A man who refused to move from a plane seat he had paid extra for shared details of the encounter, with people online backing his decision
The man and his partner refused to switch seats with the elderly couple (stock photo)(Image: Getty Images)
Taking a long-haul flight can be deeply uncomfortable, but securing a decent seat has the power to transform the entire journey.
For those unable to afford the indulgence of first class, extra legroom in economy is arguably the closest alternative.
After shelling out extra cash for additional legroom on a gruelling 12-hour flight, one man stood his ground and refused to swap seats for an elderly couple who attempted to claim his spot.
Sharing his experience on popular forum Reddit, the man admitted he endured dirty looks from fellow passengers after declining to budge from the seat he’d paid for.
Titling the post, the Reddit user wrote: “Old couple try to take our seats on a plane.”
The man detailed: “Saw a few plane seat-related posts so I thought I would add my story.
“A few years ago my significant other and I planned a three-month trip around the world. 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 (£50).
“This flight was with Air New Zealand, the screen has your name on it when you get to your seat.
“We get on the plane. Find our seats and there is this older couple sitting there (mid 70s). 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 ten rows back. No leg room.”
After the elderly pair refused to budge from the seats, the man insisted they return to their allocated places as he had “paid extra”.
The man eplained the exchange: “Me: You want me to sit in your seats?”.
“OP(old people): Yes, that would be nice thank you.
“Me: I paid extra for these seats and would like to sit in them. Please move to your seats.
“OP: Oh, it’s not that bad there’s plenty of legroom.
“Me: Yeah, there’s plenty of legroom in my seats because I paid for it. I’ll help move your bag if you need.”
During their discussion, a flight attendant intervened to find out what was happening as a lengthy queue had formed down the aisle.
The exchange continued: “OP: This man wants us to move seats!”.
“Flight attendant: Sir, please go to your allocated seats.
“Me: Here is my ticket, these people are sitting in my seats. I paid extra because I need the legroom.
“FA to old people: Excuse me, you will have to move to your own seats as you have not paid for these seats.
“Old people: Well, can we please have an upgrade?”.
“FA: Sorry, this is a full flight so that’s not possible.”
The man said: “I got some stink eyes from other people on the flight. I paid for the extra legroom and I need it.”
Taking to the comments section, Reddit users weighed in on the contentious incident.
One said: “I have no idea why the other people who paid extra for legroom would glare at this guy.”
Meanwhile, another person added: “This isn’t a two 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 two hour flight there is still the principle of the matter, but I may cave depending on my mood.”
They said: “12-13 hours is no joke though – there is no giving in. You move those people or the plane doesn’t take off!”.