Few months ago on TPA to HKG via SFO, I board and find a guy with a baby on his lap sitting in my window seat. I’m not great with confrontation, especially in front of people, but I said “I think this is my seat.”
He asks if I’d be okay taking the middle seat in the row behind him. I’m 6’2 and about 200 lbs, and a middle seat on a long flight is just not happening. I politely said no, I need the window.
He rolled his eyes and moved without arguing, which I’ll give him credit for. Still, it felt awkward, especially with other passengers clearly watching and judging.
I know it doesn’t hurt to ask, and he didn’t make a scene, but being put on the spot like that left a bad taste. Sometimes saying no is the right call, even when it feels uncomfortable.
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