“Took A Wild Turn”: Woman Can’t Believe The Lengths This Entitled Mom Went To Steal Her Seat
While booking a flight, we often consider factors like finding the cheapest fare, choosing convenient flight times, and getting a generous baggage allowance. For many travelers, securing their preferred seat is also a top priority. However, isn’t it inconvenient when someone demands a seat change after you’ve selected an aisle or window seat for yourself?
Well, a woman took to Reddit to share how she refused to give up her window seat on a flight despite pressure from a mother and her teenage son. Keep reading to discover how the author’s decision led to accusations of discrimination and sparked drama during the flight.
It’s never fun being stuck next to entitled passengers on a flight
Image credits: Pixabay / pexels (not the actual photo)
A woman recounted being called selfish after declining to switch seats with an entitled teenager
Image credits: Marten Bjork / unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: ANA NH005 LAX-NRT / flickr (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Global Residence Index / unsplash (not the actual photo)
Air travel has seen a significant increase over the past decade
In 2023, approximately 4.35 billion people traveled by air. Whether you are going for a vacation, business meeting, family visit, or cultural exploration, flying makes it easier for us to explore new destinations and stay globally connected.
And, while many of us are probably familiar with flight rules such as restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, there are also a few etiquettes we should observe when cruising 30,000 feet above the ground.
Let’s begin with when we first enter the aircraft. Reaching your seat can be quite annoying, especially if there is a long line. However, once you find your seat and have put away your luggage, avoid standing in the aisle for too long. You should wait until other people are seated before you start finding your headphones or grabbing your favorite book.
“It’s always kind of mind-blowing to see that because it’s my bag, and my overhead bin, and my seat, and my flight, my connection, and, you know, my drink, and it’s very me when it comes to just how people behave on an airplane,” says Rich Henderson, who’s been a flight attendant for about a decade. “You’ve got to be aware of your surroundings; you’ve got to be respectful of the people around you.”
It’s essential that people observe flight etiquette while traveling
Image credits: Kelly / pexels (not the actual photo)
As airplane cabins are often cramped, it’s essential that we respect our fellow passengers’ personal space. So while it might seem romantic in movies, we should refrain from leaning excessively on the person sitting next to us. Also, hogging the armrest is a big no. Imagine someone keeping their hands in an awkward position for six hours because you decided to take up all the space.
You might want to get comfortable right after the flight takes off, but look behind you before you recline your seat. People usually open their tray tables to keep their laptops or food, and if you quickly put your seat back, their things might fall or break.
Seat-kicking on planes is surprisingly a common experience during air travel. Whether it’s a restless child behind you or an inadvertent bump from a fellow passenger, it can be quite annoying. Also, before you take off your shoes or socks, make sure your feet don’t smell. The last thing anyone wants is to be seated next to someone who is causing an unpleasant sensory stir.
Creating excessive noise can be disruptive for fellow passengers
We should also be mindful while using our electronic devices. For instance, if you are listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, don’t do it at a high volume. You can always use headphones. Moreover, avoid speaking loudly with others unless you’re eager for all the passengers and crew to become unintended participants in your conversation.
Flight attendants put in a lot of effort to make sure that passengers are comfortable and safe. Throughout the journey, try to be kind and cooperative with them. For instance, when they serve you your meal, say thank you or smile at them. Behaving rudely with the crew is inconsiderate.
Lastly, expecting people to switch seats with you is not fair. People often choose specific seats for reasons such as comfort, views, or proximity to friends or family. When someone demands a seat change, it might inconvenience both the passenger and the airline staff. For some, a window seat might be a small luxury that turns a tiring flight into a good one.
In this particular instance, the woman was looking forward to enjoying her window seat. She stood her ground despite being accused and yelled at by her fellow passenger. Have you ever been in or witnessed an airplane drama? Do you think you are a good traveler?
Many praised the author for standing her ground and not giving up her seat
Image credits: Ok_Dingo2647
Poll Question
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How these people escalating to racism in front of witnesses? How are people not booking seats together if they want to fly together. Most 15 year olds I know would REJOICE at having alone time on the plane. I'm travelling next week and would usually book a window seat but the price for just 3 hours is extortionate. I will hope for the best when checking in and if I'm middle seat, then go to the loo immediately after take off and have a nap. Or stare out the window anyway without making window seat uncomfortable.
aparently, their thoughts are : why book sits together if you can make someone feel like s**t and take their paid upgrade for free?
