"I'm sorry you were not assigned the seat you needed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nope, thats not a good enough excuse, Im staying hereI think Id get fewer dirty looks and side comments by simply and politely saying no, then trying to figure out whether they have a good enough reason or can incentivize me to move to a worse location. With Southwest I always pay extra to be sure to get an aisle seat near the front of the airplane. A few years ago the passenger next to me was overweight and had booked two seats so Im happy with the extra elbow room. When they asked a passenger seated near them if they were willing to switch seats, he refused. I was very upset but it was too late to complain. Beware: the exchange is not always worth it. I told the crew member that unless they [American Airlines] gave me a first-class seat near a bathroom and immediately refunded the $164.00 I paid for my seats to and back from London, I was staying where I was. 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 A passenger on Virgin Australia airlines started a debate over airplane etiquette after a man said no to swapping seats so he could sit next to his wife. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Travellers unfair seat swap request. I was asked to switch seats with the elderly lady. She complained about me all the way to her seat and I was stared at/ glared at. I had booked a flight and paid for my seat on an Air Canada flight from Toronto to Frankfurt for August 31, 2022. If that doesn't deserve a slapdown, what does? Or I would switch if I was offered a better seat biz or first, or more legroom. How to refuse someone asking for additional help "while you're at it"? I am not sure I understand: they want you to take their worse seat (dirty, middle or whatever), just like that? WebAITA for refusing to switch airplane seats twice? The caption when a family asks me to switch seats on the plane so they can sit together, followed by a raised He asked if I would sit in the middle so he could have the aisle since he was anxious about flying. It's an unspoken rule when it comes to seat swaps | Photo: Unsplash/chrisbrignola. 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 window seat was occupied, but the center seat was open. Terms apply. No Im not switching for a middle seat. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. I would also get on the plane early and ask the passenger before they got settled in. Can you explain this part? Have you been in a similar situation where someone requested you to switch places on a flight? The now vacant two seats were given to a lady and her little boy. Though some people can vaguely guess their request for a seat exchange would be turned down, they keep trying. How can I politely refuse to help classmates with their work? Pretty much an exact duplicate of this question on Travel SE. Its happened far too many times for it to be a coincidence. Of course, I said yes. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek. Editorial Note: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. "You don't ask someone to downgrade for your convenience," said one top comment with 46,000 likes. Otherwise no dice., While one recalled: So funny people are like this. On other occasions when flying alone, I found myself in the middle seat between a married couple who hoped the seat would remain vacant. Ive been on both sides of this multiple times. 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. I am sorry but I am just as important as you are. I really enjoy the views. The influencer also posts content about her designer purchases on Instagram, where she has 94,000 followers. I think the flight crews should be more proactive about that when they see an uncomfortable seating arrangement, when they have crew on travelling on board. Some people will of course become argumentative, but I am of the opinion they would have become so regardless of what you said. I do not give up my assigned seat. At the last second, two young women came on board and were frustrated that they had middle seats and not together, so the one next to me said Why dont you go back there and take her seat so she and I can sit together? as if it was expected that I would just jump up and do that. No Im not switching for a middle seat. Again, as I figure, a family who had not been willing to pay for three seats together. However, Mr Kloss was still Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. I said no and told him my switching would not solve the elderly ladys request to sit next to her husband. 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. Newsweek has reached out to u/Unlikely-Strategy596 for comment. One of the male passengers climbed over the seats to avoid any physical contact with her. Would you change seats to accommodate a disabled person? How can I properly refuse my mother's help? He was crying, I want to sit next to you, Mom! so before she even asked, I volunteered to switch. 