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“Handicapped” Grandma Feels Entitled To Aisle Seat, Tall Guy Who Booked It Refuses To Budge
Air travel, especially in economy class, can at times bring out the worst in people. Entitled travelers, parents who let their kids run wild, and drunk passengers all add up to less-than-ideal conditions on flights that pack people in like sardines in a tin can.
One woman recently went online to rant about how her boyfriend basically had his seat hijacked by a supposedly “handicapped” grandma on a recent Delta flight. She shared her story in detail with netizens.
More info: Reddit
RELATED:
Economy air travel leaves a lot to be desired, as this woman recently shared with netizens
Image credits: Jeffry S.S. / Pexels (not the actual photo)
She was traveling with her boyfriend and her kids on a Delta flight when things took a turn for the worse
Image credits: dmytro_sidelnikov / Freepik (not the actual photo)
When her tall boyfriend got to his aisle seat, he found an old lady claiming she needed it for her disability, but he refused to take the window seat
Image credits: suuuuuuuuuuue
The woman claims she later saw the grandma walking around the airport terminal without any issues, forcing her to ask netizens why people act so entitled
Air travel can be stressful, but some passengers take entitlement to a whole new level and make it worse for everyone. OP and her kids were flying economy while her boyfriend, who is over six feet tall, paid extra for an aisle seat. When he got to his row, however, an older woman was sitting in his seat with her granddaughter beside her.
When he politely pointed out that it was his seat, they asked if he wouldn’t mind taking the window instead. Their reasoning? The grandmother was “handicapped” and needed the aisle. Despite their guilt-tripping, he stood his ground—he had paid extra for legroom, and he wasn’t about to give it up. That’s when the theatrics started.
The woman dramatically pulled out a cane and made a show of struggling to switch seats. But later in the flight, she walked 15 rows to the bathroom without any help whatsoever. To top it off, she used a wheelchair to deplane, only to be spotted by OP walking around with no issues once inside the terminal.
This whole situation raises an interesting question—why do some travelers think they’re entitled to what isn’t theirs? Accessibility is important but using it as an excuse to guilt someone out of their paid seat is just plain wrong.
Image credits: EyeEm / Freepik (not the actual photo)
In a recent blog post for Cranky Boss, the author reveals that “seat squatting” and “seat poaching” are the latest trends in travel entitlement.
While both involve taking a seat that isn’t theirs, there’s a key difference: while seat squatters will take an unoccupied seat and hope they get away with it, seat poachers will knowingly take someone else’s assigned seat before they arrive, often refusing to move or creating a scene when confronted.
Seat squatters are often discovered taking a seat they haven’t booked so they can sneak an extra legroom seat, claim an empty business class seat without upgrading, or simply snag a spot that’s better than their own. The trend has become a social media phenomenon, with several travel influencers bragging about what they get away with.
In her post for her blog, The World In My Pocket, veteran world traveler Joanna writes that, psychologically, seat squatting represents a complex social interaction. It’s a gamble that relies on several factors: the squatter’s confidence, other passengers’ reluctance to create a scene, and the inconsistent responses from flight attendants.
We don’t think OP’s boyfriend couldn’t have handled his seat squatter encounter any better. Proof that sometimes even old ladies get what’s coming to them.
What would you have done if you’d been in OP’s boyfriend’s shoes? Do you think he should have let the seat thievery slide, or was he right to stick to his guns? Let us know your opinion in the comments!
In the comments, readers applauded the woman’s boyfriend for not backing down and slammed the old woman for faking a disability
Image credits: jannoon028 / Freepik (not the actual photo)
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What do you think ?
Petra Peitsch 9 months ago
Being able to walk, doesn't mean, somebody wouldn't need a wheelchair in some situations. After a pancreatitis operation, I was able to walk, after like 3 days, but man, I could have use a wheelchair in some situations! With this said, if you need a special seat, book it, damnit!, and don't try bully someone to give it to you.
Lee Gilliland 9 months ago
I'm in the da*n wheelchair because I can't walk long distances, as in airports. I can stand up and walk, but if I'm hurting I tend not to. Mere because someone stands up and walks a bit does not mean they're not disabled. It means they can stand and walk AT THAT MOMENT. Sorry, I get SICK of a*sholes telling me if I am disabled or not. The doctor gave me the sticker, he's satisfied, who the hell are you? Sorry. Triggered.
liam newton-harding 9 months ago
Then, I hope you purchase the proper aisle seat…unlike the woman in this story, whole stole it from someone who had actually paid.
Load More Replies...
