When flying can they make you switch your seats even though you pre-select?

[FCDub]

But Im assuming if you move, youre not going to be kicking the seat or flapping trays lol

Worst thing my seatmates will have to deal with is me snoring as I fall asleep almost immediately.

 

[goofy4tink]

Worst thing my seatmates will have to deal with is me snoring as I fall asleep almost immediately.

You're as bad as my dh. No sparkling conversation happening with him! Sound asleep before we level off!!!! Drives me nuts!!

 

[FCDub]

You're as bad as my dh. No sparkling conversation happening with him! Sound asleep before we level off!!!! Drives me nuts!!

I'm a wheels up to wheels down sleeper on planes. I love it.

 

[goofy4tink]

Wish I could do that....have never been able to, even when flying internationally!!!!!

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Basic courtesy is NOT being an obnoxious brat on a flight full of people.....
All of this is absolutely ridiculous. You and your child don't get to be jerks just because the flight doesn't revolve around you and your child. The fact you have taught your child its acceptable to be a nuisance to get your way is horrifying. Grow up.

I have taught her to observe what's going on and behave like the Adults. If she sees that the Adult is NOT being considerate, she always asks me why. "Why don't they move for the Grandma? Why don't they open the door for the person in the wheelchair? Why is nobody helping that homeless man on the street? Why is that person at the checkout arguing with the cashier instead of paying and letting the line move forward?"

It's hard to teach your kids how to behave when they see that Adults Get To Do What They Want. I don't let her misbehave on purpose lightly... it really HAS to be because another Adult decided they were going to be inconsiderate. here are some great examples if y'all think I'm unreasonable:

• Want to chat with the bank teller for ten minutes in a queue 5 people long? Oh yeah I will let her scream and wiggle - because it's a bank, not a social opportunity. Deposit or withdrawal and MOVE ON.
• Don't hold up the grocery store line and force the cashier to call a manager because you feel like you weren't discounted fifteen cents on your purchase. And now you want the tax refunded too! GO TO CUSTOMER SERVICE.
• Don't stand in front of a door, blocking it, while texting on your cell phone and pretending you don't see that I have my arms full. Both of us will chime loudly, "Thanks for opening the door for us!" YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY PERSON HERE.
• Don't hold places for people in line, seating, etc. We stood there and waited patiently - if a small child with special needs can wait, you do NOT need to cut in line or make someone save a place for you. WAIT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. And if you are holders of a DAS pass, you actually are waiting too, just more or less in the FP+ line. Don't try to run my kid over with your ECV because somehow you're more important than all others who made their FP+, just like you.

And this re-seating thing on a plane HAS happened before to my family. That's WHY we always pay the extra fees to sit together if possible!

When it did happen, my DH moved elsewhere without skipping a beat. I looked at the man who didn't want to move, and was like, "You really want to sit next to a sobbing and wailing 6 month old baby? You breastfeeding the kid?" It took him all of about 2 minutes to realize that a woman practically dripping breastmilk on his arm (YAY engorgement!) was probably the only one he wanted sitting next to this child. So he moved, my child settled down and fell asleep. If he hadn't moved? I have severe plane anxiety when I'm NOT hopped up on Mommy Hormones, I can't imagine that flight would have been anything but sheer torment for him...

When my child doesn't have verbal communication issues, I'll start teaching her more about behaving quietly without Mommy and Daddy breathing over her. But since she DOES have these issues, and her teachers all agree that we have to hold off on addressing some of these Big Kid Things that are more independent, she knows that the Absolute Rule of No Breaking is that "Mommy and/or Daddy MUST be near you." I don't announce her diagnosis from the rooftops, but yes, she is a special needs child. So this is a conversation that is tinged with DISabilities! for my personal circumstances.

 

[FCDub]

So the response you've taught your daughter is to be a jerk back to people you perceive as being inconsiderate to or inconveniencing you?

Again, great parenting. To each their own, I suppose...

 

[LadyBeBop]

But...when booking flights, and choosing seats, it's always a good idea to choose seats that, if the equipment changed for some reason, aren't going to be impacted by said change. Usually rows toward the back of the plane won't change.

So assuming we don't fly Southwest, make sure we pick seats toward the back of the plane if we don't want to be separated?

I'll sit apart from the rest of the family in the center seat of the back row (and I have in the non-rev days of flying free).