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. say instead "Thank you for. Personally, Im a softy for switching where children are involved, and less so for adults (if I have a great seat). I didnt think fast enough to make that request. I hope you are able to have this situation resolved.". According to The New York Times, Laura Heywood, 42, was flying to London when she was asked to swap her middle seat with her husband so a man with the window But for others, no. A couple embarking on their honeymoon failed to book seats together on the plane ride. WebWoman Called Rude B*tch For Refusing To Give Up Her Window Seat On Plane For Disabled Child. You're probably not, as if you were. So, I politely refused. A PASSENGER refused to swap seats during a flight with a family so they could all sit together - but people are saying the same thing. I indicated if I switched seats with the elderly lady she would not be sitting next to her husband. My moving would allow them to sit together. Terms apply. They can even offer you a reason to switch. In October, a woman named Maresa Friedman defended herself for not moving seats in a TikTok that went viral, eliciting a response from another creator who urged her to "do better" and have "compassion" for families. 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. In most cases folks are pretty understanding. This is what the family of the elderly lady (see below) probably did. They asked if Id be willing to switch, I asked to which seat, they said the same rows other middle seat. An influencer who said she refused to move seats on a plane so a family could sit together is being met with a wave of support from viewers who said they thought she's completely in the right. You werent wrong to politely refuse a request to move. 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. When I meet new people, they often apologize on behalf of Minnesota (Sorry about the winters! as if I didnt know it was cold here before I came) or express shock that I chose to move (I would love to live in Denver!). Her seat was an aisle seat two rows behind my husband. Other people can do so as well. The traveler stated that they despise aisle seats due to always being bumped by trolleys and other people. For the world, for that matter. Not my fault youre too cheap to pay.. In a TikTok post which has now garnered more than 900,000 I have long legs, and those seats tend to provide more legroom not that I have to justify myself. Audrey Peters via TikTok and Richard Sharrocks/Getty Images. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Justin Kase zsixz / Alamy Stock Photo. 60,000 bonus points. If you truly do not wish to, you can simply look at the person, smile, and say, Im sorry, but I specifically chose Once on board the plane, which was a packed flight, I was approached by a crew member stating they had a couple who wanted to sit together and asked if I would give up my seat for them, I refused telling her I was handicapped and I chose my seat based on the closeness of the bathroom which was still a short walk. as well as other partner offers and accept our. For a family with a small child, I would seriously consider moving as a courtesy, however since the airlines are all charging you in some way if you want a good seat, they should compensate you for that. "I'm sorry, I selected this seat in advance. However, not everyone was on Audreys side with her seat refusal. You werent wrong to politely refuse a request to move. I need to get up and move around so I always pick an aisle seat. Seating arrangements in planes are first-come, first-served, and in some cases, youd get some added perks like extra legroom. After all, maybe youd paid extra for this particular seat or chose it after careful research. Precisely! Despite feeling inconvenienced, some people agree to switch places in exchange for another comfortable seat. When the flight was over, the elderly ladys husband was in the deboarding area and really gave me a glare. WebAfter her video went viral, it reignited a plane etiquette debate that keeps blowing up on TikTok. I love it here, and Im delighted I moved! Ill bet that changes these chats. How did you react? A passenger has been praised online after refusing to swap seats twice on a 10-hour flight. But this spurs more questions, or silent but detectable hostility and scowling from some of these rejected seatmates. Generally, you are entitled to sit in the seat that you paid for the one that is printed on your boarding pass. I, too, book my flights way in advance and always get to the airport early. In a TikTok post which has now garnered more than 900,000 views, Audrey Peters toasts the camera with a glass of fizz.. 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. Videos about seat switching continue to stir controversy and debate on TikTok. they have reason to believe that a swap would be more beneficial to them than inconvenient to you), then I would take a more polite, understanding approach. If it was really about sitting together, why didn't they ask the people 20 rows back if they'd like the better seats upfront? I'm short enough that my legs fit in just about any airline seat. 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. Arleen's video sparked a number of duets and stitches from users who shared their own stories about people they have seen refusing to move seats on a flight.. One user called @lizarddame shared a story on January 15 about traveling with a When Garg refused to switch seats, her seatmate began 'muttering profanities' about her for the duration of the flight. