It pays to be kind
Today I w
as able to move up to a flight that was already boarding. I ended up being the last person to board the plane that was maybe 75% full so even though I was told I had a whole row of an exit row to myself I found someone already in my seat. I had been assigned 10F (Window) on an A319. Not only is it a window, but it’s a window without a seat in front of it so I was a bit upset when I got to my seat row and saw my seat occupied. How did I express myself? I said “You’re in my seat, but I’ll just take this one.” Since the aisle was empty, I was last to board and they were wrapping up I decided just to take the aisle. The person who took my seat offered to move, but for such a short flight it doesn’t matter.
Eventually the guy saw past my death stares and we actually had a pretty good conversation for the rest of the flight. I regret my initial comment and I’m glad I didn’t make a stink about the seat because a flight is often better with a good conversation.
In my early travel days I used to make snarky comments to people in the airport who would ask questions that are common knowledge to any Flyertalker. As luck would have it, they would often be the ones sitting next to me during the flight. I grew up and learned a flight is much better without making enemies.
So if you are inclined to be passive-aggressive, keep your comments to yourself and you may just make a friend out of it.
I probably would have done the same. However, with an exit row seat being more expensive nowadays, the person may be stealing from the airline 🙂
If I had paid I would have made him move.
“In my early travel days I used to make snarky comments to people in the airport who would ask questions that are common knowledge to any Flyertalker. I grew up and learned a flight is much better without making enemies.” I would hope that you find life is better, not just flights, when you treat people decently.