Man Asks If He Was Wrong To Deny Elderly Couple’s Request To Switch Seats He Paid Extra For On 12-Hour Flight

Jul 31, 2023

Every person who rode on a plane will always have a story to tell – whether it be one’s first plane ride or a first international vacation with loved ones, there’s nothing like sharing a story about flying in the skies. Of course, not all plane stories are great. While some people can have the best experiences, there are also some that are unforgettable – but for all the wrong reasons. While some would rather leave those stories behind, there are also those who choose to share their stories simply because they want to let them out – and that’s OK. Take it from a person who shared an encounter with an elderly couple that did not end on a positive note.

In January 2019, a man took to a Reddit thread dedicated to stories about “people who are being way too picky when begging for things.” In the post, the man revealed that the story happened when they went on a three-month trip around the world with his significant other (SO).

“Few years ago my SO and I planned a 3-month trip around the world,” the man began.

Their first trip kicked off with a flight from New Zealand to Los Angeles and a trip that lasted more than 12 hours. The man, who revealed that he is tall, decided to upgrade to fly premium economy to make sure he and his partner had the most comfortable ride throughout their trip. But that upgrade came with an additional $60.

“Our first flight was from New Zealand-LA. 12-13 hours. We booked and paid for our flights and I added the premium economy seats as I’m 6’3 and wanted the extra legroom. Cost an extra $60,” he said.

There was also no mistaking with seat assignments as soon as they hopped on the plane because they each had screens with their names on them. But much to their surprise, there were older people who were in their 70s who occupied their seats when they finally got to their seats.

“This flight was with Air New Zealand, the screen has your name on it when you get to your seat,” he remarked. We get on the plane. Find our seats and there is this older couple sitting there (mid-70s),” he added.

The first thing the man did was ask if the elderly couple got confused with their seat numbers. But they didn’t. Instead, the elderly couple asked them to switch seats with them. But their seats were located 10 rows back, and there was no legroom, which was the person’s main reason for upgrading seats.

“I ask them if they got confused with their seat numbers. They hadn’t. I show them my ticket and seat number and point to my name on the screen. They then ask me just sit in their seats which were 10 rows back. No leg room,” he said.

The man then asked the elderly couple again if they had heard them right that they wanted to switch seats. To which the elderly couple responded with: “When yes that would be nice thank you.”

He then explained that he had paid for the seats and told them to move to their assigned seats. “I paid extra for these seats and would like to sit in them. Please move to your seats,” he said.

The elderly couple then answered back, saying: “Oh it’s not that bad there’s plenty or (sic) leg room.”

“Yeah there’s plenty of legroom in my seats because I paid for it. I’ll help move your bag if you need,” he responded. 

But since the line was already getting long, a flight attendant came to intervene and asked what was going on. The elderly couple told the flight attendant that they were being asked to move to their allocated seats. But instead of letting them keep their seats, the flight attendant asked the elderly couple to go to their assigned seats.

“Here is my ticket, these people are sitting in my seats. I paid extra because I need to leg room,” the man told the flight attendant.

The elderly couple asked if they could get an upgrade. The flight attendant explained that they couldn’t since they had a full flight at that time.

The elderly couple wasn’t happy about what happened. So, they gave the man a glaring look. But that wasn’t just it; other people on the same flight also gave them evil glares.

“I got some stink eyes from other people on the flight,” the man said.

People who came across the post on Reddit gave their two cents on the issue, with most of them siding with OP.

“I have no idea why the other people who paid extra for legroom would glare at this guy,” one person wrote. Another said:

“This isn't a 2 hour flight where you buck up for the good of old people, which is still not right given the social experience that is flying - I wouldn't care if it was a 2 hour flight there is still the principle of the matter, but I may cave depending on my mood. 12-13 hours is no joke though - there is no giving in. You move those people or the plane doesn't take off!”

If you were in the man’s shoes, would you have also kept your seats, or would you have let them go? Let us know what you think, and pass this on to people you think might find this story interesting!