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. When a family asks me to switch seats on the plane so they can sit together, she said in a TikTok video - as she filmed herself sipping a glass of champagne after the seat rejection. would be "I do not wish to change" or "I reserved this seat" or (again) "This seat is just fine". If the airline assigned the seats and the parent is separated from the child, and asks someone to switch so they can sit next to their child, and the person wont My future husband has four siblings, one of whom is single. @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. "Can I call the flight attendant? However, in one case the couple wanted to keep their seats (their choice) and I spent the entire flight between them. This usually lets me claim my preferred seat: on the aisle in the bulkhead row. Reddit user u/throw44245t363 explained that they initially said yes, but after they saw the seat they wo The New York Times recently featured a story titled: I Refused to Switch Seats on a Plane. Book your flights earlier babes. Audrey Peters has ignited a furious airline etiquette debate after she refused to swap seats for a family to sit together. I think that you having specifically chosen that seat is a strong argument, which many will simply accept. 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? Especially lately, I noticed the trend are folks who have basic economy tickets and board last on legacy carriers and seem to be annoyed that they have a bunch of middle seats assigned. I suggest that stewards look elsewhere for volunteers if fellow passengers try to shame me from the sidelines. What am I doing wrong here in the PlotLegends specification? Twice. Book your flights earlier babes. Audrey Peters has ignited a furious airline etiquette debate after she refused to swap seats for a family to sit together. What should I do? If you disagree, downvote or write your own answer. 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. Unless you have special access to some kind of reservation system, they had the same chance you did of getting that seat. I empathize with people traveling together who wish to sit together, including families, but every legacy carrier has a flexible seating chart that you can monitor from booking time literally until almost boarding time. 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. 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. Either give me the money or book earlier. 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. Flying with young children is challenging; doing so while sitting in separate rows, or under unexpected circumstances (a distant family member falling ill, for instance), is far more difficult. There may be another reason.. Advertiser Disclosure: The card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Johnny Jet receives compensation. He asked if the man seated in the aisle would mind switching with his wife in the window seat. And I, as well, really dont care how adorable your kids are. But not everyone would be willing to move from their comfort zone, and one guy proved hes no exception either. The complimentary wine and warm nuts of business class are a balm to many wounds. 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.). For more Lifestyle related news and videos check out Lifestyle >>. "but this was a time not to be tactful." Now I couldnt disclose that at the time of the request and had to decline. And I'd leave it at that. Now, none of this obliges you to change seats. But does the person who first requested a seat swap approve? Its hard for most passengers to say no to someone who wants to sit beside their loved one. I would say "Sorry, but I specifically booked this seat because { characteristics which made you pick that seat}". But when they boarded the plane, a family of four approached the Redditor and asked if they could switch spots. I definitely wouldnt do it to sit in seat I dont want window or middle. Unfortunately, I had to endure the smells for the rest of the trip. dear Johnny Jet, it is my understanding that for identification and tracing purposes in case like pandemics and serious aviation or other accidents/incidents, passengers are to remain in their assigned seats; in fact prior to takeoff announcements are made to take the assigned seats in my experience; quite surprisingly to me, i have not seen any reference made to this reason in the comments nor in your own remarks. The same happened to the lady beside me. However, a pilot made a shocking revelation why switching seats before a takeoff can be very dangerous. But you reserved THAT seat, in advance, and may have paid more for it. It has been a Editorial Note: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Anyone can read what you share. Sure, others can ask why. What video game is Charlie playing in Poker Face S01E07? In these days of having to PAY EXTRA a lot of the time to get a specified seat I agree with everyone who politely says no, weighs ALL of the circumstances and what (everyone has to offer) if I do agree.. And if I dont get a seat I had to PAY EXTRA for, I always request the airline REFUND MY SEAT MONEY! If you have a similar dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. But cant control cancellations and sh**** rebooking. OR your ESA (emotional support animal). ), then I would almost always move, except to a location one poster mentioned abovenear the bathroom. I politely said no, that I was comfortable where I was, but she became disrespectful and wouldnt let up even after the plane had taken off and the pilot had turned off the seatbelt sign. After asking Reddit users if they were in the wrong for refusing to move, commenters started leaving their thoughts overwhelmingly siding with the poster. After all its a short flight. Be straight with your fianc and talk this through. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. 