I just got back from a trip, and something kind of annoyed me but now I’m wondering if I was actually being rude. So I was flying home after a long week, and I had paid extra for a window seat. I’m a bit of a nervous flyer, and sitting by the window helps me zone out. I booked this seat a month in advance and even paid a little more to lock it in.
Anyway, I get on the plane, find my seat, and this girl (maybe early 20s) is already sitting in it. She smiles and says, “Hey! Would you mind switching? My boyfriend is in the middle seat here, and I’d love to sit next to him.” She points to a middle seat a few rows back. I just kind of blinked at her and said, “Sorry, I actually booked this seat specifically. I’m not comfortable switching.” She looked surprised and kind of annoyed, but moved without arguing.
Later in the flight, I caught her giving me the occasional side-eye and whispering to her boyfriend. I didn’t say anything, just put my headphones on. But when we landed, she muttered something like, “Some people are just selfish,” as we got up to leave. I told a friend about it and she said, “I mean, it wouldn’t have killed you to switch.” But like… it’s not just about being nice. I paid extra for that seat. I get anxious flying. And frankly, the only seat she offered was worse.
So now I’m wondering, was I really that rude? Or was it okay to politely say no when I had a valid reason?
AITA for not giving up my window seat just so a couple could sit together?
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Backup of the post’s body: I just got back from a trip, and something kind of annoyed me but now I’m wondering if I was actually being rude. So I was flying home after a long week, and I had paid extra for a window seat. I’m a bit of a nervous flyer, and sitting by the window helps me zone out. I booked this seat a month in advance and even paid a little more to lock it in.
Anyway, I get on the plane, find my seat, and this girl (maybe early 20s) is already sitting in it. She smiles and says, “Hey! Would you mind switching? My boyfriend is in the middle seat here, and I’d love to sit next to him.” She points to a middle seat a few rows back. I just kind of blinked at her and said, “Sorry, I actually booked this seat specifically. I’m not comfortable switching.” She looked surprised and kind of annoyed, but moved without arguing.
Later in the flight, I caught her giving me the occasional side-eye and whispering to her boyfriend. I didn’t say anything, just put my headphones on. But when we landed, she muttered something like, “Some people are just selfish,” as we got up to leave. I told a friend about it and she said, “I mean, it wouldn’t have killed you to switch.” But like… it’s not just about being nice. I paid extra for that seat. I get anxious flying. And frankly, the only seat she offered was worse.
So now I’m wondering, was I really that rude? Or was it okay to politely say no when I had a valid reason?
AITA for not giving up my window seat just so a couple could sit together?
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NTA. Frankly she is! If she wanted to sit with her boyfriend she should have pre booked like you did. Don’t give her a second thought.
NTA – she was counting on you feeling guilty and intimidated. You were right to keep your seat.
Fuck them tell it to there travel agent
Her failure to properly plan is not your problem.
It doesn’t matter why you didn’t switch. You paid for it and have 0 obligation to switch. If they wanted to sit together, they should have paid extra and planned better.
Ask your friend if she would have after paying for the seat and why you should lose out on money.
NYA I dont even need to read the rest!
No, you’re fine. She’s rude and entitled.
Did your friend really say it wouldn’t have killed you to switch? If you ever go out to eat, order a side dish and then take her meal when she gets it. Tell her it won’t kill her to switch with you.
NTA. Some people are selfish. Her. She was the selfish one. Just because you ask doesn’t make you entitled to something.
I will only switch for one of 2 things.
Or
Or a third, $$
NTA
There needs to be some airline wide reconsideration about seating policies. The current situation is terrible.
People who have an assigned seat shouldn’t be allowed to move to a different seat before boarding has even finished.
Customers who have paid extra for a seat should not have to deal with seatjumpers themselves.
NTA – Should told her, next time you hope she pays for the seat she wanted and not to be cheap and entitled.
Meh… never obligated to switch. No need to. Glad you enjoyed the flight!!
You were right to keep your seat. I personally like the isle seat. I can get out faster .I feel so trapped against the window relying for others to move out of my way.
I would have replied right back “And some people are idiots and don’t know how to reserve a seat with their boyfriend.”
It’s rude of her to assume you had to switch. You paid extra for the seat, but even if you didn’t, it was your seat and you’re not obligated to give it up.
NTA. If she wanted to sit next to him, she should’ve planned it and paid for it.
Too many people do this exact BS because they know that most will go along to not seem “mean.”
I would’ve smiled if she had told me I was selfish. SHE was selfish by not planning better.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re the AH.
Nope! She sounds entitled & rude
How is she whispering to her boyfriend if they’re not seat together?
I would have offered it to her-for $ 500 cash only. You paid extra for the seat and you deserve to be compensated.
NTA. When people ask a question the answer is either yes or no. She didn’t like your response but that’s on her. I always reply, “Not today thank you.” No further discussion is needed.