 TikTok followers, said she refused to give up her assigned seat on a flight for a middle seat when asked to by a group of passengers. For the world, for that matter. The New York Times expert replied with: Generally, you are entitled to sit in the seat that you paid for the one that is printed on your boarding pass. It is crazy to expect people to give up an aisle seat for the middle seat. But my fianc objected. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. with her boyfriend makes you uncomfortable or you just dont want to see this guy at your wedding. Some folks like the window seat. How can I refuse tactfully, without causing this bitterness? Was I Wrong? The reader submitting the question wrote: I am an organized person. Unless they make a convincing appeal for why they really need my seat, I say something like "sorry, but I specifically reserved {an aisle seat, a window seat, a seat in the front of the plane, etc}". This is your wedding. Typically, people are even willing to pressurize co-passengers for swapping out their aisle seat for a window or vice versa. Is it okay to ask someone to swap seats on a plane? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. It was my one and only time to travel in first class. Don't give them any information they don't need to know - and the only thing they need to know is that you cannot help them resolve their problem. I have read similar columns like this one. If I'm dead-set on not moving, I'd say "Thank you for offering, but I'll keep my seat" which implies they were trying to do you a favor and you've (politely) declined, while asserting your claim to the seat in question. rev2023.3.3.43278. I have no children, hence no grandchildren. ??? My moving would allow them to sit together. His sister occasionally brings a male friend to family events, and they engage in public displays of affection that are awkward for everyone. Replacing broken pins/legs on a DIP IC package, How to handle a hobby that makes income in US. Precisely! Its unclear whether the 25-year-old booked an aisle or a window seat - but she made it abundantly clear she wasnt going to give up her spot to be wedged between two passengers. When folks have asked me to move, I am very polite but explain that I paid for my seat in advance so that I could have extra leg room or movement. But they will make time to deal with an urgent request involving the very old, the disabled, and young children. Requests to change seats should be made to the flight attendant not to the passenger. Otherwise no dice., While one recalled: So funny people are like this. Don't take it personally, just feel slightly sorry for them ( their attitude is only hurting themselves) as you pick up your book, put on your headphones or do whatever it is you like to do to get ready for a long journey. One other thought on switching. Peters did not immediately respond to a request for comment. That was a HARD NO. WebNTA. Be better., One suggested: To be honest - this mindset p***es me off., While another added: God forbid we be expected to make anyones life easier!. The other time, a woman in her twenties, some 30 years younger than I, travelling alone, asked me to change my aisle seat for her center seat "because it will be easier for me to work on my computer." Why say you're sorry? Is it suspicious or odd to stand by the gate of a GA airport watching the planes? I am sorry but I am just as important as you are. Another commented: 'Bro I'm sick of people asking to switch seats. A man who was unable to book two airline seats next to each other, so he could sit next to his wife became frustrated after a fellow passenger refused to swap For me, it probably wouldnt be worth the emotional energy (and possible fallout at future play dates) to stage a formal breakup with a casual acquaintance. Obviously, there are a lot of variables involved. Personally, Im a softy for switching where children are involved, and less so for adults (if I have a great seat). The anonymous passenger said they had started refusing to switch seats altogether unless it was for an upgrade. Not the first person to refuse to swap seats on a flight, a couple earlier this year was praised for refusing to swap seats with a frightened girl, and another woman was cheered after she didn't give up her seat for a "rude" mom and child. If you are a tall person you may use this explanation: I'm sorry but I chosen the aisle seat because I'm too tall to seat comfortably in the other seats. My code is GPL licensed, can I issue a license to have my code be distributed in a specific MIT licensed project? This usually lets me claim my preferred seat: on the aisle in the bulkhead row. When I travel, I book my flights well in advance. (Lets put aside rules about emergency exit rows and other special circumstances.) Book your flights earlier babes. Audrey Peters has ignited a furious airline etiquette debate after she refused to swap seats for a News.com.au ran a poll asking whether the passenger whom Aussie man Jay Kloss asked to switch seats with should have given it up and a massive 83 percent of the 7,178 readers voted No. However, Mr Kloss was still As a non family-attached member of society, who travels a lot and was faced with this more than once, it really bugs me when families put single travelers in this situation. But not everyone would be willing to move from their comfort zone, and one guy proved hes no exception either. Don't give them even an inch. One guy downright refused to swap his seat with a mother who didnt stop condemning him. Thats a hard no. Youre seated next to a kid or spouse of someone whos sitting several rows away, and theyd wonder if youre ready to switch so they can spend the flight together. I asked where he was and stewardess pointed out the husband in the very back of first class. And if I paid extra for better leg room, I would only do it if it was a short flight (less than 3 hours) AND I got a refund on the extra I paid for the better seat. The Reddit user u/Unlikely-Strategy596 shared a story Saturday, asking: "AITA (Am I the a**hole) for not giving up my plane seat so a family could be all together? Terms apply. I am keeping the seat I paid for.'". An aisle seat with just one seat beside me. It really edges on entitlement in my book for families coming onboard and somehow feeling theyve earn the right to seat privileges, disturbing other passengers and peer pressuring them into giving up their seat. Now, none of this obliges you to change seats. My mum literally ditched us when her seat got upgraded to first class.. We asked why and were told we were in the wrong seats. Then came the looks. