An airline passenger recently shared his shocking experience on a flight from Toronto to Vancouver. The man, known as Canada11235813 on the subreddit ‘Entitled People’, was relaxing in his business class seat when a woman approached him with a request to switch seats so she could sit with her husband. Little did he know, the switch would mean downgrading to economy class.
But this story takes it to a whole new level of disturbance
Experts say it’s reasonable to switch seats for certain situations, like being next to young kids or elderly relatives
Carla Bevins, a business management communication teacher at Carnegie Mellon University, explains that there are instances where seat-switching is not appropriate.
These include different service classes, sitting in an exit row, or when the seat belt sign is on. It’s like going to a dinner party and deciding to sit wherever you want instead of your assigned seat. It’s impolite. Etiquette expert Rosalinda Oropeza Randall agrees that passengers have the right to decline a seat-switch request politely.
You don’t have to explain yourself; a simple “I prefer to stay where I am” will do. While airlines could solve this problem by allowing passengers to choose their seats without extra charges, for now, it’s best to stick to your own seat.
The man’s story went viral, sparking a discussion in the comments with others sharing similar experiences
“Experts think it’s reasonable to ask someone to switch seats if you need to sit next to your young kids or an elderly relative, but otherwise, not so much.” Who are these “experts,” Karens? If you are flying with kids or elderly folks, it’s your responsibility to plan accordingly and purchase appropriate tickets. Why should others have to change seats because of your lack of planning?
Fair enough, the experts say you can ask but not demand.
Some people are living in their own world. Absolutely wild…
Some people think they can have it their way while the rest of us have to tolerate it.
I can already see this happening on my flight to Greece in April. I’ve already booked my seat, but it has changed once due to an aircraft change. Airlines like to play tricks.
“Could I switch with you so I can sit next to my husband?”