However, early next year, my husband, youngest daughter, her husband and my 9-year old granddaughter will fly to Miami for a cruise. This will be my DSIL and DGD's first plane ride. So I would want them to sit with my DD.

Doesn't matter where DH and I sit, as long as we make it to Miami.

 

[goofy4tink]

So assuming we don't fly Southwest, make sure we pick seats toward the back of the plane if we don't want to be separated?

I'll sit apart from the rest of the family in the center seat of the back row (and I have in the non-rev days of flying free).

However, early next year, my husband, youngest daughter, her husband and my 9-year old granddaughter will fly to Miami for a cruise. This will be my DSIL and DGD's first plane ride. So I would want them to sit with my DD.

Doesn't matter where DH and I sit, as long as we make it to Miami.

As I said earlier, it just doesn't happen enough to worry about. The reason I suggest rows further back is because a change in planes is more likely to change rows/seats around the wing area. You could find, as a previous poster reported, find yourself in an exit row....where you can't sit if you have kids under 15 with you.

Again, this just doesn't happen all that often. I AM going to ask that the whole subject of 'rude behaviour' discussion stop. It never ends well....which is why it is not tolerated here.

 

[megveg]

I don't let her misbehave on purpose lightly... it really HAS to be because another Adult decided they were going to be inconsiderate. here are some great examples if y'all think I'm unreasonable:

• Want to chat with the bank teller for ten minutes in a queue 5 people long? Oh yeah I will let her scream and wiggle - because it's a bank, not a social opportunity. Deposit or withdrawal and MOVE ON.
• Don't hold up the grocery store line and force the cashier to call a manager because you feel like you weren't discounted fifteen cents on your purchase. And now you want the tax refunded too! GO TO CUSTOMER SERVICE.
• Don't stand in front of a door, blocking it, while texting on your cell phone and pretending you don't see that I have my arms full. Both of us will chime loudly, "Thanks for opening the door for us!" YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY PERSON HERE.
• Don't hold places for people in line, seating, etc. We stood there and waited patiently - if a small child with special needs can wait, you do NOT need to cut in line or make someone save a place for you. WAIT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. And if you are holders of a DAS pass, you actually are waiting too, just more or less in the FP+ line. Don't try to run my kid over with your ECV because somehow you're more important than all others who made their FP+, just like you.

You let her misbehave on purpose and on que. That's the issue. If you cant wait an extra 3-5 mins in a bank line, or wait patiently in a grocery line LIKE AN ADULT, having your child scream and wail to get your way is literally the most repulsive thing I may have ever read on these forums.

Turning your child into an alarm system for when things don't go your way? I am beside myself that an adult would be so ridiculous as to train their child to misbehave on queue. What in the world is going on here?!

The things you complain about are natural occurrences in adult life these days, why do you think having a child there to scream and wail allows you to preferential treatment than EVERY OTHER HUMAN going through the same thing?! There are plenty of people with special needs children that do NOT use that as a way to make other people bend to their will. They all wait for elevators, meals, flight boarding and bank lines just like everyone with or without children.

The entitlement here is nuts.
___________________________________________________________

I apologize highjacking a thread about moving seats on a plane, but I cannot stand for this nonsense.

 

[Gracie09]

You let her misbehave on purpose and on que. That's the issue. If you cant wait an extra 3-5 mins in a bank line, or wait patiently in a grocery line LIKE AN ADULT, having your child scream and wail to get your way is literally the most repulsive thing I may have ever read on these forums.

Turning your child into an alarm system for when things don't go your way? I am beside myself that an adult would be so ridiculous as to train their child to misbehave on queue. What in the world is going on here?!

The things you complain about are natural occurrences in adult life these days, why do you think having a child there to scream and wail allows you to preferential treatment than EVERY OTHER HUMAN going through the same thing?! There are plenty of people with special needs children that do NOT use that as a way to make other people bend to their will. They all wait for elevators, meals, flight boarding and bank lines just like everyone with or without children.

The entitlement here is nuts.
___________________________________________________________

I apologize highjacking a thread about moving seats on a plane, but I cannot stand for this nonsense.

Yup - I agree. I think someone is being rude and its not who the pp thinks it is.

