“Doctor Sabra,” a Seattle-based pharmacist on TikTok, flew Air France from Seattle to Paris and refused to switch her business class seat so that a family could travel together. “That’s a no from me dawg,” she declared to over 10 million viewers, who were overwhelmingly supportive in the comments.
- She was upgraded and had seat 1A
- Many consider this to be an undesirable seat actually because of proximity to the lavatory and the galley. I actually prefer row 1 because I don’t see all of the other passengers in the cabin and it feels more private.
- She had been offered row 8, which is similarly near crew and passenger activity.
A gate agent asked her if she’d switch prior to boarding, but the seat they offered her wasn’t appealing (she asked to see the seat map). I wouldn’t have wanted to move from row 1 to row 8, either. She called it ‘first class’ when it was actually business, on a Boeing 787-9 with no first class cabin..
The gate agent called my name before boarding. They were nice and asked me if I was willing to switch seats. I asked to see the alternative on the seat map. It was still first class but all the way in the back. I kindly said that I’d rather keep the seat I selected and she didn’t insist.
Some of you might feel that (1) she should have been indifferent between the seats, and (2) more charitable considering she was upgraded. But it was her seat and her preference at that point. And, it turns out, the kid was 13 so I’m not sure that they really needed to be seated beside a parent? In the end they were accommodated by another passenger.
@lifewithdrsabra That’s a no from me dawg 🤣 would you have given up your seat? Also they ended up finding a solution so no, i am not a terrible human being. Also the child was like 13.
If the mom wanted to sit with her kid, they should have pre-booked this. And they could have considered another flight if there weren’t any seats together. (It’s possible their flight had been cancelled, or they misconnected, and got rebooked but with Seattle as the destination of this flight that seems geographically unlikely even though Delta operates a hub there.)
At a minimum get as good a seat as you can to offer up in trade. Don’t expect someone to give up their seat for one that they’ll view as inferior. And maybe offer them something to do the trade?
- I was once asked to change seats so that a couple could sit together, only to learn that they were already seated together, they just didn’t like the bulkhead, and they stuck me with the bulkhead (I don’t like the bulkhead either!).
- A reader once gave up his premium seat so that a family could sit together only to have the family sell that seat to another passenger and not actually sit together.
Still, if you’re indifferent between seats that are on offer, helping a family is the nice thing to do! It’s even better when you’re offered a superior seat for your trouble. Or $20.
Row 8 WOULD have been a better seat, if IG was next to the crew area that means it would be at a mus cabin door, meaning you could be first out when the plane lands. Being as far forward as you can get is NOT always a better seat.
This comment section is a cess pool of unkindness. Also, Gary’s comment in the article, “If the mom wanted to sit with her kid, they should have pre-booked this” contributes to the problem.
I am currently in the middle of a trip to Tokyo with my family of 4 booked on JAL business class using AA miles for a partner reward. Because of AA’s relationship with JAL, I was unable to select my seats even though we confirmed our tickets 9 months ago.
JAL, for some unknown reason on the return flight, placed me away from my wife and child (4 year old and infant in lap with wife) in the same row, but not next to them. Due to this, I will be asking if the person next to them would be open to switching with me. Do I deserve to be crucified for that in a comments section of a blog?
People need to be more considerate. You never know the full situation as much as you think you do.
Book the seats together or deal with it. Selfish parents think they own the world because they travel with kids.
“dr”? She’s a pharmacist. Yeah it’s a doctoral level degree, but so is a JD.
Also, choosing not to switch seats isn’t newsworthy. What weirdo posts this kind of stuff on social media?
People in planes gotta stop being smart assess and not inconvenience other passengers just because they didn’t like their seats
@Pounce Kitty did you see my comment? We literally were unable to pick our seats. In my case, it’s incredibly unfair to blame the parents. Blame the airlines.
I *never* switch seats. I book my seats well ahead, and they are seats I want. If folk want to pick seats, they know how to do it.
Domestically I love it when upgrades to First ask if I will move so they can sit together. Better yet is when my wife is NOT seated next to me but is in the same cabin. “Could you move so I can sit next to my wife/girlfriend?” I just point to my wife and say “That’s MY wife. Do you see us sitting together?”
But then, I’m an only child. 🙂
She said no and that’s okay. It seems she is so shallow and attention starved that she felt the need to put it on TikTok. Why is this news worthy!
