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“I Can’t Stop Thinking About The Audacity”: Guy Can’t Believe Entitled Parent On Flight
We’ve all seen entitled people act out in some form, whether in a Starbucks line, in a restaurant, or on the road. Dealing with these individuals firsthand is a different story, and some situations may require you to stand your ground.
A plane passenger went through this headache when he encountered an arrogant woman who demanded he switch seats with her. To make matters worse, a flight attendant sided with the lady, encouraging her haughty behavior.
The author remained firm and refused to budge, but he worries that his actions may have put him in a bad light with the airline. He has shared his ordeal online, and people in the comments did not disappoint with their input.
RELATED:
Entitled people are everywhere, and you may have to stand your ground when you encounter one
Image credits: Daniel McCullough / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
A man dealt with an arrogant plane passenger who demanded he switch seats with her
Image credits: BLACKDAY / Envato Elements (not the actual photo)
The entitled woman caused a scene and called a flight attendant, who sided with her
Image credits: Lukas Souza / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
The author refused to move, but he’s worried that his actions may have caused a bigger problem for him
Image credits: DinckinFlikka
Image credits: Ron Lach / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Adult bullying happens more frequently than you think
The author went through adult bullying, which is more common than perceived. A previous survey found that 31% of Americans have experienced some form of it as full-grown men and women.
The health impacts of adult bullying are another alarming statistic. 71% experience stress, while 70% suffer from mental issues like anxiety and depression. 19% go through mental breakdowns, while 17% are unable to function daily.
In an interview with the American Osteopathic Association, psychiatrist Dr. Charles Sophy identified the causes of adult bullying as a coping strategy.
“[It is] used to assert control when faced with personal limitations, whether intellectual, physical or otherwise,” he explained.
As Dr. Sophy further explained, bullies gain power by reducing another person’s while showing minimal regard for their well-being. This description perfectly fits the actions of the woman who did not care about the author’s nausea during the flight despite his explanation.
Image credits: Alex Green / Pexels (not the actual photo)
There are intelligent ways to handle adult bullies without necessarily fighting fire with fire
The author perfectly handled the situation at the moment by not giving in. Selfish jerk accusations aside, he made a strong point. However, experts have other suggestions that may help with the coping process without the use of aggression in any form.
Author and professor Preston Ni urges empathy. Try to put yourself in their shoes and see if you can spot why they act that way. Ni also advises an “engage, then disengage” approach.
“We’re always looking to right wrongs in every single situation,” he pointed out in an interview with CNN.
Organizational psychologist Robert Sutton echoed a similar sentiment by encouraging a two-pronged approach: kill them with kindness and look them in the eyes.
“When you don’t have eye contact with someone, you’re much more likely to be nasty, and so it turns out eye contact can be very important,” he explained.
In this case, the author seems more worried about his standing with the airline and the potential repercussions he may face on future flights. He may need to follow some commenters’ advice and escalate the matter to the proper authorities.
How about you, readers? What should the author do from here?
People went all out with their reactions to the story
While some shared similar experiences
Some had more questions to ask
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What do you think ?
cameron cross 4 months ago
To those 2% who said op was inconsiderate, I demand you move so I can sit in a seat you paid for. Move it inconsiderate thing!!!!
Tabitha 4 months ago
Your seats are assigned for a reason, and not just any requests you make. If the plane crashes, sometimes the only way they can identify victims is by the seat number whatever's left of them is strapped into (DNA gets destroyed if a body is incinerated, or badly degraded if it's burned but not quite incinerated. Graphic, I know, but think about how most plane crashes end.)
Sophia Athene 4 months ago (edited)
Maybe but I have switched seats for upgrades, choosing to switch due to another's request (for a better or equal seat), switched to an empty row, seen people switched out of emergency row due to not being able to help (without a new ticket being issued). If the need to stay in a seat is about identification, then airlines don't give a hoot that you're identified. Even if it might be a written policy, airlines ignore that policy all the time. Just think about Southwest's policy on seats. So try watching the series "Air Disasters." Seat assignments are worthless in those crashes that needed to identify by DNA.
Load More Replies... FreeTheUnicorn 4 months ago
Delta is consistently rated last in customer service and in many safety categories. They have more compression stalls than other airlines and significantly more animals deaths. They have one of the longest waiting times for compensation, often pretending they don't need to follow EU law when they do.
Scott Rackley 4 months ago
One time I was asked to switch and just responded in ASL. She eventually gave up.