Someone taking a few minutes to talk to a bank teller may be lonely and this could be their only chance at adult conversation all week
someone upset over 15 cents may be on a very tight budget counting every penny and it actually means a lot to them so they are not thinking straight and just want it resolved there or they may not have enough for the grocery bill.
Someone on the phone may not realize you are there. I only actually talk on my phone to my kids school, doctors office or other important person. I tend to text friends and family. So if I'm talking on the phone its something important so I may not notice you there. But a simple excuse me will probably get me to move out of your way. (and is polite.)

The PP doesn't know why someone will or won't move. But are being rude and teaching their kid to be rude because they will not get their way. But if I'm not with my kids I tend to be able to put on my headphones watch my movie, read my book or simply fall asleep. I have a great ability to block out kids that aren't mine. If not, I am more than happy to spend the last 45 minutes of the flight loading them up on sugar and sending them back to you. Oh and btw, even if the seatbelt light is off, you can't stand in teh aisle blocking it. The flight attendant won't allow it.

Oh and I have two kids with special needs. I don't use their needs to justify or excuse or encourage rude bad behavior. I teach them appropriate behavior.

 

[sweetpeama]

I think one way to solve the we purchased basic economy and are upset because we can't sit together is
When it gets to the entering passenger information if any member of the party is under the age where a minor can fly unaccompanied without requiring a fee. OUR APOLOGIES BUT DUE TO THE BIRTHDATES OF SOME MEMBERS OF YOUR PARTY YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS TYPE OF TICKET PLEASE SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TICKET TYPES ( options could include an economy ticket that you select your seat). If all members are over the unaccompanied minor age have this BY INITIALING THIS BOX I HEREBY INDICATE THAT I UNDERSTAND THAT ALL SEATS WILL BE ASSIGNED BY AIRLINE AT ANY TIME INCLUDING AT THE GATE AND THAT THERE IS NO GUARANTEE MY PARTY WILL BE SEATED TOGETHER.

That said I refuse to ever purchase basic economy even if I was flying alone. I like to be able to bring a carry on larger than what will fit under the seat. I personally know too many people who have ended up with lost luggage including my grandparents who got their luggage the day before they were to leave to come home from visiting my uncle on a 3 week trip. ( All flights in the US). I can see how it is easy to end up with a basic economy ticket though. I just played around with Delta ( one of the two options from my area to WDW) and I have no idea if a v on the economy fare is basic or not without doing some research. Which I have played around with in the past and the information is not as easy as typing in what do fare codes on ( delta) mean. I have more time than money on my hands and love playing around trying to find stuff; however I can see how someone who is trying to book tickets on a 30 minute lunch break using a phone or tablet can end up with a basic economy fare which is another reason why the first part of my post needs to be put in place on all airlines. Not to mention an easy way for the once every 5-10 years casual traveler to be able to know what the various codes mean so they know if they can change their fight, is it refundable, seats assigned, can you take a carry on that will go in the overhead bin.

While I would be upset if my family was moved when we paid to pick our seats ahead of time I would deal with it provided that A). My special needs child who is non verbal was seated at least next to a family member including my other child. B) No comment was made about the fact that I am a person of size and that I might be spilling into someone else's seat as I make sure that I am seated where I would go into a family member's seat. The planes we fly are usually a 2 2 or a 3 3 configuration so we usually sit adult and child or both children and myself with DH across the aisle or a row in front or behind us. If the grandparents are with on a 3 3 we put one kid with them, DH sits with me and other child and we all try to be as close as possible. Some days when my oldest starts in about the latest favorite show I would be thankful that someone else is sitting next to said child in another part of the plane because my ears need a break from the drama and someone else can listen to preteen ramble on.

 

[DebbieB]

I used to be Medallion level on Delta and several times I was bounced out of the preferred seat I selected. No warning, a slipped popped out of the machine when they scanned my boarding pass. I guess I was an easy target because I was traveling alone (on business).

 

[KrazeeK120]

I have taught her to observe what's going on and behave like the Adults. If she sees that the Adult is NOT being considerate, she always asks me why. "Why don't they move for the Grandma? Why don't they open the door for the person in the wheelchair? Why is nobody helping that homeless man on the street? Why is that person at the checkout arguing with the cashier instead of paying and letting the line move forward?"

