RANT: I don't care if you want to sit next to your kids on the airplane

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I'm reading all this thinking the same thing! I will have to pay more attention next time!!

Flight attendants expect the miracle to occur.

The last time I flew, I was using a cane. I didn't board early, but the FA stowed the cane for me. She seemed quite surprised that I was still in my seat waiting for her.

Um, no, I try not to walk around without it. And after the flight? My knee was 3 times its normal size.

I didn't notice anyone else, before the flight or after. I like, I will have to make sure to pay more attention next time.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

people that have kids do not act this way at all. This is one reason we do not fly with our kids

Sorry, I'm in the camp that disagrees with this statement. Although my kids are older, there were times when they were younger that we did have to separate on the plane. I never would have asked someone to change seats with me if we were caught on a flight that separated us. Unless my kids had issues that necessitated me to sit with them, I would consider it a good growth lesson for them to handle things without me constantly being by their side, yet close enough to address something if some type of emergency came up.

 

[roseaster]

we do not fly with our kids so this is a moot point for me. So you would allow a child to sit next too you and have their parents ten rows back. I would switch so I would not have to deal with an issue if something were to happen to the child during the flight

If I paid for an upgraded/assigned seat I certainly would. Not my monkeys, not my circus. If the child needed assistance I would ask the flight attendant to alert his/her parent, just as I would never expect someone else to tend to my children. Again, I have FIVE children, I am quite skilled at tuning people and things out.

If it were imperative that I sit next to my child/children I would pay to have an assigned seat.

Having children doesn't make you a priority.

 

[ten6mom]

I rarely fly, and my goodness, reading this makes me never want to again! My kids are currently 9 and 11 and I would WANT to book a flight where we had assigned seats to take up the entire row, but this is making me think that no matter what I do, we would get split up. Is it really as common to have "reserved" seats split once you board?

 

[mnrose]

I rarely fly, and my goodness, reading this makes me never want to again! My kids are currently 9 and 11 and I would WANT to book a flight where we had assigned seats to take up the entire row, but this is making me think that no matter what I do, we would get split up. Is it really as common to have "reserved" seats split once you board?

No, but it happens. And, IME, if it happens AND you previously has seats assigned together (in other words, taken responsibility to do what you could to get seats together), they will be MUCH more sympathetic and helpful than if you merely assumed you would get seats together and did nothing. Also, as was pointed out previously, checking your reservation weekly as your date for travel approaches is also helpful to see if there was an equipment change and head off the problem before you get to the airport. This is one thing I do consistently. If you DO get assigned seats apart because of an equipment change, it's a lot easier to get it fixed before other people start checking in for the flight at the airport.

 

[mjkacmom]

people that have kids do not act this way at all. This is one reason we do not fly with our kids

Yes, we do. My kids have been perfectly fine on an airplane without a parent next to them.

Why don't you fly with your kids? I honestly can't think of a reason. Do you rides buses with them? Trains?

 

[Allison]

people that have kids do not act this way at all. This is one reason we do not fly with our kids

Your statement is incorrect.

 

[ColoradoDisneyFreaks]

I'm doubting, we will ever know the details...or that the OP will return to their thread.


So much for their "rant". IMO

Why does the OP need to return to the thread and give more details? The age of the child isn't material, unless it was a toddler or infant, which most likely the OP would have mentioned. She already mentioned that she paid for the seat assignment, and the amount doesn't matter, and she said the mother demanded, not asked. The OP doesn't need to come defend herself from those who spend their time picking apart every rant or comment to try and find something to argue about, she ranted, and now it's over. Doesn't make the OP a troll, and doesn't mean that she made it up to get reactions.

 

[Kellykins1218]

people that have kids do not act this way at all. This is one reason we do not fly with our kids

I'm confused.

People that have kids don't demand that others move? They clearly do.

People who have kids don't refuse to move? I have 4 kids and if I paid extra for a certain seat, I'm sitting in it unless you're handing me the extra cash I paid or moving me into a much better seat.

How is this one reason you don't fly with your kids? My two youngest have autism and we have no trouble flying. I've taken them by myself on flights several times. It's no big deal and I'm not even a teacher used to being in charge of dozens of kids.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Doesn't make the OP a troll, and doesn't mean that she made it up to get reactions.

A one post RANT with sixteen pages of DIScussion? Maybe not, but probably so. Hey, just a hunch.

 

[Deb in IA]

Maybe the person the OP was complaining about needs this app:

http://seateroo.com/

"Do you fly commercial airlines? The goal of Seateroo is to improve your in-flight experience. Seateroo cannot serve you a drink, but Seateroo can help you find a better seat. It’s why we say, “The Seat for You with Seateroo!”