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. with her boyfriend makes you uncomfortable or you just dont want to see this guy at your wedding. Garg says she was asked to move seats so a mom could sit with her teenager, but Now, none of this obliges you to change seats. Also, it doesnt matter if you paid extra or chose the most appealing freebie seat, the seat allotment printed on your boarding pass belongs only to you. One person explained on Reddit how his five-hour-flight journey kickstarted with a mother cussing him mid-flight. 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. This approach communicates that I have a specific preference (that I arranged for). Rudy Dong/Unsplash. Friedman later said another reason she did not want to move seats was that she had a disability, which led more commenters to take her side in the debate on flight etiquette that her video created. This dear, young woman ended up sprawling all over the poor lady sitting next to her. Your comments are much appreciated! Yes, they want your seat. I always pick a right-side aisle seat for the ease of mobilityso I wont have to inconvenience the other 2 passengers if and when Mother Nature calls. Thats a hard no. 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. I will never take a window seat in an exchange unless its in first class. Instead simply express your unwillingness to move e.g. The worst part was that her boyfriend, who could have doubled for The Rock, was waiting for her at the gate when we arrived. Shockingly, the crew never intervened in Wolfsons matter both the times until she sued them. She got in my face and continued her tirade at lower volume but I took then took the opportunity to say loud enough everyone could her me included 3 stewards standing frozen waiting to jumpdont threaten me again or I will scream and you wont be sitting anywhere other than the police room at the airportI got almost a 100% standing ovation from all within earshot. I have only added it to my answer as a non-verbal alternative to my original gambit. I live on the Big Island of Hawaii and when I travel on inter-island hopper flights, I purposely book a window seat on the pertinent side both directions of the plane to view the islands and the coastline. Why are trials on "Law & Order" in the New York Supreme Court? The crew member was relentless and insisted I give up my seat and I stood my ground. That should be the end of it.". This was a very critical situation because the runway was very short, and we would not have been able to stop, pilot Magnar Nordal explained. But I didnt want to move! For help with your awkward situation, send a question to SocialQ@nytimes.com, to Philip Galanes on Facebook or @SocialQPhilip on Twitter. Book your flights earlier babes. Audrey Peters has ignited a furious airline etiquette debate after she refused to swap seats for a For me its like watching the sunset, they dont get old. 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. 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}". I was also asked by a mother to switch seats. I also think that anyone should realize that switching seats may be against the contract of carriage, airline rules, or country-specific regulations. This brings me to my problem: The last two times Ive flown, a steward asked me to change seats to accommodate a parent flying alone with small children. Beginners Guide to Credit Card Points & Miles, Booking Tool for Flights, Hotels, Cruises and Cars. I am 75 and mildly handicapped (cerebral palsy mild) and mildly arthritic. It turned out that the gentlemen beside me now was her husband. 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 Especially if a longer flight. The turbulence was wicked on descent and she not only held my hand but she dug her nails into my arm. All others should just settle in and endure. Obviously if the other person is way taller than you, give her the seat ;). I Refused to Switch Seats on a Plane. Now, with respect to the scowling and hostility: stay polite. Usually I would switch, it depends on the situation. ", She also lip-synched to a popular TikTok audio clip that says, "Girl, fuck them kids, and fuck you, too.". 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. They asked. In the end, she switched places to avoid any delay to the flight. So thats why, if I couldnt get seats together, I would at least assign us an aisle and a window so we had some leverage and a better chance of enticing someone to move. 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. How Hard Is It to Get the American Express Platinum Card? By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Re: Seat Switch Refusal-Part 2 (or 3) u got to hold your ground, rise above the nastiness and get into your zen zone. At the time, I was learning Portuguese from cds and decided to spend the rest of the flight with my ear buds and she had to listen to me speak in Portuguese responding to the Portuguese lessons and I made sure she could hear every word all the way across the United States. There were, however, a few people who sided with Mr Kloss. No, thank you. Tim Nickerson has learned just how aggressive the commandeering of seats can be. I politely declined. Any number of passengers could have done so to accommodate those families. How to react to a students panic attack in an oral exam? I do not know what exactly was going on, but I do not think it appropriate to ask a passenger to give up his/her seat and really not appropriate to get a pilot to ask.
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