I booked a front aisle seat on a long flight for comfort and quick exit. When a mother with a baby asked me to switch so she could sit near her husband, I said no. Her seat was a cramped middle seat at the back, and I wasn’t willing to give up my spot.
She sighed dramatically, and other passengers started staring. A man whispered, “It’s for a mom and her baby,” but I stayed quiet. The flight attendants didn’t ask me to move, but the mood was tense. The woman gave me dirty looks.
After landing, she complained to the gate agent that I was heartless. The agent explained seat assignments are the airline’s job and asked if she’d asked for help during boarding. She said yes, but nothing happened.
I told them I paid for my seat and refused politely. Her husband called me selfish, but I said it was about fairness. Another passenger backed me up, saying I was polite and firm.
The agent told the woman to move on. I learned that protecting your rights isn’t unkind, even if others disagree.
