General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Airplane Etiquette [View all]frazzled
(18,402 posts)me in the middle and he on the aisle; something like 21 B and C. And when we arrived at the gate and checked our boarding passes, we discovered that we were now seated in entirely different rows, far apart. The airline had changed our seating. This is not the first time that had happened (although previously, I think, it was before the airlines made you pay for an aisle or window seat). It was a nighttime 4 1/2 hour flight.
Fortunately, we were able to complain to the gate agent, and after some attempt to push back at us, she relented and straightened out the situation.
I also recall when my nephew and his husband had booked a flight for themselves and their just over 2-year-old daughter (full fare), paying the extra fee so that one of them would be seated next to her. When they got there, they saw that the three of them had been seated in entirely different rows. Their solution? My nephew-in-law deposited the toddler in the assigned (wrong) middle seat, and handed the surrounding passengers their diaper bag. Here are some books and treats, he explained, and if she starts to wail, just give her this huggie. He returned to his seat and within seconds the shocked passenger reurned with the child and offered to trade seats with him. Snap.
This is all just to say, its not always the passengers fault, but the airlines.
What we should all be complaining about is the airlines money grubbing fee-based system that discriminates against families and the elderly or infirm (who cant reach up to put a bag in the bin and must therefore pay $30 each way to check their bag, while the young businessman flings it up with ease). Its why I try to fly Southwest when possible.