I don’t know why I feel like chiming in-
It’s so fun. Does anyone realize how lucky you are? “My family and I are flying international business class, and I’m worried that we won’t be able to sit together” ??
It seems to me the issue is not so much families or individuals asking to switch seats, but the nasty attitude if the request is denied. And the ones who are already parked in a seat that doesn’t belong to them, assuming it’s acceptable – wow!!
I think the person who booked her seats already knew that they are going to be in different seats. The same thing happened to me a few years ago when my 8 year old sat in a seat 18 rows behind me. I did not ask anyone to switch her seat but asked her to press the call button if she ever needed help. It is mean to ask another passenger to move. Ask the airline but not any passenger. I never would switch my seat with anyone no matter what their excuse is
I was once asked to change seats fir the same reason. It was a horrible mistake. I ended up next to an obnoxious drunk for the entire flight. Ever since then, I decline changing. Families should coordinate all of that when they purchase the flight.
I was in my favorite exit row seat and was asked by a man to switch with his wife so they could be together only to see him sitting in my preferable seat for the whole flight, while she remained stuck in her middle seat – never again!
How was she upgraded? Is she a Delta Diamond and burned a GUC to upgrade? Does she have Flying Blue Platinum status? Somehow I doubt either one. She doesn’t seem like a seasoned flyer if she is calling business class “first class.” Also she seems to equate being in row 1 as having some sort of prestige over the rest of the cabin, even though they are all the exact same seats.
Surely 1A in AF Business class is a window stand-alone seat, so I can’t see how anyone is sitting with anyone else anyway.
A bulkhead seat in most modern business class cabins is the same as any other, if not better, and quietens down once meal service etc. is all done.
8A on the other hand would adjacent to a hive of activity the whole flight.
Don’t use rewards and buy your tickets outright, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to choose seats before your flight. I’m not giving up our seats for inferior seats, and yes – I travel with my Wife and 2 children.
Signed – Parent Taking Care Of Business Ahead Of Time.
I’d never buy a biz product with solo seats for family travel. LH yes, Q Suite maybe, Polaris only if can pair the honeymoon seats. AF and BA Club suites no. As long as my kid is too young to be left alone in a biz suite, I’ll probably be so tired that I’ll easily pass out in PE
People ought to stop acting being entitled like the world owes them a living – this attitude is so very rampant with passengers in the US. I should know. I’ve worked 38 years in the airline industry with three different legacy carriers and from my experience the Americans are the fussiest when it comes to benefits and privileges but the skimpiest when it comes to forking out money.
I booked my premium economy seats Denver to London and back in April to travel in September. I chose 13C in both directions BUT British Airways have changed my seats to 19E in both directions – no reason, just they can!
What a total b! As a family who often travels business transatlantic I can tell you this has happened to us despite our best intentions. The airline messed up when they changed our flight (through no fault of ours) and our kids were both under 5. We had to split up 2+2 which made it extremely difficult to travel such a long flight without both parents within reach. And who is this lady to say the 13 year old could’ve sat alone? Does she know the kid???! Ugh this makes my blood boil. Especially when the seat offered was better. It sounds to me like she was just throwing her weight around and trying to be difficult.
When I traveled with my 3 pets, I had to book cargo at least 6 months in advance for the dogs and the cabin for the cat, pay exorbitant fees, have health certificates within 14 days, and be at the airport 3 to 3 1/2 hours ahead of time. If all wasn’t in place, we didn’t go or would be Denied boarding. Families can do the same. Bought an SUV and drive now, much safer and cheaper, less hassle. Also gave an aisle seat once to a Mom for her “child”, who was 16! Never again.
Why people pay so much attention to this moron?Just look at this idiotic laugh!! Why do we celebrate evil people?
I don’t ever read or comment on stuff like this ,but couldn’t pass this time!People like this make me sick!
This is about flight safety. If I’m correct, this flight is a 787 with 1-2-1 configurations. A-DG-K. Seat assignment. Yeah most people think D & G are good for flying together but with a child these two seats are not suitable. One needs to walk toward the front or back of the section and make a loop to reach other side. Often at check-in the agent should provide them with AD or GK seating if available but that might not be possible due to the timing of the booking. This person was asked at the gate to switch because she was offered an upgrade. She did not purchase the seat originally. She did have the rights to refuse but I bet she assumed the reason for the this switch request incorrectly. Not everyone knows this involved flight safety.
