Would You Switch Airline Seats If Asked by Another Passenger?
By DB
@dgobucks226 (35633)
April 14, 2023 10:50am CST
Reserving seats on a plane flight seems to have gotten much more complicated in recent years. Things like additional fee charges for preferred seats, being unable to book seats together, and overbooked flights can make for a tense flying experience.
We have seen an increasing lack of airplane etiquette and even fights among passengers for one transgression or another on a flight. One such example which can create a potential controversy is asking a stranger on a flight to switch seats.
I don't fly often but I do enjoy booking a window seat when I do. I like looking out the window and there is some additional leg room and less cramping when compared to a middle seat. I would even pay an additional charge for that right.
But what would you do if another passenger asked you to switch seats so she could sit next to her young daughter? This happened recently in the news. The mother told the man the airline booked seats which separated them and would he take another spot on the plane to accommodate them.
Would you refuse, saying it's not your fault but the airlines, and refer them to the flight attendant to resolve the situation? What if she became belligerent if you refused. Would you just give in rather than be involved in a disturbing scene?
Shouldn't the parent had planned more carefully when she booked the flight to make sure Her's and the child were seated together. If the mom was turned down by one passenger, couldn't she have asked someone else in the area who might not care if they changed seats?
What's your viewpoint on this very sticky situation?
Photo- NBC News
15 people like this
16 responses
@RebeccasFarm (89980)
• Arvada, Colorado
14 Apr 23
These days, I would be very careful ..on airlines.
I may or I may not DB.
People are nuts and unreasonable.
3 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (89980)
• Arvada, Colorado
18 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 Yes..I flew a lot in my life DB..it was never ever like it is now. Nothing at all happened.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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22 Apr 23
@RebeccasFarm Yes, flying used to be a pleasurable experience OT.
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@dgobucks226 (35633)
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17 Apr 23
Very true! I'm of the opinion that many people seem to have more of an entitled attitude these days in many environments, and it seems elevated on planes and even more so of late. Her complaint is really with the airline not the passenger.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471573)
• Switzerland
15 Apr 23
I think this is something that the flight attendant has to manage.
It happened to us during a flight from Nice (France) to New York. We were sitting in front of the security exits. A mother, in the central aisle, wanted to have her two daughters sitting near her, in our seats. She asked us, I told her that kids are not allowed to sit at the security exit. She was becoming abusive, I called the flight attendant who confirmed and moved Mom and her daughters on the back of the plane, where they had free seats.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (471573)
• Switzerland
18 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 - We were frequent flyer and often we could book the security exists because they needed someone who could understand English.
Her kids were behind the row where she was sitting with her husband, they were very close.
In my opinion it's always the flight attendant that must fix the problems.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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17 Apr 23
Oh yes, very true about the security exits. She really had no right to become abusive with you. You have every right to sit in the seats you purchased without being made uncomfortable for not switching seats.
In that airplane scenario in my post, it really isn't the person's fault that the mother and child had separate seats. Why should he or she switch, especially if the change means he/she winds up with a middle seat.
Yes, I agree that the flight attendant should be called to solve her problem.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (70132)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
14 Apr 23
I would take into account how they asked, and then I would ask for a flight attendanant's assistance depending on where and how I'm asked to switch seats. If I can't get bulk head seating that is. But, then I get priority boarding, so....
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (70132)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 Me, it would simply be a matter of getting assistance. I'm disabled which means I get priority boarding. First one on, last one off. I might be in a situation where I literally can't move if the airline can't accommodate me. Which is not my fault. If a parent is traveling with a minor, airlines need to take care parent and child aren't separated by assigning seats next to each other.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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22 Apr 23
@kaylachan Yes, airlines need to do a better job at this..
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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17 Apr 23
Yes, those factors you mentioned would be part of my decision-making process too.
It really isn't the person's fault that the mother and child had separate seats. Why should he switch, especially if the change means he/she winds up with a middle seat.
My rule of thumb in that situation would be 1). Will only change for the same type seat I prefer 2). Will never change an aisle or a window for a middle 3). Will never change if I had to spend extra money to get my seat.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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22 Apr 23
It's funny, but I have a fear of falling like going up on a ladder or an amusement park ride, but flying is ok. I even like the window seat!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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24 Apr 23
@rebelann Well, takeoff and landing can be a little hairy 
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@JudyEv (340503)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 I agree. People nowadays seem to get quite aggressive so easily.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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17 Apr 23
I felt she overreacted in this situation. (She did become belligerent with the man for not switching).
Many people seem to have more of an entitled attitude these days in many environments, and it seems elevated on planes and even more so of late. Her complaint is really with the airline not the passenger. And if one is trying to book seats together with larger groups, she needed to allow for that when booking her reservations. Just my take on it.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (179153)
• United States
25 Apr 23
If I had a seat I preferred; and it was next to my husband, I would not change seats. I like a window seat too. I look outside the whole time I am flying.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (179153)
• United States
29 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 I'm afraid of flying anymore now. I feel safer in a small plane, even though they have a worse record.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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5 May 23
@LindaOHio Overall, Flying is pretty safe compared with other modes of transportation.
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@dgobucks226 (35633)
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29 Apr 23
Yes, if you want to sit together, one needs to make their reservations sooner before your preferred seats are taken.
