Seat Is Stolen From Pregnant Passenger

January 24, 2010

in Passenger Stories

Having been a regular flier, I always booked my flights well in advance and always chose the same type of seat – by the aisle closest to the front of the plane. Knowing that my upcoming trips would be towards the end of my pregnancy, I made an extra effort to ensure that I would have ready access to jump up to the restroom if needed.

During my last trip home, which was 2 weeks before my son was born, I waited until most of the passengers boarded the plane. When I approached my seat I noticed a man sitting there, so I politely said “I’m sorry, but I believe you’re in my seat.” The man was not in poor shape; he possibly had a beer belly but wasn’t obese I would say. The man replied “Oh, well I was thinking maybe whoever’s seat this was wouldn’t mind switching with me since I’m kind of a big guy.” I took turns looking at him, then looking at my very pregnant 36 week belly pointing at it, and said “Oh, well, I sort of have my own issues.” The man harrumphed at me and moved over.

 Trying to find middle ground, I offered to switch seats in the middle of the 2 hour flight if he wanted to. He declined the offer. I’m not saying that pregnant people should get all the breaks, but I paid for that specific seat regardless of whether or not I was pregnant… maybe he should have planned better (if possible) and had a little more compassion.

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Demotage January 24, 2010 at 5:02 pm

I don't think you should have felt bad at all. It was your seat. It pisses me off when people just take your seat and then just assume that since they are already there, you will just go ahead and let them have it. It pisses me off even more when they act like they are doing you a favor by giving you back the seat that you had the foresight to reserve. It was your seat regardless of your being pregnant, but in light of your pregnancy, his resistance goes from being simply annoying to being kind of dickish.

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Jim January 25, 2010 at 9:40 am

The nerve of this guy. What a jerk. You planned ahead. You reserved the seat. You paid for the seat. It is yours. Period.

He could have planned ahead and done the same. His ignorance, his lack of planning is not yours or anyone elses problem. Your offer was more than gracious. And, shows you are a better person than he.

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A&P Mechanic January 25, 2010 at 10:04 am

Your seat. I assume your boarding pass had that seat number on it? You were nice to the guy, I wouldn't not have been (and have encountered this before). You did your research and planning, not him.

Good on you for standing up to the rude and arrogant!

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RJ January 28, 2010 at 12:40 pm

Honey, you paid for the seat, he didn't. End of story. Pregnant trumps portly in my book any day!

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chardonnay July 10, 2010 at 8:38 am

You stood up for youself, congratulations. He was being cavalier and self centered. But can't change others.

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