Load More Replies...Airlines ought to institute a rule that if you create a scene after being refused a seat change by ANYONE, you're taken off the plane immediately and put on that airline's no-fly list. They get just one warning that if they say another word, they'll be escorted off the plane immediately. Then DO it! Take them off!
Is it just me or are these getting more bizarre? This is so simple that it shouldn't open to discussion, you sit in the seats you paid for and are assigned. End of discussion. I don't understand the unwillingness of the airlines to adopt a formal policy about this rubbish. They are (by their inaction) creating a roller derby in the sky. That mom should have been removed when she started accusing the OP of racism because she (OP) wouldn't agree to her demand. This is beyond stupid and needs to stop.
Just because you gave birth, that doesn’t give you the right to be an overly entitled AH.
Wow. You paid and booked just like you should. Not. Your fault. You are allowed to say no.
"Give in to avoid the drama." OP wasn't the one causing the drama, why is it on them to end it?
When asked if I was happy making a kid miserable, I would've smiled and said, "Yeah, I am. Never been happier."
Eff these entitled people. If she wanted to sit w/ her son she should've booked the seats they wanted. I don't fly anymore but if I did and someone asked me to switch I'd tell them to pound sand.
Her problem was engaging with the crazy women. She should have just said no and then ignored her. Try putting on headphones/earbuds or just look out the window like the nutbag lady does not exist. You have no obligation to explain anything.
I'm gonna get downvoted after I say this. The minute they figured out you weren't going to give them their way they took it upon themselves to bring race into the equation. THEY made it about race. When it could be used to their advantage they scream racist. It's becoming the new norm these days. Instead of paying for tickets next to each other, they hassle someone else. The person refuses and they use the race card. I've seen this one way too often. It's not your skin color lady,it's the fact that you aren't entitled to someone else's seat. Quit playing the race card to your advantage and pay for your own seats. It's not racism it's entitled people behaving badly. So sick of these games.
People just giving into these a******s is WHY this keep happening. Stop rewarding this s****y behavior to "make things easier" or "keep the peace". People caving to these ridiculous demands are why they keep happening. Who give a s**t if the FAs or anyone else glares at you for literally doing nothing wrong. You won't ever see these people in your life again. Who give a s**t what they think about this situation. Why didn't they give their seats up? After declining and proving I'm in the correct seat, I'm putting on my headphones or at least ignoring everything else and getting ready for the flight.
The airlines need to start removing these entitled people if they don't immediately return to their seats. We need to be done with this. On a side note, despite what the article says, it is NEVER ok to remove your shoes and socks on public transportation. What the F is wrong with those kinds of people .
If you want to change seats on a plane, you need to offer a BETTER seat to the person your asking.
Did this lady go back to where her kid was supposed to sit and start screaming at them for not my moving for her?! Not the AH
"Excuse me sir, would.." "No." I always pay for the extra leg room seats. I've switched when the flight attendants needed me on the exit row before, but that's it.
How brainless are people not to book seats together or where they want? It's not a bus, and it's NOT public transportation. If you behave like an idiot, you're going to get tossed and barred from future flights.
Often, just saying No thank you and ignoring Idiots tirades might be the best policy. And BTW you are NTA - and I am at a loss of why people ask this question regarding an assigned, or a chosen seat.You are not the only one on the plane - Just say NO and if that answer is an issue for you, Ask someone else.
Next time there should be a separate plane for family's with kids, because it's really annoying how parents think they are entitled to everything. Don't start with kids if you can't deal with the consequences!!
Are you aware of the fact that only a very small portion of people with children behave like the mother in this story? Your blanket statement that "parents think they are entitled to everything" says more about you than you may realize.
Load More Replies...I would just have ignored them after saying no and put my headphones on. No is a cemplete sentence, no further explanation needed
Personally I would've switched to avoid drama but that's my decision. NTA
As someone else already said it gives etntitled people the idea that their behavior is ok. You never give in to that sort of thing. you don’t do that if your child is having a tantrum either.