Janelle Collard 9 months ago
I like the comment; "Then why *didn't* you book that seat, you big dummy?" 🤣
SkippityBoppityBoo 9 months ago (edited)
Ok... Let's unpack this. First of all, I'm disabled but I can "walk" around at home using the walls for support (one hand against the wall) and my cane if necessary. I cannot however go outside without my crutches or my calipers. I'd definitely need to use a wheelchair if I was in an airport with assistance for my luggage etc. I get overwhelmed by too much "mental stimulation" due to the head injuries I recieved the night I became disabled. So I plan ahead, let the relevant people know and also if I require any extra help or something such as a chair with arms or a chair that's higher. All disabilities are different. My ability needs are different to someone else who may need a cane, wheelchair or a zimmer frame. One of my friends has Fibromyalgia and when she's bad with it? Requires extra assistance with certain things. Fibromyalgia and other conditions that impact your ability to walk or can cause immense pain are called 'Hidden Disabilities'...... That said?........
SkippityBoppityBoo 9 months ago
If this woman really WAS faking having a disability? I've zero tolerance for her and people like her. They make it harder for people with legitimate disabilities to recieve the help they need... My disability is pretty obvious when I'm outside of my home. Do I demand "special treatment"? Hell no! I've usually organised and got everything in place beforehand including pre-booking seats etc.
Load More Replies... Mark Childers 9 months ago
If she really had a disability, she would have ensured she chose the seat she needed. I'm seriously stumped that I see so many stories like this. What is wrong with people? There are actually options to ensure you get the seat you want.
Crissy Newbury 7 months ago
I am deaf. I’m also asthmatic and don’t do well in crowds. Because I rarely if ever need the loo on a plane, I generally prefer the window seat. In general I tend to just ignore everything. I cannot sit in the middle, I would have a mental breakdown.
JayWantsACat 9 months ago
I don't agree with the "she didn't need the wheelchair all the time" talk. People can be disabled and still move around for short periods or distances and need assistance for longer trips or situations. But, yeah, f**k these people that try to guilt others into getting that they want.
FreeTheUnicorn 9 months ago
OP is an ignorant AH, and if the move was such a problem, why didn't he speak to the airline? Just because she can walk 15 rows in a straight line at some point doesn't mean she doesn't have mobility issues. My first hour on a plane I'm exhausted from the transit to the plane, sometimes it gets better, sometimes I stay exhausted and my coordination remains poor. It depends on a lot of factors. But being able to walk to the toilet, doesn't mean you don't need a wheelchair. Doesn't mean moving along the seats to the end of the row is possible, it's a completely different action to walking straight. Not all disabled people are paralyzed or blind. Some are but wouldn't you rather everyone does what they can when they can do it rather than insist on the maximum support they will ever need each time? OP needs to shut up and be thankful he's only been inconvenienced by this woman's disability for one flight's worth of time. She has it for life.
Another Panda 9 months ago
She should have booked an aisle seat, or spoken to a stewardess if she needed one. That being said: STOP ASSUMING SOMEONE DOES NOT HAVE A DISABLITY. This is disabilty-shaming, and bigotry. Disabled people who need to use wheelchairs may still be able to stand, or walk for certain distances unaided. The person may have disabilities you can’t see - like COPD or other lung issues which makes them unable to walk long distances. They may have severe chronic pain which keeps them from walking distances. They may have severe incontinence - and believe me, if someone with incontinence issues cannot procure an aisle seat, they will be climbing past you frequently. STOP ASSUMING someone is NOT disabled.
Thanos'Fingers 9 months ago
I think y'all are a******s. Reread the story. You don't need a cane to move over two seats (while trying to prove a point), but then NOT need the cane for a much further and more difficult journey. Sure, maybe she had invisible disabilities. It really doesn't matter though, because she PUT IN EFFORT to FAKE her difficulties with moving over in a seat, in an attempt to guilt trip a complete stranger out of their money and preparations. It's sheer entitlement, and disability has absolutely nothing to do with it. It was just the fake excuse used. Were she actually concerned about her disability while traveling, she would've used one of the airlines MANY accomodations for those types of travelers.
Load More Replies... Petra Peitsch 9 months ago
Being able to walk, doesn't mean, somebody wouldn't need a wheelchair in some situations. After a pancreatitis operation, I was able to walk, after like 3 days, but man, I could have use a wheelchair in some situations! With this said, if you need a special seat, book it, damnit!, and don't try bully someone to give it to you.