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Why does the OP need to return to the thread and give more details? The age of the child isn't material, unless it was a toddler or infant, which most likely the OP would have mentioned. She already mentioned that she paid for the seat assignment, and the amount doesn't matter, and she said the mother demanded, not asked. The OP doesn't need to come defend herself from those who spend their time picking apart every rant or comment to try and find something to argue about, she ranted, and now it's over. Doesn't make the OP a troll, and doesn't mean that she made it up to get reactions.

They don't HAVE to return. But since they did not specify the age in their title and their rant, it sounds like that the OP would refuse any request for any child of any age for any reason. So they don't need to come back and defend their statement or clarify that they aren't that firm for all circumstances. They can just leave it to the Disboards to decide if the OP would truly be that uncharitable for some of the cited reasons.

It seems rather jerky that in some examples involving infants where the airline disregarded the age in seat assignments that the OP would have the same rant they wouldn't move unless they are paid 5x what they paid for the upgrade. If the OP truly felt that way, I would hope that airline karma bit them in the posterior.

There was a show once where a passenger refused to move. The other party was bumped to first class to be accommodated. Suddenly the passenger was okay with giving up their seat. The FA made sure he stayed in the seat he paid for. Sure this is fiction. But it was poetic justice. (In the script, the people making the request to switch seats weren't demanding but asking nicely. I wish I recalled what show this was from.)

I am not saying the OP had to give up their seat--I just hope they politely handled it. And that in a true circumstance of need, they wouldn't be as ranty.

And I would not have moved either. But I would have perhaps suggested asking the FA for assistance. We don't need to be door mats. But we don't have to think nasty thoughts of people either.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Why does the OP need to return to the thread and give more details? The age of the child isn't material, unless it was a toddler or infant, which most likely the OP would have mentioned. She already mentioned that she paid for the seat assignment, and the amount doesn't matter, and she said the mother demanded, not asked. The OP doesn't need to come defend herself from those who spend their time picking apart every rant or comment to try and find something to argue about, she ranted, and now it's over. Doesn't make the OP a troll, and doesn't mean that she made it up to get reactions.

A one post RANT with sixteen pages of DIScussion? Maybe not, but probably so. Hey, just a hunch.

I don't think it matters at this point. Sometimes people just like a good discussion for whatever reason, and whether or not the OP returns, by the number of pages in this thread, looks to me that people find this interesting enough to share their own viewpoints, even coming back to the thread (me included ) to elaborate, comment, discuss, etc.

 

[Kellykins1218]

To me, the whole point of a rant is to get whatever it is off your chest. The OP did that.

 

[morgan98]

They don't HAVE to return. But since they did not specify the age in their title and their rant, it sounds like that the OP would refuse any request for any child of any age for any reason. So they don't need to come back and defend their statement or clarify that they aren't that firm for all circumstances. They can just leave it to the Disboards to decide if the OP would truly be that uncharitable for some of the cited reasons.

It seems rather jerky that in some examples involving infants where the airline disregarded the age in seat assignments that the OP would have the same rant they wouldn't move unless they are paid 5x what they paid for the upgrade. If the OP truly felt that way, I would hope that airline karma bit them in the posterior.

There was a show once where a passenger refused to move. The other party was bumped to first class to be accommodated. Suddenly the passenger was okay with giving up their seat. The FA made sure he stayed in the seat he paid for. Sure this is fiction. But it was poetic justice. (In the script, the people making the request to switch seats weren't demanding but asking nicely. I wish I recalled what show this was from.)

I am not saying the OP had to give up their seat--I just hope they politely handled it. And that in a true circumstance of need, they wouldn't be as ranty.

And I would not have moved either. But I would have perhaps suggested asking the FA for assistance. We don't need to be door mats. But we don't have to think nasty thoughts of people either.

I don't necessarily get the idea that the OP would not move for anyone. I think the OP was upset because it was "demanded." Also, the OP did not need to handle it with any more than a simple NO. I would think it was the person asking the OP to move that should have to be as sweet as honey, not the OP.

I think thinking nasty thoughts of other people is fine, for what it is worth. I deal with stressful situations everyday in which I say one thing, but think something completely different (and not so nice). I consider it a coping mechanism.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Since we are still discussing!!!!!

To me, the biggest factor in my thoughts/judgements is this, right from the original post.

This was after SnoToriousBIG 2016, so every single flight was full.
I don't give a ratatouille if you want to sit with your kids. I paid for this aisle seat assignment and you wanted to take your chances at the airport!
......
The only time I have ever given up my seat and in first no less was for someone in uniform. Their willingness to die for their country trumps someone who doesn't want to pay for their seat every day of the year!

THE OP, HERSELF, is using very negative and immature language and issuing unfair and negative judgments about this family.
I mean, this was what the OP refers to as SnotoriousBIG 2016, with every single flight full... and she assumes that, under these circumstances, this woman had just made the decision to take her chances... Really??? The assumption that this woman 'doesn't want to pay for her seat'... Really???

And, I will probably get flamed for this... my flame suit is on and securely sealed...
I think her high-and-mighty judgment and holier than thou attitude continues with the 'someone in uniform' statement.

