Was This Person A Jerk For Not Switching Seats So A Family Could Sit Together?

Traveling can be stressful no matter who you are, but for parents traveling with younger kids, an extra layer of anxiety can come part and parcel.

All the more reason to ensure your plans are made well in advance, but sometimes we all know it’s not possible to get a jump on things.

OP here was traveling on a long flight and felt stressed about it; they paid extra for a seat near the front of the plane so getting off would be quicker.

So I travelled home today from Greece. The flight was roughly 10 hours and around this time of year it’s extremely hectic. I booked my ticket specifically to be closer to the front of the plane so I can be closer to the gate when it’s time to get out.

I personally hate traveling so I spent a bit more money to be closer.

Once on the flight they were approached by a woman asking to change seats so that she could sit near her family. Since the change would have required OP to move back more than 20 rows and negate the extra money and convenience, they declined.

When I got on the plane, a family of four approached me and asked if I could switch spots.

Normally I’d be okay with that but switching spots would mean moving back 20 rows down which leaves me at an inconvenience and I would not be getting my moneys worth.

I rejected and said that I would like to keep my seat.

The woman made a scene, calling them an inconsiderate jerk in front of the whole plane, but OP did not budge.

The woman said that I was being an asshole and I should just give up my seat so she could sit with her husband and kids (ouch right in front of her kids too). I said,” respectfully ma’am, your travel issues are not my problem. I am keeping the seat I paid for. “

She ended up making a scene and basically said “wow look at this asshole who can’t even move seats so a family could sit all together.”

I said, “maybe you should have booked ahead of time, or spent more money on tickets so you all could sit together. This is not my issue. Grow up and get over it. I am not moving seats. End of story!”

Eventually the woman gave up and her husband even apologized for her behavior, but OP thinks maybe they could have just sucked it up.

I sat down, her husband apologized for me for her behavior and said that “she hates traveling, but giving her the seat would’ve made things easier in the end.”

So, AITA for not giving up my seat?

Does Reddit think rearranging for a family is a must-do while traveling? Let’s find out!

The top comment offers up some excellent food for thought.