Ariom Dahl 4 months ago
This appears to have happened almost a YEAR ago. BP -- maybe this is why people get annoyed with some of the threads on here?? My sympathies are all with the passenger who should not have been asked or expected to move.
Michael Largey 4 months ago
Gee, I wonder why her husband was so ok with the idea of not sitting next to her. Mysterious.
Ephemera Image 4 months ago
I paid for the window, I'm getting it. End of. Unless there's an emergency I will not change. Buhbye.
Ke Rider 4 months ago (edited)
An FA once told me to switch for someone. I showed her my boarding pass with my assigned seat clearly printed on it, as I said "it's in writing, now show me me your mandate in writing." She then left me alone because she knew I'm not the one. She then continued looking for a herb to give up their seat.
DramaDoc 4 months ago
The only time I have *ever* asked someone to switch seats with me was a few years back on an international redeye. I had the window seat, but the day of departure I came down with the most awful period cramps. After excusing myself for the 3rd time, I asked if the two other women in my row would be willing to let me have the aisle so I wouldn't keep bothering them. The FA heard me explain and let me move to an aisle seat in the middle section that was completely empty. So! my (former) seat mates got to spread out and I got lots of space to wallow in my cramps. And that was the last time I booked a window seat. Regardless, I would never have demanded anyone switch with me.
Sunny Day 4 months ago
Everyone has the option to pay for seat selection. If they choose not to do so, that's their problem. With every seat on the plane costing a different price, the willingness of passengers to trade seats has disappeared. Especially since the initiator of the trade always has the worst & cheapest seat and wants a more expensive, premium one.
Sophia Athene 4 months ago
If the need to stay in a seat is about identification, then airlines would enforce seat assignments. Airlines don't give a hoot that you're identified b/c people switch all the time, even with FA permission. Even if it might be a written policy, airlines ignore that policy ALL the time. Just think about Southwest's policy on seats. Try watching the series "Air Disasters." Seat assignments are worthless in those crashes that needed to identifications by DNA.
Load More Replies...
ColleenCanuck 4 months ago
The kids are teenagers , who cares.? Weird. Like they can't sit alone?
ByeFelicia 4 months ago
Kid-free flights all day long. I'll pay extra for that every single time.
María Hermida 4 months ago (edited)
Do not move from your assigned seat. First, because you took the time to book it in advance and paid for it, and most importantly, because if there's an accident, the seat number may be the only way of identifying who's missing. I know it's a terrible reason, but that's the way it is.
Melany Van Every 4 months ago
Should have told her to ask her husband if he wants to be puked on if you sit next to him.
DrBronxx 4 months ago (edited)
Just yesterday, we spent an extra $550 reserving our seats for our flights at the end of the year. We got the best seats we could possibly get in our budget and that match our situation. Previously, the idea of someone trying something like the woman in this story tried would terrify me. Now, I'd be worried that I wouldn't be able to control my temper. Well done OP.
Ruth Watry 4 months ago
Ask for the cost of the seat, as well at extra for the inconvenience of not being in the seat that you chose, in CASH. If it is a long flight, and I cannot sleep leaning against the window, I figure that is worth at least $50 per hour.
cameron cross 4 months ago
Tell the woman "je ne comprom pas" (French for I do not understand) (sorry if French spelling is off)
Thanos'Fingers 4 months ago
Tell the woman "je ne comprom pas, so kiss my äss!" For bonus points
Load More Replies...
Cyber Returns 4 months ago
You tell them they will have to pay you $2000 to take your seat. The reason for the high price is because it becomes a more desirable position with low supply and high demand and in addition to that, the cost of administration fees for altering the pre-paid booking also demand $2000 from the FA as an inconvenience fee and that all payments are to be cash
cameron cross 4 months ago
To those 2% who said op was inconsiderate, I demand you move so I can sit in a seat you paid for. Move it inconsiderate thing!!!!
Tabitha 4 months ago
Your seats are assigned for a reason, and not just any requests you make. If the plane crashes, sometimes the only way they can identify victims is by the seat number whatever's left of them is strapped into (DNA gets destroyed if a body is incinerated, or badly degraded if it's burned but not quite incinerated. Graphic, I know, but think about how most plane crashes end.)