All this cheering of selfishness. How would you feel if you were on her shoes. Yes, you would say I wont do the same than that mom, I would have get the two seats together, but what’s on that mom’s head? What is she going through? Are you at 100% functionality 24/7? Maybe you are now but, will you be in the future? Why not develop empathy for another human been? How would you feel if something happens to the significant other? What if something happens in or to the plane and then two family members are away from each other because of your decision? We as human race are going so hard over families on these days. We hurry to standout to request rights and entitlements, but are the last ones when it comes to be just nice to another person. Didn’t Covid teach you a lesson to you all? Love your family, love your friends, love the human race cause you may not see them tomorrow. Keep the families together, a nice gesture, a mercy gesture will never be forgotten. Growth your self through good actions, keep a noble heart, not a hard one.
1. How does this make news? And 2. Why would you even want to post a pic and caption of you looking satisfied and smug at saying no to someone for what was just a request? Not saying she should have said yes, just wonder what kind of person craves this sort of attention in the first place?
I love all the dumbasses in the comments—and the dumbass who wrote this article—with potato IQs saying “book the seats together”, as if every scenario involving flight preparations allows you to do so.
If you’re too ignorant to understand what it means to redeem miles or other rewards (for seats that you can’t choose), then just say that.
There are plenty of scenarios in which people aren’t allowed to choose which seats get booked for them, especially when it comes to certain companies and certain airlines.
If you’re an ignorant asshole with no ability to understand nor empathize beyond yourself and your arrogance, just say that.
Don’t blame parents or whoever when you don’t know the full scope of the situation. If you are a shitty, selfish, worthless human being, just say that.
The author of this article deserved to be stuck at the bulkhead for not inquiring further as to why the couple needed to switch seats. That being said, in order to inquire further, one must first possess critical thinking abilities, which this author clearly does NOT have.
Being asked to trade your seat Is better than being told you have to give up your seat as another person stands there waiting for you to do so because there overbooked now, tell me how that can happen and is it legal? If you bought and paid for the seat and your sitting in it why should you have to give it up you were there first plus it’s there mistake.
The parent should had offered his row 1 seat up to the passenger sitting next to his son in row 8, if he genuinely wanted to be next to him.
Just another batch of unewsworthy b.s. here. Book your seats and stfu.
I could understand not switching seat I chose. 1A is next to the bathroom and kitchen.
If in a hurry to go to bathroom it’s very close by.
I prefer that seat above all.
I really don’t like sitting further back, and dealing with trying to pass the food and bev carts.
I understand that it may be more fun for a family to sit together.
I feel bad they couldn’t.
However I am a person too with needs.
Sorry
I cannot believe this thread. I cannot believe that people are this ignorant, selfish and thoughtless. And I’m speaking of the people that refused to switch seats just because it’s a person with a child and ASSuming that these “thoughtless” people just didn’t book correctly or in time or whatever. This is not always the case.
I’m a single person, and I don’t like switching my seats but, if there is a baby and/or a small child involved, and the parents were not able to book because of the way different companies do their business, why in the world would I be a self-righteous selfish bee with an itch? I wouldn’t!
. Yes I would give up my seat. What is the big deal? And this woman smiling out the window like she won some big victory by being a selfish, rude and inconsiderate, thoughtless human being?
I understand the privileged, part, where someone just booked at the last minute then expected everything and every one to work around their selfishness. But these are always assumptions first, rather than finding out the real story. We recently had two deaths in the family wHere small children needed to be transported as everyone that they trusted would be going to the funeral in another state. Yes, these are “last minute” arrangements, and they were very stressful because of all that they were going through. The sudden death of two siblings was no easy time. In two different places around the country within three weeks.
You absolutely never know what anyone’s going through. Never.
It’s embarrassing to be an American, knowing just how much we have become, inconsiderate ‘boars’! (yes, spelling was intended)
That’s so often how we are seen by the the world. Not saying other countries don’t do similar things, but Americans to me are the worst.. A world apart from where we were even 10 years ago or 50 years ago. I don’t recall this nasty nonsense because we didn’t have social media where people could blather on about their little insecurities, and blow them out of all portion for all those who also have major issues with self-esteem. Yes, I think this is a self-esteem issue if someone is “making me do something I don’t want to do“ and of course the truly ‘privileged’ behave this way as well. The privileged being those people who refuse to do anything for anyone else but themselves.