Load More Replies...How these people escalating to racism in front of witnesses? How are people not booking seats together if they want to fly together. Most 15 year olds I know would REJOICE at having alone time on the plane. I'm travelling next week and would usually book a window seat but the price for just 3 hours is extortionate. I will hope for the best when checking in and if I'm middle seat, then go to the loo immediately after take off and have a nap. Or stare out the window anyway without making window seat uncomfortable.
aparently, their thoughts are : why book sits together if you can make someone feel like s**t and take their paid upgrade for free?
Load More Replies...Airlines ought to institute a rule that if you create a scene after being refused a seat change by ANYONE, you're taken off the plane immediately and put on that airline's no-fly list. They get just one warning that if they say another word, they'll be escorted off the plane immediately. Then DO it! Take them off!
Is it just me or are these getting more bizarre? This is so simple that it shouldn't open to discussion, you sit in the seats you paid for and are assigned. End of discussion. I don't understand the unwillingness of the airlines to adopt a formal policy about this rubbish. They are (by their inaction) creating a roller derby in the sky. That mom should have been removed when she started accusing the OP of racism because she (OP) wouldn't agree to her demand. This is beyond stupid and needs to stop.
Just because you gave birth, that doesn’t give you the right to be an overly entitled AH.
Wow. You paid and booked just like you should. Not. Your fault. You are allowed to say no.
"Give in to avoid the drama." OP wasn't the one causing the drama, why is it on them to end it?
When asked if I was happy making a kid miserable, I would've smiled and said, "Yeah, I am. Never been happier."
Eff these entitled people. If she wanted to sit w/ her son she should've booked the seats they wanted. I don't fly anymore but if I did and someone asked me to switch I'd tell them to pound sand.
Her problem was engaging with the crazy women. She should have just said no and then ignored her. Try putting on headphones/earbuds or just look out the window like the nutbag lady does not exist. You have no obligation to explain anything.
I'm gonna get downvoted after I say this. The minute they figured out you weren't going to give them their way they took it upon themselves to bring race into the equation. THEY made it about race. When it could be used to their advantage they scream racist. It's becoming the new norm these days. Instead of paying for tickets next to each other, they hassle someone else. The person refuses and they use the race card. I've seen this one way too often. It's not your skin color lady,it's the fact that you aren't entitled to someone else's seat. Quit playing the race card to your advantage and pay for your own seats. It's not racism it's entitled people behaving badly. So sick of these games.
People just giving into these a******s is WHY this keep happening. Stop rewarding this s****y behavior to "make things easier" or "keep the peace". People caving to these ridiculous demands are why they keep happening. Who give a s**t if the FAs or anyone else glares at you for literally doing nothing wrong. You won't ever see these people in your life again. Who give a s**t what they think about this situation. Why didn't they give their seats up? After declining and proving I'm in the correct seat, I'm putting on my headphones or at least ignoring everything else and getting ready for the flight.
The airlines need to start removing these entitled people if they don't immediately return to their seats. We need to be done with this. On a side note, despite what the article says, it is NEVER ok to remove your shoes and socks on public transportation. What the F is wrong with those kinds of people .
If you want to change seats on a plane, you need to offer a BETTER seat to the person your asking.
Did this lady go back to where her kid was supposed to sit and start screaming at them for not my moving for her?! Not the AH
"Excuse me sir, would.." "No." I always pay for the extra leg room seats. I've switched when the flight attendants needed me on the exit row before, but that's it.
How brainless are people not to book seats together or where they want? It's not a bus, and it's NOT public transportation. If you behave like an idiot, you're going to get tossed and barred from future flights.
Often, just saying No thank you and ignoring Idiots tirades might be the best policy. And BTW you are NTA - and I am at a loss of why people ask this question regarding an assigned, or a chosen seat.You are not the only one on the plane - Just say NO and if that answer is an issue for you, Ask someone else.
Next time there should be a separate plane for family's with kids, because it's really annoying how parents think they are entitled to everything. Don't start with kids if you can't deal with the consequences!!
Are you aware of the fact that only a very small portion of people with children behave like the mother in this story? Your blanket statement that "parents think they are entitled to everything" says more about you than you may realize.
Load More Replies...I would just have ignored them after saying no and put my headphones on. No is a cemplete sentence, no further explanation needed
Personally I would've switched to avoid drama but that's my decision. NTA
As someone else already said it gives etntitled people the idea that their behavior is ok. You never give in to that sort of thing. you don’t do that if your child is having a tantrum either.
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