It's hard to teach your kids how to behave when they see that Adults Get To Do What They Want. I don't let her misbehave on purpose lightly... it really HAS to be because another Adult decided they were going to be inconsiderate. here are some great examples if y'all think I'm unreasonable:

• Want to chat with the bank teller for ten minutes in a queue 5 people long? Oh yeah I will let her scream and wiggle - because it's a bank, not a social opportunity. Deposit or withdrawal and MOVE ON.
• Don't hold up the grocery store line and force the cashier to call a manager because you feel like you weren't discounted fifteen cents on your purchase. And now you want the tax refunded too! GO TO CUSTOMER SERVICE.
• Don't stand in front of a door, blocking it, while texting on your cell phone and pretending you don't see that I have my arms full. Both of us will chime loudly, "Thanks for opening the door for us!" YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY PERSON HERE.
• Don't hold places for people in line, seating, etc. We stood there and waited patiently - if a small child with special needs can wait, you do NOT need to cut in line or make someone save a place for you. WAIT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. And if you are holders of a DAS pass, you actually are waiting too, just more or less in the FP+ line. Don't try to run my kid over with your ECV because somehow you're more important than all others who made their FP+, just like you.

And this re-seating thing on a plane HAS happened before to my family. That's WHY we always pay the extra fees to sit together if possible!

When it did happen, my DH moved elsewhere without skipping a beat. I looked at the man who didn't want to move, and was like, "You really want to sit next to a sobbing and wailing 6 month old baby? You breastfeeding the kid?" It took him all of about 2 minutes to realize that a woman practically dripping breastmilk on his arm (YAY engorgement!) was probably the only one he wanted sitting next to this child. So he moved, my child settled down and fell asleep. If he hadn't moved? I have severe plane anxiety when I'm NOT hopped up on Mommy Hormones, I can't imagine that flight would have been anything but sheer torment for him...

When my child doesn't have verbal communication issues, I'll start teaching her more about behaving quietly without Mommy and Daddy breathing over her. But since she DOES have these issues, and her teachers all agree that we have to hold off on addressing some of these Big Kid Things that are more independent, she knows that the Absolute Rule of No Breaking is that "Mommy and/or Daddy MUST be near you." I don't announce her diagnosis from the rooftops, but yes, she is a special needs child. So this is a conversation that is tinged with DISabilities! for my personal circumstances.

The thing is, you have no idea why the person sitting in any given seat isn't moving. I really hate the feeling of being "trapped," and therefore, I always PURCHASE an aisle seat. I'm not sure if my feelings are a diagnosable medical condition, but if the seat you want me to move to is a middle or window seat, I'm not going to move. I'm not going to sit there and feel scared/anxious for however long the flight is. Sorry.

Also, you attract far more bees with honey than vinegar. Acting like an entitled brat (or instructing your child to do so) is going to make people far less likely to help you out. Your comfort isn't superior to anyone else's.

 

[SirDuff]

That said I refuse to ever purchase basic economy even if I was flying alone. I like to be able to bring a carry on larger than what will fit under the seat. I personally know too many people who have ended up with lost luggage including my grandparents who got their luggage the day before they were to leave to come home from visiting my uncle on a 3 week trip. ( All flights in the US). I can see how it is easy to end up with a basic economy ticket though. I just played around with Delta ( one of the two options from my area to WDW) and I have no idea if a v on the economy fare is basic or not without doing some research. Which I have played around with in the past and the information is not as easy as typing in what do fare codes on ( delta) mean. I have more time than money on my hands and love playing around trying to find stuff; however I can see how someone who is trying to book tickets on a 30 minute lunch break using a phone or tablet can end up with a basic economy fare which is another reason why the first part of my post needs to be put in place on all airlines. Not to mention an easy way for the once every 5-10 years casual traveler to be able to know what the various codes mean so they know if they can change their fight, is it refundable, seats assigned, can you take a carry on that will go in the overhead bin.

But you don't have know the fare code (or anything about fare codes) to know you are getting Basic Economy. The website tells you that you are getting Basic Economy and that it is a separate fare class (compared to normal Main Cabin).


And you cannot even really argue that people don't know what that means because, when you select it, you get the following pop-up:


You may not like Basic Economy (general you), but you cannot say that Delta doesn't go out of its way to tell you what you are getting.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have taught her to observe what's going on and behave like the Adults. If she sees that the Adult is NOT being considerate, she always asks me why. "Why don't they move for the Grandma? Why don't they open the door for the person in the wheelchair? Why is nobody helping that homeless man on the street? Why is that person at the checkout arguing with the cashier instead of paying and letting the line move forward?"