Lee Gilliland 9 months ago
I'm in the da*n wheelchair because I can't walk long distances, as in airports. I can stand up and walk, but if I'm hurting I tend not to. Mere because someone stands up and walks a bit does not mean they're not disabled. It means they can stand and walk AT THAT MOMENT. Sorry, I get SICK of a*sholes telling me if I am disabled or not. The doctor gave me the sticker, he's satisfied, who the hell are you? Sorry. Triggered.
liam newton-harding 9 months ago
Then, I hope you purchase the proper aisle seat…unlike the woman in this story, whole stole it from someone who had actually paid.
Load More Replies... Janelle Collard 9 months ago
I like the comment; "Then why *didn't* you book that seat, you big dummy?" 🤣
SkippityBoppityBoo 9 months ago (edited)
Ok... Let's unpack this. First of all, I'm disabled but I can "walk" around at home using the walls for support (one hand against the wall) and my cane if necessary. I cannot however go outside without my crutches or my calipers. I'd definitely need to use a wheelchair if I was in an airport with assistance for my luggage etc. I get overwhelmed by too much "mental stimulation" due to the head injuries I recieved the night I became disabled. So I plan ahead, let the relevant people know and also if I require any extra help or something such as a chair with arms or a chair that's higher. All disabilities are different. My ability needs are different to someone else who may need a cane, wheelchair or a zimmer frame. One of my friends has Fibromyalgia and when she's bad with it? Requires extra assistance with certain things. Fibromyalgia and other conditions that impact your ability to walk or can cause immense pain are called 'Hidden Disabilities'...... That said?........
SkippityBoppityBoo 9 months ago
If this woman really WAS faking having a disability? I've zero tolerance for her and people like her. They make it harder for people with legitimate disabilities to recieve the help they need... My disability is pretty obvious when I'm outside of my home. Do I demand "special treatment"? Hell no! I've usually organised and got everything in place beforehand including pre-booking seats etc.
Load More Replies... Mark Childers 9 months ago
If she really had a disability, she would have ensured she chose the seat she needed. I'm seriously stumped that I see so many stories like this. What is wrong with people? There are actually options to ensure you get the seat you want.
Crissy Newbury 7 months ago
I am deaf. I’m also asthmatic and don’t do well in crowds. Because I rarely if ever need the loo on a plane, I generally prefer the window seat. In general I tend to just ignore everything. I cannot sit in the middle, I would have a mental breakdown.
JayWantsACat 9 months ago
I don't agree with the "she didn't need the wheelchair all the time" talk. People can be disabled and still move around for short periods or distances and need assistance for longer trips or situations. But, yeah, f**k these people that try to guilt others into getting that they want.
FreeTheUnicorn 9 months ago
OP is an ignorant AH, and if the move was such a problem, why didn't he speak to the airline? Just because she can walk 15 rows in a straight line at some point doesn't mean she doesn't have mobility issues. My first hour on a plane I'm exhausted from the transit to the plane, sometimes it gets better, sometimes I stay exhausted and my coordination remains poor. It depends on a lot of factors. But being able to walk to the toilet, doesn't mean you don't need a wheelchair. Doesn't mean moving along the seats to the end of the row is possible, it's a completely different action to walking straight. Not all disabled people are paralyzed or blind. Some are but wouldn't you rather everyone does what they can when they can do it rather than insist on the maximum support they will ever need each time? OP needs to shut up and be thankful he's only been inconvenienced by this woman's disability for one flight's worth of time. She has it for life.
Another Panda 9 months ago
She should have booked an aisle seat, or spoken to a stewardess if she needed one. That being said: STOP ASSUMING SOMEONE DOES NOT HAVE A DISABLITY. This is disabilty-shaming, and bigotry. Disabled people who need to use wheelchairs may still be able to stand, or walk for certain distances unaided. The person may have disabilities you can’t see - like COPD or other lung issues which makes them unable to walk long distances. They may have severe chronic pain which keeps them from walking distances. They may have severe incontinence - and believe me, if someone with incontinence issues cannot procure an aisle seat, they will be climbing past you frequently. STOP ASSUMING someone is NOT disabled.
Thanos'Fingers 9 months ago
I think y'all are a******s. Reread the story. You don't need a cane to move over two seats (while trying to prove a point), but then NOT need the cane for a much further and more difficult journey. Sure, maybe she had invisible disabilities. It really doesn't matter though, because she PUT IN EFFORT to FAKE her difficulties with moving over in a seat, in an attempt to guilt trip a complete stranger out of their money and preparations. It's sheer entitlement, and disability has absolutely nothing to do with it. It was just the fake excuse used. Were she actually concerned about her disability while traveling, she would've used one of the airlines MANY accomodations for those types of travelers.
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