by A long-haul flight on an airplane can be extremely uncomfortable, but an upgraded seat can certainly make the long journey that much more comfortable. Many of us can’t afford the luxury of flying first class, so extra legroom in economy seats may be the next best thing, reports the Mirror.
However, a couple who paid more for extra legroom on a 12-hour flight found themselves in an awkward situation after an eligible elderly couple attempted to claim the seats. The man took to Reddit to explain that he was glared at by fellow passengers after refusing to leave the seats, which he paid an extra $60 (£50) for.
Entitled “Old couple trying to take our seats on a plane,” the man explained the conversation that took place between himself and the retirees. He wrote: “I’ve seen a few posts about airplane seats so I thought I’d add my story.
“A few years ago, my significant other and I planned a three-month trip around the world. Our first flight was from New Zealand to Los Angeles. 12-13 hours.
“We booked and paid for our flights and I added the premium economy seats as I’m 1.80m tall and wanted more legroom. Costs an additional $60 (£50).
“This flight was Air New Zealand, the screen will have your name on it when you get to your seat. We get on the plane. Find our seats and there is this elderly couple (mid 70’s).
“I ask them if they mixed up their seat numbers. That was not the case. I show them my ticket and seat number and point to my name on the screen.
“They then ask me to just sit in their seats, which were ten rows back. No leg room.” The man then confronted the elderly couple and asked them to return to their own seats as he had paid an additional fee for leg room.
He described their conversation in detail: “Me: you want me to sit in your seats? OP (old folks): Yes, that would be nice, thanks.
“Me: I paid extra for these seats and would like to sit on them. Please go to your seats.
“OP: Oh, it’s not that bad, there’s plenty of legroom. Me: Yes, I have a lot of legroom in my seats because I paid for it.
They were approached by a flight attendant during the argument to find out what was going on as a long line had formed in the middle of the plane. The conversation continued: “OP: This man wants us to move the seats!
“Flight Attendant: Sir, please go to your assigned seats. Me: Here’s my ticket, these people are sitting in my seats. I paid extra because I need the legroom.
“FA to old folks: sorry, you have to move to your own seats as you didn’t pay for those seats. Old folks: can we have an upgrade please?
“FA: Sorry, this is a full flight so that’s not possible.” The man revealed he got some glares from others on the plane, despite it being his own seat.
Reddit users flocked to the comments to share their thoughts on the controversial situation, as many sided with the passenger who was forced to reclaim their seats. One person remarked, “I have no idea why the other people who paid extra for legroom would be staring at this guy.”
Another said: “This isn’t a 2 hour flight where you strut your stuff for the welfare of old people which still isn’t right given the social experience of flying – I wouldn’t care if it was a 2 hour flight it’s still the principle of the matter, but I can give in at my whim.
They added: “12-13 hours is no joke though – there’s no giving up. You move these people or the plane won’t take off!”
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