Recently, on a long trip back from Europe, my seat got switched, and I never switched it. I had booked my seat months in advance! As soon as they were available to book, I booked in a soon as I was able to choose seats. I chose my seat. I even confirmed it the day before.
Nevertheless, without my knowledge, somebody switched it for me because I do not like sitting near the window which was now my new seat, But the person sitting next to me was an older gentleman, and he was very tall. So I am quite certain that this happened without my knowledge, which was perfectly fine, as I am under 5 feet. It wasn’t my favorite thing to have happened, but it certainly wasn’t the worst thing that ever happened even though it was a 12 hour flight. There are worse things in this world.
These social media insecure ‘boars’, act like it’s the end of the world if they are asked to do something because “it’s not fair“… What childish, insecure behavior this is.
Honestly I’m disgusted .
And had the person in one of the other posts read that gentleman’s comment about his wife being in the same row with the two kids, but they weren’t sitting together because the company they were flying with didn’t allow them to book their seats in advance like that.
And yes, there are companies that refuse to do that in advance. Few and far between, and also things have been changing recently because of all the delays, etc. and so on. Tthings are not working out so clean and easy like they used to. Maybe for a single person, but not for people in family situations.
I do not have children, nor do I have grandchildren. But I do l have an understanding of how flights work, how things happen by accident, how some people are overwhelmed, because of an unexpected situation is going on that they have no control over, and how kind it is when somebody actually takes the time to just do something kind and thoughtful.
What an extremely dumb post this is, I have to admit… Blabbering on and on and on (just like I’m doing right now!) about the most unbelievably selfish person, the person who wouldn’t switch the seat because it’s sooo inconvenient” and calling that “selfish parent” as privileged? Well, on the childish side, let me just say, “look who’s talking“!
Great, saying… “Do you want to others as you would have them do onto you“ and I hope this person who just “couldn’t let go of receipt” has the opportunity to need to be sitting next to a loved one because of maybe dementia, maybe it’s a grandchild, or a confused relative, sibling, friend, or what have you and they too should be refused…
So many cry babies, I love it!
Did this attention seeking chic really say “dawg”? Grow up. No, you don’t have to switch seats, but you also don’t have to take the whole experience to social media because you think you’re too special to be inconvenienced in the first place. She’s also a Dr of absolutely nothing, but do go on pharmacist.
Ryan – KMA. You are the problem. You can ask. We can say no. FY for “be considerate”. Fix your own problems.
J – “better” in YOUR opinion. Stop flying with kids. Problem solved.
Gels – GFYS as well. Stop expecting the world to bend to your will when redeeming miles. You want seats together? Pay for them.
“Oh look, me do smart and sassy.”.
Look lady, no one cares. Except to ridicule your attention starved antics.
I guess I gave you some. But then, it’s used your stupidity to get my “world is stupid” rant of.the day out.
Airline shouldn’t even request passenger to switch seats unless it’s prepared to offer upgrade
She is just an attention hog that needs to get off her high horse. She feeling like a grown up now? What a joke for a human being!
Those of you who say they would never give up their seats, what if the seat is next to a 5 year old who cries half the flight? I bet you’d be begging to change seats then. Lol
And Gary, why post this and add to this woman’s tick toc? I know you scour the internet looking for things to repost, but this ain’t one to post.
If the family had paid business fare they should have priority. If they were upgraded as well hard luck
If I’m traveling alone and the seats are equivalent, I will switch. But I’m not giving up my preferred aisle seat (so I can get up without disturbing anyone) for a middle seat.
I’ve been the person reseated rows away from my husband by a computer glitch, or having to book at the last minute with no seats together available, so I assume that if people aren’t sitting together, it’s *not* because they didn’t plan.
But at the same time I’m not taking a downgrade for people. Ask somebody in an equivalent seat to switch, please.
I don’t ask people to switch when I am seated half the plane away from my husband, but if we had kids it would be a different matter. Besides, we don’t want some poor non-parent sitting next to, say, a bored 8 year old all flight.
(I once had a seven year old ask her dad how the plane worked. He didn’t know anything. I actually happily spent the first hour of the flight explaining about lift and how the pilot steered, and such, but not everyone’s willing to do that).
