Can you imagine going viral for asking someone to switch seats? Well, you don’t have to imagine it because this is what happened on a Delta Airlines flight. Two friends were traveling together, but they didn’t have seats next to each other. One was sitting in one row and the other a few rows back, both in the first-class section (which is more expensive and more comfortable). So, one of them decided to ask another passenger if he could switch seats with her so she could sit next to her friend. The answer? Let’s see it!
The passenger says no… politely
The girl approached a man who was sitting up front and asked him for the favor. At first, the man didn’t want to talk much with her, so she went to ask someone else. That second person also said no.
Since she didn’t get anywhere, she went back to the first man and asked him again to switch seats. This time, he responded clearly and respectfully: “Sorry, but I paid more to sit here. I suggest you ask someone sitting farther back.”
After that, he simply went on with what he was doing, without arguing or fighting.
Many people share their opinions about what happened
This story was shared by a user on Reddit, a social network where people share all kinds of things. The post got thousands of upvotes and many comments. For many people, the way the man answered was a perfect example of how to say no without being rude.
An etiquette expert (someone who studies how to behave well in different situations) said the passenger was kind, clear, and confident in his answer. She also explained that it’s not necessary to give long explanations when someone wants to set a boundary. Saying “no” respectfully is enough, like the man on the plane did.
Could the friends sit next to each other?
After a while, the friends did manage to sit together. Apparently, another person agreed to switch seats, so one of them was able to move and sit next to the other. The person who posted the story ended the message by saying: “RESPECT.” This was because they found it admirable how the man stuck to his decision without being mean or making a scene.
When is it okay to ask someone to switch seats?
Due to this story, a lot of people started to think once again about whether it is okay to ask someone to switch seats on a plane or not, and, of course, it gets different opinions. For example, in a survey done in June 2023 we can see that many people think it’s okay to ask, if you do it in a polite way. In fact, 54% of people said they really value this aspect when someone asks them for something.
However, not everybody agrees on that. According to the same survey, it’s not okay to ask to switch just because you don’t like your seat. Let’s see this in more detail:
- 77% of people think that if you got a seat, you should accept it without complaining.
- Regarding anxiety or discomfort, 64% believe that everyone is a little uncomfortable or nervous on a plane, so it’s not fair to ask for a change just because you’re anxious.
The important thing: Respect and good manners
This story shows something very simple but very important: saying no is also okay, as long as it’s done respectfully. He asked for what he needed, was clear and kind, and that’s something we can all learn from. I mean, I’m sure the man wanted to sit on the seat he paid for and be relaxed throughout the flight after the hectic pre-flight steps passengers have to go through at the airport. Would you have switched your seat with the girl in this situation?