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). It has been a The Redditor lost his cool when the mother couldnt control her child from grabbing his phone. If you are someone trying to get a fellow passenger to switch seats, then make sure you have something to bargain with and if you dont, cash helps. I would simply never ask. I will never take a window seat in an exchange unless its in first class. If its not me its another male flying alone being asked to move and I find myself chuckling under my breath that that guy got it and I didnt get picked. There were several conversations between the young woman, the lady next to her trying her best to sit in the seat she was assigned and the stewards, including the head steward from first class and the co-pilot. Audrey Peters, a content creator from the US, said a stranger had asked her to move to a middle seat - leaving her laughing over the unfair request. I would not use the approach of pretending to think the request was an offer (as suggested in other answers), unless the asker phrased it as such, because to me it sounds obviously disingenuous. Twice. After reading these posts, maybe next time I wont move:). What am I doing wrong here in the PlotLegends specification? Requests to change seats should be made to the flight attendant not to the passenger. She would be sitting next to my husband. I dislike the implication that taller travellers automatically deserve the more comfortable seats. If you want to avoid having to cave to peer pressure or looking like the bad guy by not switching seats to accommodate families, then book a seat in the exit row since kids under 15 cant sit there. Marra Shubyann Lindstrom Steininger Has Faced Many Difficulties - Facts about Jeffree Star's Mother, Single Dad Phil Donahue Prayed 5 Kids Would Accept Childless Marlo Thomas in the Family At First It Was a 'Disaster', Blake Lively's Dating History before She Married Ryan Reynolds, Millionaire Mocks Poor Woman with 3 Kids on Business Class Flight until Pilot Interrupts Him Story of the Day, Man Mocks Boy Reading Aloud on Plane, Begs Pardon by the End of the Flight Story of the Day, Drunk Guy Mocks Old Lady on the Bus and Grabs Her Purse, Teen Boy Decides to Interfere Story of the Day. Some people will be bad tempered about having their request declined, however polite, however reasonable you are, and however good your reasons for declining. We booked aisle 6 as my husband is handicap and I was having knee problems, we checked in had our boarding passes for row 6 then while waiting they called my husband up and moved u to the very last row where we were crammed w a baby and mom on the outside The people who sat in our seats were friendly w gate attendant it was a dissgrace, I cannot believe they did this and after hours on the phone Jet Blue was terrible to deal with I am still looking as the flight was expensive for us to be treated like that and to be crammed while my family was in row 7 we were split up my family was there to help me w my husband. (Lets put aside rules about emergency exit rows and other special circumstances.) Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been, Perhaps rather than "thank-you, for asking." How about arriving at your seat and finding someone already sitting there, all settled in, who then asks if I mind him taking my seat so he could sit next to his wife? Id be like well, See ya in arrivals, one mum said. The audio, which originates from a scene in the 2023 thriller movie "The Reading," has been going viral on TikTok in recent weeks and has been used in more than 70,000 videos. Or I would switch if I was offered a better seat biz or first, or more legroom. (Edit in response to Wildcard's comment) Be gracious in your response and the scowling and glaring is their problem, not yours. Re: Seat Switch Refusal-Part 2 (or 3) I do not think anyone expects ( except the person doing the asking) someone to change an aisle sit for a middle seat! We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek. ": I don't understand the suggestion of offering to call an attendant for them, as if the person's insatisfaction with their seat and interest in your seat would mean that their problems have somehow also become your problem. An airline can refuse to transport a passenger for the reasons listed in its contract of carriage, a legal agreement between the passenger and airline, so long as the refusal is not discriminatory, such as: Being intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs. If you don't, you could actually make it the truth by applying a personal policy to book seats with a number which is suitably relevant to you, thereby maintaining a clear conscience.). That one I turned down with "Do I look stupid? If you have a similar dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. Maybe they glare at you. Usually I would switch, it depends on the situation. You may be going on vacation with your band, but that one person maybe going to a dreaded funeral or a new job theyre already stressed about without you adding to their stress level because you need your emotional support humans next to you. If they persist, maintaining that they are graciously offering to trade but you must decline as you're fine