It's hard to teach your kids how to behave when they see that Adults Get To Do What They Want. I don't let her misbehave on purpose lightly... it really HAS to be because another Adult decided they were going to be inconsiderate. here are some great examples if y'all think I'm unreasonable:

• Want to chat with the bank teller for ten minutes in a queue 5 people long? Oh yeah I will let her scream and wiggle - because it's a bank, not a social opportunity. Deposit or withdrawal and MOVE ON.
• Don't hold up the grocery store line and force the cashier to call a manager because you feel like you weren't discounted fifteen cents on your purchase. And now you want the tax refunded too! GO TO CUSTOMER SERVICE.
• Don't stand in front of a door, blocking it, while texting on your cell phone and pretending you don't see that I have my arms full. Both of us will chime loudly, "Thanks for opening the door for us!" YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY PERSON HERE.
• Don't hold places for people in line, seating, etc. We stood there and waited patiently - if a small child with special needs can wait, you do NOT need to cut in line or make someone save a place for you. WAIT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. And if you are holders of a DAS pass, you actually are waiting too, just more or less in the FP+ line. Don't try to run my kid over with your ECV because somehow you're more important than all others who made their FP+, just like you.

And this re-seating thing on a plane HAS happened before to my family. That's WHY we always pay the extra fees to sit together if possible!

When it did happen, my DH moved elsewhere without skipping a beat. I looked at the man who didn't want to move, and was like, "You really want to sit next to a sobbing and wailing 6 month old baby? You breastfeeding the kid?" It took him all of about 2 minutes to realize that a woman practically dripping breastmilk on his arm (YAY engorgement!) was probably the only one he wanted sitting next to this child. So he moved, my child settled down and fell asleep. If he hadn't moved? I have severe plane anxiety when I'm NOT hopped up on Mommy Hormones, I can't imagine that flight would have been anything but sheer torment for him...

When my child doesn't have verbal communication issues, I'll start teaching her more about behaving quietly without Mommy and Daddy breathing over her. But since she DOES have these issues, and her teachers all agree that we have to hold off on addressing some of these Big Kid Things that are more independent, she knows that the Absolute Rule of No Breaking is that "Mommy and/or Daddy MUST be near you." I don't announce her diagnosis from the rooftops, but yes, she is a special needs child. So this is a conversation that is tinged with DISabilities! for my personal circumstances.

I truly hope this is some huge joke. If not, I truly hope to never run into you in real life.

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

This is really great parenting. Truly.

You know some people DO have specific reasons for choosing certain seats, right? Not everyone is trying to be a jerk, and behaving literally like a child in response to you not getting your way is absurd.

Reality TV type of parenting

 

[sweetpeama]

But you don't have know the fare code (or anything about fare codes) to know you are getting Basic Economy. The website tells you that you are getting Basic Economy and that it is a separate fare class (compared to normal Main Cabin).
View attachment 226389

And you cannot even really argue that people don't know what that means because, when you select it, you get the following pop-up:
View attachment 226390

You may not like Basic Economy (general you), but you cannot say that Delta doesn't go out of its way to tell you what you are getting.

From my area they only give 3 seating options:

http://www.delta.com/air-shopping/findFlights.action

I guess this means that there is no chance I would have to deal with Basic Economy unless I drive to a hub ( 11.5 hours to SLC or 14 hours to MSP) in which case I can go with a budget airline line like SW.

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

Worst thing my seatmates will have to deal with is me snoring as I fall asleep almost immediately.

Ackkkk only thing worse is snakes on a plane!

 

[SirDuff]

From my area they only give 3 seating options:

http://www.delta.com/air-shopping/findFlights.action

I guess this means that there is no chance I would have to deal with Basic Economy unless I drive to a hub ( 11.5 hours to SLC or 14 hours to MSP) in which case I can go with a budget airline line like SW.

Yes, if they don't show it as an option, it isn't an option. It's like it is there but "hidden".

 

[DebbieB]

But you don't have know the fare code (or anything about fare codes) to know you are getting Basic Economy. The website tells you that you are getting Basic Economy and that it is a separate fare class (compared to normal Main Cabin).
View attachment 226389

And you cannot even really argue that people don't know what that means because, when you select it, you get the following pop-up:
View attachment 226390

You may not like Basic Economy (general you), but you cannot say that Delta doesn't go out of its way to tell you what you are getting.

But people will post "surely they will not separate me from my kids".