It really isn't the person's fault that the mother and child had separate seats. Why should he switch, especially if the change means he/she winds up with a middle seat.
Yes, window seats are fun watching except maybe when your taking off and landing.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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29 Apr 23
Oh yes, me neither. Part of the booking process when you make a reservation is to sit in a seat you find comfortable. If the woman needed everyone to sit together, she should have made her reservation sooner.
.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180979)
• United States
14 Apr 23
Probably, as long as it wasn't the middle seat.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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17 Apr 23
It was! 
My rule of thumb in that situation would be 1). Will only change for the same type seat I prefer 2). Will never change an aisle or a window for a middle 3). Will never change if I had to spend extra money to get my seat.
My rule of thumb in that situation would be 1). Will only change for the same type seat I prefer 2). Will never change an aisle or a window for a middle 3). Will never change if I had to spend extra money to get my seat.1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (180979)
• United States
17 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 Yeah, no middle seat...
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37357)
• Toccoa, Georgia
14 Apr 23
It would depend on the situation.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37357)
• Toccoa, Georgia
18 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 If they had a good attitude, I probably would change seats. If they had a bad attitude, I would not.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41459)
• United States
15 Apr 23
I can't see how keeping my assigned seat would be more important than a child being able to sit with its mother. But there are always different circumstances. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41459)
• United States
17 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 Thanks for the mother compliment!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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17 Apr 23
Thanks for you feedback. Spoken like a true mother 
Guess that is why people have different views. And I am not saying your viewpoint is wrong.
My view is she could have asked the flight attendant for assistance in solving her issue instead of making the man uncomfortable. Maybe there was a reason he wanted a certain seat, like more leg room if he had a bad back. What if he had to switch to a less comfortable seat to accommodate her like the middle one. Perhaps she could have asked to see if other passengers would switch seats instead. Seems to me she could have handled it better. (BTW: She did become belligerent towards the man in this situation when he refused.
Guess that is why people have different views. And I am not saying your viewpoint is wrong.
My view is she could have asked the flight attendant for assistance in solving her issue instead of making the man uncomfortable. Maybe there was a reason he wanted a certain seat, like more leg room if he had a bad back. What if he had to switch to a less comfortable seat to accommodate her like the middle one. Perhaps she could have asked to see if other passengers would switch seats instead. Seems to me she could have handled it better. (BTW: She did become belligerent towards the man in this situation when he refused.1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26701)
• Singapore
18 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 Another unreasonable request that was more of a command.
I was on a London-Singapore flight that takes fourteen hours
I pressed the recline button when it was in order but the lady who was behind told me not to
I asked her why as what I did was normal like all others did.
Obviously, she was unhappy and I heard constant murmurings!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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22 Apr 23
@Shiva49 Some people can be very intolerant. What's the purpose of recline seats if you cannot use them. Flying has become more of a chore than a pleasure these days.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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17 Apr 23
I hold the same views. Yes, the flight attendants should have been called to solve the issue.
It really isn't the person's fault that the mother and child had separate seats. He could have accommodated her, but in this instance the woman wanted him to switch to a middle seat. And she became belligerent when he said no.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
14 Apr 23
If only people would be kind and polite, this world would be a lot better place to enjoy. I don't fly any more. But when I did I would have gladly exchanged seats. Nothing is like it used to be. No manners and most are only looking out for themselves. So sad.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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17 Apr 23
In this instance the man refused because it was not a fair switch. He had a window seat and she wanted him to switch to a middle seat. When he would not accommodate her, she got belligerent.
She should have asked the flight attendant to help her instead of berating the passenger.
My rule of thumb in that situation would be 1). Will only change for the same type seat I prefer 2). Will never change an aisle or a window for a middle 3). Will never change if I had to spend extra money to get my seat.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 It would be hard to give up a window seat. And what a response she had, very much uncalled for. I agree with you in this instance.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37726)
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26 Apr 23
This last fall I was on a fully booked flight, there was a mom with a very new baby, and a very elderly lady. She wanted her mother close by, as she said her mother was afraid to fly. I gladly switched around; it was more than understandable that she would want to look after her mother. Someday, I might be that person, we never know what the future will hold for us. A little kindness in a mean world often means so much.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37726)
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29 Apr 23
@dgobucks226
I was flying alone, it didn't matter who I sat next to. But it did matter to them. Like I said, we never know what the future holds for us. Maybe someone will do that for me someday, who knows?
1 person likes this
@Josiwibowo (62)
• Tangerang, Indonesia
18 Apr 23
Parents should ensure that their children sit next to them when booking seats at the beginning.
It is the most important point in booking plane tickets.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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19 Apr 23
It really isn't the person's fault that the mother and child had separate seats. Why should he switch, especially if the change means he/she winds up with a middle seat.
Your right, she should of made sure their seats are together when making the reservation. Her complaint is really with the airline not the passenger.
@Josiwibowo (62)
• Tangerang, Indonesia
20 Apr 23
@dgobucks226 Yes, you're right, She should complaint to the airline no to the passenger.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35633)
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22 Apr 23
Yes, she definitely lost her cool and should have called upon the airline staff for assistance.
