A viral social media post has sparked a heated debate over plane etiquette and personal boundaries after a passenger admitted to refusing to give up an aisle seat when asked by another traveler.
Posted on the “r/AITAH” forum on Reddit, the note was titled “I will not give up my aisle seat on a 15-hour flight for an elderly lady with mobility issues.”
The user said he was “sitting in the aisle seat of the bulkhead row in the center section. Next to me was an older lady, probably in her 60s” – and the woman stood up of the seat.
“DOOR LICE” AND “SEAT SQUATTERS” AMONG THE MOST VIRAL TRAVEL TRENDS OF 2024
“A few minutes later she returned with a air hostess and asked if I could swap seats with her because she had “mobility issues.”
The Reddit user said that on the seat right next to the woman’s original seat was a heavy passenger spilling out into space.
A passenger on the plane (not pictured) shared a “seat change” story on Reddit, sparking much debate. An elderly woman asked for an aisle seat, saying she had mobility issues, but the person who selected and paid for that original seat refused to move. (iStock)
Assuming the older woman would have had a pre-assigned seat if she had mobility issues, the user refused to swap seats because it seemed like the woman just wanted to change seats so she wouldn’t need to sit next to a seat. larger passenger.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the original Reddit poster for comment.
The refusal of the “seat change” has divided people online, with some defending the passenger’s decision and others expressing concern for the older woman.
PLANE PASSENGER CALLS OTHER FLYERS FOR BAD HABITS, SHARES RESOLUTION FOR PROBLEM
“She knew that she [had] mobility problems and CHOSE not to reserve a seat that was comfortable for her and thought she would just force someone else out of her assigned seat,” one user commented.
Another added: “She just didn’t want to sit next to her table neighbor in the middle [seat]. Especially if we offered her another path and she refused.”
“Just look the flight attendant in the eye. Smile politely. And say, ‘I’ll trade seats if my alternative is business class or higher,'” one user suggested to anyone who is asked request to change seats on a plane. (iStock)
“I have to book two seats or fly first class because I’m tall… The old lady can do the same thing, she was just cheap and trying to take your seat,” one user commented.
One person suggested: “Just look the flight attendant in the eye.” Smile politely. And say, “I will swap seats if my alternative is business class or higher.” » »
“Former cabin crew here: people with reduced mobility are generally expected to be seated [at] a window seat for safety reasons,” one user claimed.
“Just look the flight attendant in the eye. Smile politely.”
The same user adds: “In case of emergency, they are the last to get off the plane to ensure that the vast majority of passengers evacuated safely.“
Another person wrote: “Having her climb around you to get out… This could have looked like [there was] plenty of space, but as we age our balance and reflexes diminish.
“She knew that she [had] mobility issues and CHOSE not to reserve a comfortable seat,” one user said of the drama depicted on social media. (iStock)
“Airlines should have a policy that they don’t ask people to change seats for others,” one user said.
The plane passenger updated the post, sharing that the woman in question had been offered an alternative by the flight attendant.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
“The flight attendant offered her an aisle seat after I refused to move, but she wanted more legroom in the bulkhead row and declined the alternative offer of an aisle seat,” indicates the poster.
Rosalinda Randall, a California-based etiquette expert, told Fox News Digital that “no one has an obligation to change seats.”
A California etiquette expert said offering to buy a passenger a drink could prompt them to change seats. (iStock)
“The person making the request has no right to wait [this]or make a scene when they don’t get what they want,” Randall said.
Randall said making a polite request to change seats was acceptable, even if it might frustrate other passengers.
For more lifestyle stories, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle
She suggested nicer ways to present the request.
There may be some circumstances in which changing airplane seats would be a minor inconvenience, an etiquette expert suggested. (iStock)
“Consider this: You may have better luck if a flight attendant makes the announcement or can offer to buy him a drink or twopay for airline extras, pay them in cash/transfer funds,” Randall suggested.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Randall said there might be some circumstances in which the change would be a minor inconvenience.
“It’s a short flight, you can find a similar seat in another row, or anyone would be an upgrade over passenger [you’re currently] sitting next to it,” Randall said.
