Earlier this year I was flying from LAX to Amsterdam non stop. I had a window seat which is what I prefer. I knew the flight was not full so there would be open seats available. I have priority boarding so I was able to board first and get settled in.
I asked a flight attendant if he would consider moving me to a better seat once everyone had boarded. He obliged and said he would let me know where and when I could move. I was sitting behind the bulkhead row.
Right before take off the FA informed me that I was free to take the seat in front of me, bulkhead window – Score! The guy who was sitting next to me was delighted to have the two seats to himself, and I move to the row in front. I get settled in, store my luggage, and the FAs take their seats.
All of the sudden the guy next to me decides he wants my seat and starts throwing a huge fit. Instead of delaying take off and getting the FAs involved, I quietly move back to my original seat. I spent the entire flight making sure the jerk got no sleep.
Later the flight attendant asked me why I didn’t take the upgraded seat. I explained my situation and he said he would take care of it. I told him I already had… with my feet. I got a nod of approval from the FA.
This isn’t a flight from hell, and yes I realize that makes me a jerk too, but I hate entitled a**holes. Like the FA said, he doesn’t own the seats and he can’t have two.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
You weren't a jerk because you sought approval beforehand, were courteous to FA's and you thought you were doing someone else a favour, but an actual jerk decided your seat was better than his and felt entitled to it, even though you were already in it and you asked politely for it.
YES, you ARE a jerk too! You should've just "stood your ground" and STAYED in the seat that you'd ASKED FOR!!! Dang man! 'Caving in" like that is just ridiculous and making sure he didn't get any sleep is too!!!
So instead of getting the flight attendant to resolve the issue, you just decided to act like an asshat. Well done you, I guess.
This situation could go either way. You could have gotten what you wanted and talked to the FA when you could about what this man was doing, or you could have given him what he wanted. Based on his outburst, you should've just stayed. He didn't deserve to be in your seat, anyway.