I am going to go out on a limb here and wonder just how an adult, in uniform, that should be strong and competent warrants more consideration in this type of situation than a child?

Maybe there is more to the story. I am sure that there is.
But, I see a lot of assumptions, and a very negative and judgmental attitude, on the part of the OP, based on no knowledge and no evidence whatsoever that this mother did anything wrong at all, other than being caught up in travel plans in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Hey, if the OP really had her reasons and felt strongly about staying in that seat... I can understand that. I can commiserate.
I am NOT going to flame or judge, based on that alone.

But, it seems from what was posted that the OP has very little understanding of how things go when flying today, and a lot of entitlement.

 

[morgan98]

Since we are still discussing!!!!!

To me, the biggest factor in my thoughts/judgements is this, right from the original post.



THE OP, HERSELF, is using very negative and immature language and issuing unfair and negative judgments about this family.
I mean, this was what the OP refers to as SnotoriousBIG 2016, with every single flight full... and she assumes that, under these circumstances, this woman had just made the decision to take her chances... Really??? The assumption that this woman 'doesn't want to pay for her seat'... Really???

And, I will probably get flamed for this... my flame suit is on and securely sealed...
I think her high-and-mighty judgment and holier than thou attitude continues with the 'someone in uniform' statement.

I am going to go out on a limb here and wonder just how an adult, in uniform, that should be strong and competent warrants more consideration in this type of situation than a child?

Maybe there is more to the story. I am sure that there is.
But, I see a lot of assumptions, and a very negative and judgmental attitude on the part of the OP, based on no knowledge and no evidence whatsoever that this mother did anything wrong at all, other than being caught up in travel plans in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Hey, if the OP really had her reasons and felt strongly about staying in that seat... I can understand that. I can commiserate.
I am NOT going to flame or judge, based on that alone.

But, it seems from what was posted that the OP has very little understanding of how things go when flying today, and a lot of entitlement.

The OP had a sense of entitlement? You are correct...the OP is entitled to sit in the seat that she was assigned to and/or paid extra for.

In the case of the "someone in uniform" statement, I believe the OP voluntarily gave up the seat to that person, not because it was demanded. Two very separate things.

Also, unless the child was in some kind of direct danger, no harm would come to the child from not sitting by the parent on an airplane, unless there was some unusual circumstance. It is not like the OP was putting the child in harm's way or anything.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I don't think it matters at this point. Sometimes people just like a good discussion for whatever reason, and whether or not the OP returns, by the number of pages in this thread, looks to me that people find this interesting enough to share their own viewpoints, even coming back to the thread (me included ) to elaborate, comment, discuss, etc.

It is a good discussion. Although, if this were posed as a hypothetical...would the topic garner as much interest?

I doubt, this happened to the OP....rude, demanding Mother insisting on a seat change? And, only one comment from the OP, intended to .

C'est la vie!

 

[gwynne]

It is a good discussion. Although, if this were posed as a hypothetical...would the topic garner as much interest?

I doubt, this happened to the OP....rude, demanding Mother insisting on a seat change? And, only one comment from the OP, intended to .

C'est la vie!

I've seen it happen, so I don't doubt it's possible it happened. It also could be that there was some "creative" extra info included to bolster the controversy/discussion.
I don't know anything for sure.

 

[Jennasis]

Since we are still discussing!!!!!

To me, the biggest factor in my thoughts/judgements is this, right from the original post.



THE OP, HERSELF, is using very negative and immature language and issuing unfair and negative judgments about this family.
I mean, this was what the OP refers to as SnotoriousBIG 2016, with every single flight full... and she assumes that, under these circumstances, this woman had just made the decision to take her chances... Really??? The assumption that this woman 'doesn't want to pay for her seat'... Really???

And, I will probably get flamed for this... my flame suit is on and securely sealed...
I think her high-and-mighty judgment and holier than thou attitude continues with the 'someone in uniform' statement.

I am going to go out on a limb here and wonder just how an adult, in uniform, that should be strong and competent warrants more consideration in this type of situation than a child?

Maybe there is more to the story. I am sure that there is.
But, I see a lot of assumptions, and a very negative and judgmental attitude, on the part of the OP, based on no knowledge and no evidence whatsoever that this mother did anything wrong at all, other than being caught up in travel plans in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Hey, if the OP really had her reasons and felt strongly about staying in that seat... I can understand that. I can commiserate.
I am NOT going to flame or judge, based on that alone.

But, it seems from what was posted that the OP has very little understanding of how things go when flying today, and a lot of entitlement.

The only thing that it appears was done wrong was the mother demanding the OP move seats.

The OP is entitled...to keep the seat they paid for.

All that aside, pretty sure we've been punk'd...though it does appear to have generated a very interesting discussion. The OP is very clearly watching the thread (or at least was 10 minutes ago) and probably having a grand ol' chuckle.