Sophia Athene 4 months ago (edited)
Maybe but I have switched seats for upgrades, choosing to switch due to another's request (for a better or equal seat), switched to an empty row, seen people switched out of emergency row due to not being able to help (without a new ticket being issued). If the need to stay in a seat is about identification, then airlines don't give a hoot that you're identified. Even if it might be a written policy, airlines ignore that policy all the time. Just think about Southwest's policy on seats. So try watching the series "Air Disasters." Seat assignments are worthless in those crashes that needed to identify by DNA.
Load More Replies... FreeTheUnicorn 4 months ago
Delta is consistently rated last in customer service and in many safety categories. They have more compression stalls than other airlines and significantly more animals deaths. They have one of the longest waiting times for compensation, often pretending they don't need to follow EU law when they do.
Scott Rackley 4 months ago
One time I was asked to switch and just responded in ASL. She eventually gave up.
Ariom Dahl 4 months ago
This appears to have happened almost a YEAR ago. BP -- maybe this is why people get annoyed with some of the threads on here?? My sympathies are all with the passenger who should not have been asked or expected to move.
Michael Largey 4 months ago
Gee, I wonder why her husband was so ok with the idea of not sitting next to her. Mysterious.
Ephemera Image 4 months ago
I paid for the window, I'm getting it. End of. Unless there's an emergency I will not change. Buhbye.
Ke Rider 4 months ago (edited)
An FA once told me to switch for someone. I showed her my boarding pass with my assigned seat clearly printed on it, as I said "it's in writing, now show me me your mandate in writing." She then left me alone because she knew I'm not the one. She then continued looking for a herb to give up their seat.
DramaDoc 4 months ago
The only time I have *ever* asked someone to switch seats with me was a few years back on an international redeye. I had the window seat, but the day of departure I came down with the most awful period cramps. After excusing myself for the 3rd time, I asked if the two other women in my row would be willing to let me have the aisle so I wouldn't keep bothering them. The FA heard me explain and let me move to an aisle seat in the middle section that was completely empty. So! my (former) seat mates got to spread out and I got lots of space to wallow in my cramps. And that was the last time I booked a window seat. Regardless, I would never have demanded anyone switch with me.
Sunny Day 4 months ago
Everyone has the option to pay for seat selection. If they choose not to do so, that's their problem. With every seat on the plane costing a different price, the willingness of passengers to trade seats has disappeared. Especially since the initiator of the trade always has the worst & cheapest seat and wants a more expensive, premium one.
Sophia Athene 4 months ago
If the need to stay in a seat is about identification, then airlines would enforce seat assignments. Airlines don't give a hoot that you're identified b/c people switch all the time, even with FA permission. Even if it might be a written policy, airlines ignore that policy ALL the time. Just think about Southwest's policy on seats. Try watching the series "Air Disasters." Seat assignments are worthless in those crashes that needed to identifications by DNA.
Load More Replies... ColleenCanuck 4 months ago
The kids are teenagers , who cares.? Weird. Like they can't sit alone?
ByeFelicia 4 months ago
Kid-free flights all day long. I'll pay extra for that every single time.
María Hermida 4 months ago (edited)
Do not move from your assigned seat. First, because you took the time to book it in advance and paid for it, and most importantly, because if there's an accident, the seat number may be the only way of identifying who's missing. I know it's a terrible reason, but that's the way it is.
Melany Van Every 4 months ago
Should have told her to ask her husband if he wants to be puked on if you sit next to him.
DrBronxx 4 months ago (edited)
Just yesterday, we spent an extra $550 reserving our seats for our flights at the end of the year. We got the best seats we could possibly get in our budget and that match our situation. Previously, the idea of someone trying something like the woman in this story tried would terrify me. Now, I'd be worried that I wouldn't be able to control my temper. Well done OP.
Ruth Watry 4 months ago
Ask for the cost of the seat, as well at extra for the inconvenience of not being in the seat that you chose, in CASH. If it is a long flight, and I cannot sleep leaning against the window, I figure that is worth at least $50 per hour.
cameron cross 4 months ago
Tell the woman "je ne comprom pas" (French for I do not understand) (sorry if French spelling is off)
Thanos'Fingers 4 months ago
Tell the woman "je ne comprom pas, so kiss my äss!" For bonus points
Load More Replies... Cyber Returns 4 months ago
You tell them they will have to pay you $2000 to take your seat. The reason for the high price is because it becomes a more desirable position with low supply and high demand and in addition to that, the cost of administration fees for altering the pre-paid booking also demand $2000 from the FA as an inconvenience fee and that all payments are to be cash
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