Anyone can choose their seat when they book the flights and in most cases all the way to end destination if multiple flights. If I upgraded and paid extra money for a better seat it would have to be something like a flight was changed and seat positions shuffled to change. If they don’t book their seat ahead of time they are doing it to avoid paying extra cost and expecting someone else to pay. If I’m flying with others I always book beside or close to other person. If I’m flying alone unless they are putting me.by the bathroom I would consider changing depending on the upgrade
A lot of butthurt parents in the comments. Nobody should feel obliged to give up their seat for you regardless of whose fault it was that you’re not sitting together.
“If they don’t book their seat ahead of time they are doing it to avoid paying extra cost”
Not always the case. I’ve had to travel last minute for family crises/funerals and there have NOT been seats together unless I wanted to pay business class, which you can’t assume people can afford.
Last minute booking *can* be lack of planning, but it can also be circumstances. I’ve also had to sit apart from my husband when a flight was canceled and they had to rebook us.
Again, if I’m traveling on my own and there isn’t a huge difference between the two seats, I’m happy to move, especially if there’s a child involved.
I gave up my exit row seat(economy ) once on a long haul(15 hour) flight because the ground desk had stuffed up and a 9yo child was seated upstairs in a 747 away from her family.
The purser was so grateful that after take off, I was invited with my husband to make use of the Business lounge and bar. We spent most of the flight in comfortable arm chairs, being plied with champagne.
To “Ryan” on the JAL flight::
You will not curry any favor here, as this forum is largely read by business travelers or other high frequency travelers, who are not sympathetic to your position.
It is not a “cesspool” in the comments, in fact I have seen FAR worse here.
Gary is also absolutely correct about families need to deal with seating assignments in advance of travel. Yes, things can happen, but if there is a seating issue, this needs to be handled by THE AIRLINES, not by asking or expecting other passengers to give up the seats they reserved. I just don’t understand this mentality of seats being for swaps without involving the gate agents, it is part of their purview! Even in this case, the woman was asked by the gate agent and she declined, as is her right, and then ultimately a different arrangement was made, problem solved.
Of course there can always be “extenuating circumstances,” like actual emergencies (like last minute flights with a death in the family, etc) but largely “seat swaps” are seen with families who act entitled, like they absolutely should have everyone drop everything for them.
In your case, if you could not reserve seats during booking, then you should have tried to choose when online check in opens, and if that didn’t work, then you should have arrived to the airport early and spoken to airline personnel. It is this lack of responsibility and the expectation that someone has to give up their seats, that really riles the flying public up, especially in a forum like this! (Know your audience!)
This comment section is a cess pool of unkindness. Also, Gary’s comment in the article, “If the mom wanted to sit with her kid, they should have pre-booked this” contributes to the problem.
I am currently in the middle of a trip to Tokyo with my family of 4 booked on JAL business class using AA miles for a partner reward. Because of AA’s relationship with JAL, I was unable to select my seats even though we confirmed our tickets 9 months ago.
JAL, for some unknown reason on the return flight, placed me away from my wife and child (4 year old and infant in lap with wife) in the same row, but not next to them. Due to this, I will be asking if the person next to them would be open to switching with me. Do I deserve to be crucified for that in a comments section of a blog?
People need to be more considerate. You never know the full situation as much as you think you do.
A mom with child under 5 possibly
Two Adults? Get a life and a room
Middle seat – $500 cash
The arrogance of asking people to move is not comprehensible
One would think no one here has ever experienced an emergency, last minute flight. Lucky you.
I’m fine with not giving up my seat that I chose and paid for. Plus I’m sick of all the inclusive, everyone gets a trophy, entitled, my child’s never been on a plane woke, cancel culture bull crap! Be happy you even got a seat and that you’ll all end up at the same destination!
1. Good for you for keeping a free upgrade and not being able to give it up. It will shape you for you will become.
2. I’ve seen your tiktok examples and please don’t embarrass the usa. Your travel will hopefully reshape your idea of the world. Not you and whatever state your from.
3. Just wait till you have kids, if someone is willing. I would love to have other strangers feed my kids and keep them from crying and disrupting 50 passengers around me and prevent them from kicking the seat in front of them. The airlines put this effort into priority as they understand the outcome. You are belligerent until you experience it. just think of that 3yr old in seat 2A by them self. You cant….
4. 13yr old.is ok so I agree with your sacrifice. But..do you need to brag?
5. Karma is real in various ways. I always see examples of people saying NO, but no great examples of people saying YES.
Her selfie video is so… well, self-absorbed. It’s unbearable.