where you are. For more Lifestyle related news and videos check out Lifestyle >>. He ignored her and looked at the guy at the window in the same row. We were unable to verify the details of this case. Your frustration mid-flight wouldve hardly started until you hear a screaming kid near your seat. It was usually an individual request. Now, its getting annoying. I definitely wouldnt do it to sit in seat I dont want window or middle. (They could have booked in advance, too.) In February, a TikToker received more than 9 million views on a post in which he used the audio to document the moment he refused to let a crying child take the last spot on a Formula 1 test ride. "Can I call the flight attendant? As we finalized our guest list, it was obvious to me that his single sister would not get a plus one for the wedding. No Im not switching for a middle seat. Grow up. However, the bizarre requests didnt stop there. How to refuse someone who would like to borrow our baby? Separated 3 travelers to different areas: myself, wife, n teenage niece. I had a situation a few years ago when the plane was full except for the middle seat next to me and the seat directly behind it and we were all waiting for the doors to close. It's been my experience that when people want a reason, it's to argue. TikTok user Surya Garg shared a story about being asked to switch seats on a plane. Its hard for most passengers to say no to someone who wants to sit beside their loved one. Yes, its a tough situation with all the traveling Dynamics but I think youre within your rights to want to keep the seat that you have unless theres not an upgrade or a reasonable alternative or similar seat available. The internet has backed a Redditor who refused to give up their plane seat so a family could sit together. The last time I bought tickets for a flight I did so in advance and chose seats then when preparing to board, was assigned a completely different seat! Be straight with your fianc and talk this through. You werent wrong to politely refuse a request to move. Use this approach only if you're willing to move to a different aisle/window/front/whatever seat if they find you one. I find myself bristling at how pushy she is: insisting that I parent like she does or attend events Ive already told her I dont want to go to. "I'm sorry you were not assigned the seat you needed. And since you are asking people to fly across the country to spend several days celebrating your wedding, he may want to offer his sister the courtesy of a companion. Sure, others can ask why. RELATED: The 7 Dirtiest Things on an Airplane, According to a Flight Attendant. WHAT KIND OF [expletive] WONT LET A MOTHER SIT WITH HER SON?!?!?!?!. The U.S. Transportation Department issued a notice to airlines in July urging them to do everything in their power to ensure that children who are age 13 or younger Eventually the passenger in the window seat next to Mr Kloss offered to swap with Zoe meaning the couple did sit next to each other. Sometimes, aircraft swaps are beyond your control | Photo: Pixabay/tstrong20. After asking Reddit users if they were in the wrong for refusing to move, commenters started leaving their thoughts overwhelmingly siding with the poster. Once someone puts their bag in the overhead space, wipes down their seat and puts their stuff in the seatback pocket (not that you want to do the latter since its filled with germs), its more of a hassle for them to switch. Jay Kloss and his wife Zoe were travelling with Virgin The 25-year-old said a stranger had asked her to move to a middle seat - leaving her laughing over the unfair request. And I, as well, really dont care how adorable your kids are. Watch a movie. Web1. So I never offer a reason. Was boarding my flight when a teenage girl was siting in my aisle seat to sit next to her friend in the middle seat. ", Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Capital One Venture Credit Card Review 2023, The Best Travel Credit Cards For February 2023, Chase Sapphire Preferred Review 2023 60,000 Bonus Points, Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits and Perks 5 Reasons I Love Mine, 9 Best Credit Cards For Excellent Credit in 2023, The Best Chase Credit Cards For Rewards In February 2023. I need to get up and move around so I always pick an aisle seat. Make it clear that you are not up for argument. Do we really have time to ascertain and give judgement on the circumstances surrounding their seat separation? That should be the end of it.". I certainly wasnt happy with that situation, particularly because I had paid extra for my original seat. If that doesn't deserve a slapdown, what does? Answer politely and succinctly, give reasons, but don't belabor them. But Im not going from an exit row or bulkhead seat I paid for just because someone wants to sit next to their special someone. But for others, no. Not really. The passenger said the woman continued to "make a scene" and call him out in front of other passengers. say instead "Thank you for. And I always ask if an upgrade is available. Now a flight attendant wouldnt ask that because they know the reason. What is the purpose of this D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue on my hiking boots? I agreed to do so, but her seat was next to the toilet. I trust that most fellow-flyers will then be sympathetic enough to withdraw from the confrontation. In most cases folks are pretty understanding. Now, with respect to the scowling and hostility: stay polite. I pick my seats carefully because of my joint condition. A COUPLE have sparked debate after they asked to move seats during a flight - only for a passenger to refuse. Meanwhile, some offered an explanation as to why seats can often split groups up. On TikTok, Peters typically posts fashion and lifestyle content, filming herself putting together an outfit for the day or showing viewers some of her recent purchases from designer brands. Yes, I was single