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Would You Switch Seats for a Family on an Airplane?

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Do the needs of a family to be seated together on a plane outweigh the needs of three other passengers?

Would You Switch Seats for a family on an Airplane Traveling Well For Less

What’s Your Policy on Switching Seats?

If you had an 18 1/2 hour flight, would you switch an aisle seat for a window seat and inconvenience two elderly passengers if a family wanted to sit together on a plane?

The scenario: Early morning sold out flight from Los Angeles to Washington, Dulles.

Passenger A is seated in 15D, an aisle seat in Economy. Passenger A’s end destination is Dubai. Passenger A needs to get up frequently because she is flying for 18 1/2 hours and needs to make frequent use of the facilities.

Passengers B and C are an elderly couple in their late 70’s seated in 12D and E, in front of Passenger A (this plane does not have rows 13 and 14).  Passengers B and C are overweight and needed assistance putting their carry-on luggage in the overhead bin.

Passenger D is a mom. Passenger E is a 2 year male, son of Passenger D and Passenger G. Passenger G is a dad.  Passenger F is a 1 year male, son of Passenger D & F.

Passengers D, E, F, and G board about 20 minutes prior to departure. All seats in Rows 7 to 15 with the exception of 12F (window) are occupied.

Passenger D and E are assigned to 15 E & F. After Passenger D seats self and E asks Passenger A: “Would you mind moving so my husband could sit in your seat?”

Passenger A: “Where’s your husband’s seat?”

Passenger D: “It’s in row 12.”

Passenger F: “It’s that one and points to 12F, the window seat next to Passengers B and C.

Passenger A politely declines. Passenger D and Passenger F react like spoiled children and the flight is an uncomfortable experience for everyone except Passengers B and C.

And if you hadn’t already guessed, Passenger A was me. I’ve switched seats every time I’ve been asked with the exception of twice: this time and years ago when I was seated in 1F and had a tight connection at Dallas. Both times when the requester didn’t get their way, they reacted badly.

How would you have handled the situation?  If you were Passenger A, would you have switched seats for the family? If you’ve declined to move seats, has the requester acted badly?

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Justine

Monday 24th of July 2017

It's an interesting situation.... I have swapped if I am on my own and it's a short flight, like under 2 hours. But if it's longer, especially over 6 hours or those 14-18 hour flights, I would be hesitant. I paid just as much if not more money as everyone else, so shouldn't I get what I want? Especially if I have picked my seat specifically.

Can't believe people get all pouty if you decline to move! Well I guess I can believe it... good on you for sticking to your guns!

Debra Schroeder

Wednesday 23rd of August 2017

Hi Justine,

Thanks. It's a tricky situation for sure.

Tammy

Saturday 17th of May 2014

Happened to Colie and I coming home from Hawaii. I said "sorry but I booked this seat to be next to my daughter and I need an aisle". There's no pouting in flying or baseball. Stop yourself people.

Traveling Well For Less

Sunday 18th of May 2014

Hi Tammy,

ROFL. I'll have to remember that line. :)

dotti cahill

Wednesday 7th of May 2014

i agree it can get ugly.. i was asked to change to a middle seat in a row of 5 across for a 3+ hour flight because the women in seat 3-middle was 5 months pregnant?? really pg is a special thing now it did not used to be when i was pg 20 years ago... but the googgle me me generation (post millenials) want it all NOWWWW

Traveling Well For Less

Thursday 8th of May 2014

Hi dotti,

Wow. I agree, it's becoming a microwave (want it now), all about me generation.

GETITON

Wednesday 7th of May 2014

I knew it was YOU before read 3 lines. I ain't moving for nuttin that's why we go on line to pick our seats.Let them tough it out. We have been in these circumstances before and never asked someone to exchange seats.Good for you.why should you be inconvenienced.Me 18+ hours many wzzes.

Traveling Well For Less

Thursday 8th of May 2014

Hi GETITON,

Thanks for the support. :)

I wouldn't have minded if it wouldn't have been an inconvenience for the other two passengers.

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