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Can you picture asking someone to move seats becoming viral? This actually happened aboard a Delta Airlines flight, so you don’t need to imagine it. Despite not having seats next to each other, two buddies were riding together. Both were seated in the first-class section, which is more costly and pleasant, with one in one row and the other a few seats back. In order to sit close to her companion, one of them made the decision to ask a fellow traveler if they might transfer seats. The solution? Let’s check it out!
The passenger says no politely
The girl went up to a man seated in the front and requested him to do her a favor. She went to ask someone else because the man initially didn’t want to talk to her. And that second individual answered no.
She returned to the first man and begged him to exchange seats again since she was unsuccessful. He replied politely and plainly this time: I’m sorry, but I paid more to seat here. You should ask someone seated further back, in my opinion.
Then, without protest or conflict, he just continued doing what he was doing.
Many people share their opinions about what happened
A user on Reddit, a social media platform where people post a wide range of content, shared this story. The post received a lot of comments and thousands of upvotes. Many saw the man’s response as the ideal illustration of how to refuse without being impolite.
According to an etiquette expert—someone who studies appropriate behavior in various contexts—the passenger’s response was courteous, straightforward, and self-assured. She also clarified that when someone want to establish boundaries, lengthy explanations are not required. It’s sufficient to politely decline, like the man on the plane did.
Could the friends sit next to each other?
The pals eventually succeeded in sitting together. One of them was able to move and sit next to the other, apparently because someone else consented to trade seats. The final words of the note provided by the story’s creator were: RESPECT. They did this because they thought it was wonderful that the man stood by his choice without being cruel or creating a fuss.
When is it okay to ask someone to switch seats?
Many individuals began to reconsider whether it is OK to ask someone to switch seats on a plane as a result of this event, and naturally, various people have different ideas. According to a June 2023 survey, for instance, many respondents believe that asking is OK as long as it is done politely. Indeed, 54% of respondents stated that they truly appreciate this feature when someone requests something from them.
But there are differing opinions about that. The same survey indicates that simply because you don’t like your seat, you shouldn’t ask to switch. Let’s examine this in greater depth:
- 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 anecdote demonstrates a very basic yet crucial lesson: saying no is OK as long as it is done politely. We may all learn from his kindness, clarity, and request for what he needed. After the frantic pre-flight procedures that travelers must go through at the airport, I’m sure the man wanted to sit in the seat he had paid for and unwind throughout the journey. In this case, would you have taken the girl’s seat instead?
