Would you give up your seat so a parent can sit next to their young child? For some, it’s an easy decision. No matter your seat, it’s hard to let a child, especially a toddler, fly alone.
Yet, not everyone shares this view. Recently, a Reddit user shared their experience on a trans-Pacific flight from Japan. The user recounted a woman asking to switch seats so she could sit next to her toddler. The woman wanted the user’s bulkhead window seat, offering her middle a row back in return. The user refused, stating, “Not my problem they didn’t book together.”
The user further explained that the woman could have asked others in her tour group for a swap but chose to ask only them. They felt it was unfair to expect an inferior trade.
The post quickly went viral, sparking a debate. Many criticised the original poster for refusing the request. One person, a parent of a toddler, commented, “I’m surprised you preferred to sit next to someone else’s unaccompanied toddler versus just moving. Families can’t always book seats together, and sometimes they need to fly places.”
However, some agreed with the original poster. One user noted, “I just started refusing altogether. Unless it’s for an upgrade. I’m sick of entitlement from people, especially on planes. I don’t know you. I don’t generally care about you beyond reasonable human compassion. I am not responsible for your poor planning.”
What would you do in this situation?
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Independent reports on a woman refusing to switch seats with a child on a plane, sparking debate on seat swapping and family travel.(read more)
- NYPost reports on a viral TikTok where a woman refused to switch seats with a mom who wanted to sit with her two kids, sparking a heated debate over seat swapping on flights.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Should I give up my seat on a plane for a parent to sit next to their child?
It’s a personal choice; some believe it’s courteous, others think it’s not their responsibility.
Why might someone refuse to swap seats on a plane?
They may value their selected seat or feel it’s not their problem due to poor planning.
Are there alternatives for parents who can’t sit next to their child on a plane?
Yes, they can ask other passengers or the tour operator for a three-way trade.
What are the arguments for swapping seats with a parent on a plane?
It helps the parent and child stay together and can make the flight more comfortable for everyone.
What are the arguments against swapping seats with a parent on a plane?
Passengers may not want to lose their preferred seat or feel it’s not their responsibility.