back then and when she asked if she could hold my hand if there was turbulence, I couldnt reply fast enough with a resounding yes! But, you gotta be careful what you wish for. A cabin crew member explained her thoughts on this, saying: Most airlines make people pay upwards of 50 extra bucks to sit in those seats and charge them when they book the ticket. The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. Her video has been viewed more than 840,000 times - with a majority of people applauding her for refusing to switch seats. ", She also lip-synched to a popular TikTok audio clip that says, "Girl, fuck them kids, and fuck you, too.". But the most common reasons a flight attendant will ask you to change seats is: 1- If the pilot determines that passengers need to be moved due to weight and balance of the aircraft. Was I wrong to hold my ground?, The New York Times expert replied with: Generally, you are entitled to sit in the seat that you paid for the one that is printed on your boarding pass. I dont know why they let her stay on the plane as she caused problems before we left and for several hours during the flight. If the request does not come from a flight attendant, just say. 80,000 points bonus, 5x points on select travel. Ideally, the passenger with a pressing, real need (not just a want) for a seat change thinks ahead and discusses his problem with the agents at the desk in the boarding area, who can alert the cabin crew. They can even offer you a reason to switch. No one in their right mind would go from a window or an aisle seat to a middle seat. WebAITA for refusing to switch airplane seats twice? Flying is already stressful, so be sympathetic not combative. Because of this, not many passengers would be willing to swap seats even if the request is being made from parents who badly want to sit with their kids. IF it was possible to have a civil discourse on the subject AND a convincing enough excuse was given (e.g., death in the family, emergency, not enough money, etc. Sign up for notifications from Insider! How Hard Is It to Get the American Express Platinum Card? Justin Kase zsixz / Alamy Stock Photo. He was crying, I want to sit next to you, Mom! so before she even asked, I volunteered to switch. Sadly, it will not be the last compromise you two have to reach. But most of the time, one of our seatmates would switch and thats because I made sure we had something to offer. Attempting to interfere with the duties of a flight crew member. First, when I was traveling in my USAF uniform, they asked if I would be interested in moving to first class and travel with an unaccompanied minor. Not my fault youre too cheap to pay.. @Tim I think that may be cultural, I grew up in a culture where the sympathy meaning of sorry is far more emphasised than the personal responsibility meaning, so that may have shaped my view. And if there were none left, they could have called the airline and figured it out ahead of time. When they asked a passenger seated near them if they were willing to switch seats, he refused. Terms apply. Because I am handicapped, I paid the difference and chose the Main Cabin rate to be a little more comfortable. Whats your take on switching seats on a plane? ), Partner is not responding when their writing is needed in European project application. The debate around airplane etiquette has reached fever pitch in recent months - but it has been reignited once again by an influencer who refused to switch seats. Airlines oversell their scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate for no-shows.. The influencer also posts content about her designer purchases on Instagram, where she has 94,000 followers. I am not sure I understand: they want you to take their worse seat (dirty, middle or whatever), just like that? People blurt especially about weather in the middle of winter. So I dont have any sympathy. There were, however, a few people who sided with Mr Kloss. He asked if I would sit in the middle so he could have the aisle since he was anxious about flying. My first officer was flying, and he experienced problems when he rotated the aircraft: It was very heavy. Unless theres a very good reason I will not switch and even then only to an aisle seat. Dont forget to do the same if youre found in this situation! I fully agree with your stance., One added: Its not my fault you guys didnt plan it better., Another added: If youre asking to switch seats my new seat has to be equal or better than where I am now. In literally hundreds of flights, I have been asked only twice to change seats, once by the flight attendant to allow a very elderly and frail woman to sit next to a member of her family, who was seated next to me. No, thank you. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. A man asked if he was in the wrong to ask a fellow airline passenger to switch seats with him so he could sit by his wife. "We switched recently to help out a family," one commenter wrote. Her video has been viewed more than 840,000 times - with a majority of people applauding her for refusing to switch seats. Ideally, the passenger with a pressing, real need (not just a want) for a seat Another said: People dont realise that airlines make changes to seats you paid and booked for, months in advance., While one added: The airline separates families all the time even though you book well in advance happened to me.. unfortunately for her loud enough so everybody in first class could hear her. On other occasions when flying alone, I found myself in the middle seat between a married couple who hoped the seat would remain vacant. If I was younger and with no brace, I would consider swapping. Basic economy states exactly that issue if you want to save a few bucks and not pay for the seats. Passenger Praised (And I Praise Him Too) For Refusing To Change His Seat For Rude Family. How to refuse someone asking for additional help "while you're at it"? Can you explain this part?