I was on a long-haul flight seated in an aisle seat in Main Cabin Extra when a father traveling with his young son, who looked to be around six years old, asked if I would switch seats with him. He offered an aisle seat one row behind mine so he could sit next to his son.
At first, I was willing to help and agreed since I am a parent myself and understand the situation. However, I then realized his seat was a standard Main Cabin seat while mine was in Main Cabin Extra. Because of that difference, I politely declined and apologized. The passenger in the window seat and I reassured him that we would help keep an eye on his son if needed.
The father was understanding, but later the child's mother came back from Premium Economy and criticized me, saying that as a mother I should have switched seats. What struck me was that she did not offer her own Premium Economy seat so the family could sit together.
My view is that parents should verify seating arrangements in advance, especially on long flights. I always pay to select seats when traveling with my children and would contact the gate agent immediately if there were an issue. I feel my decision was reasonable, but I am curious whether others see it differently.
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