Most people treat flights like a task to get through before they reach their destination, which makes sense, as a lot of folks get grumpy during the process. Unfortunately, this is also why some people act up or throw tantrums in the air, which can be unpleasant for everyone else.
This list includes tales from passengers who had to deal with an entitled, rude, and demanding person on a flight, and how the incident turned out. Hopefully none of us ever has to deal with drama like this, but it certainly makes for an entertaining story.
#1
Just boarded a flight and put my roller bag in the overhead bin in my assigned section. Before I could sit down, Ms Entitled points to my bag and says “you can put that under your seat. My bag is big and it needs to go there. Take yours down.” I just looked at her and said ”no, I paid for comfort plus and this bin is labeled comfort plus, and it’s first come first serve.” She asked again for me to put it under my seat (it doesn’t quite fit) so I said no again. Then she starts asking people to move their stuff and some man finally removes a bag from the bin. She was very loud about thanking him for “doing the right thing”. She had no right to insist that I move for her. It pissed me off but that faded as I remembered the We Do Not Care club and settled in the enjoy my trip.
12points
#2
I only ever read these kind of encounters on Reddit, so it made me taken aback when it happened to me. Sorry for the English, not my first language. Hopefully my experience fits this sub. (Sorry for the format, on the phone. Edit for formatting).
Last month I took a flight back home after visiting my parents. Boarding time, I walked to my seat, 23A. There were already someone sitting there. I had to double check, make sure it's the 23rd row. Yep, I was right. So I told the lady sitting there, it's my seat. Suddenly a man on 23D offered me 23E seat. Turns out they are a family, and the mother didn't want to be separated from her children (who's in 23B and 23C) so she took my 23A. I was confused, it's not like she will be long separated from her children. The children were in 23B-23C, she and her husband were in 23D-23E. Only separated by an aisle! Obviously I refused. I specifically booked a window seat. It could help me feel ease looking at the clouds and help me fell asleep.
The seat they offered me to trade was middle seat, 23E. Trapped between the dad (23D) and a random man (23F) in a narrow airplane seat? Nope. I feel suffocated already. I flatly replied, "No, I booked the window seat". The mother immediately feel offended. She replied harshly, "So you don't mind we, a family, sitting separatedly?" Well, why don't YOU booked the right seats in the first place. Didn't say this out loud tho, I was only replaying my words "That's my seat". I was adamant with my answer.
Finally she's up, walking away from my seat with angry words she whispered silently towards me. I chose to not pay any attention to them. However, things changed afterwards. Her children were still sitting on the 23B and 23C seat, obviously I could not walk in to my seat. I asked them politely to get out of their seat so I could get in. What the mother did? Body shamed me. "Kids, get up. Her body is HUGE, she could not get in". My height is above the women's height average in my country, plus I gained like 10 kgs in pandemic. I have body dysphormia already, comment like those hurts my feeling badly. With that comment, I couldn't stay silent. I replied, "So what? So what if I'm huge?" She did not silence easily. She kept on and on the insults towards me, even louder.
Her daughter, silently (and with blatant panic) whispered at me. "Please forgive my mother. She is always like that". Her daughter, who I assumed no more than 12 years old, looks sincere. It helps tuned out the angry insults from aisle beyond because I feel bad at her.
The angry tirade stops around 5 minutes later, when the mother told her kids to move seats few rows away. Once more the daughter pleaded apology to me. It's crazy, to think that a 12 years old was way more emotionally mature than her entitled 40s mother. The whole time her mother spouted insults at me, the daughter looked pale and her body rigid. Her gaze fixated at one spot. I assume she was very embarassed. Poor kid.
Last month I took a flight back home after visiting my parents. Boarding time, I walked to my seat, 23A. There were already someone sitting there. I had to double check, make sure it's the 23rd row. Yep, I was right. So I told the lady sitting there, it's my seat. Suddenly a man on 23D offered me 23E seat. Turns out they are a family, and the mother didn't want to be separated from her children (who's in 23B and 23C) so she took my 23A. I was confused, it's not like she will be long separated from her children. The children were in 23B-23C, she and her husband were in 23D-23E. Only separated by an aisle! Obviously I refused. I specifically booked a window seat. It could help me feel ease looking at the clouds and help me fell asleep.
The seat they offered me to trade was middle seat, 23E. Trapped between the dad (23D) and a random man (23F) in a narrow airplane seat? Nope. I feel suffocated already. I flatly replied, "No, I booked the window seat". The mother immediately feel offended. She replied harshly, "So you don't mind we, a family, sitting separatedly?" Well, why don't YOU booked the right seats in the first place. Didn't say this out loud tho, I was only replaying my words "That's my seat". I was adamant with my answer.
Finally she's up, walking away from my seat with angry words she whispered silently towards me. I chose to not pay any attention to them. However, things changed afterwards. Her children were still sitting on the 23B and 23C seat, obviously I could not walk in to my seat. I asked them politely to get out of their seat so I could get in. What the mother did? Body shamed me. "Kids, get up. Her body is HUGE, she could not get in". My height is above the women's height average in my country, plus I gained like 10 kgs in pandemic. I have body dysphormia already, comment like those hurts my feeling badly. With that comment, I couldn't stay silent. I replied, "So what? So what if I'm huge?" She did not silence easily. She kept on and on the insults towards me, even louder.
Her daughter, silently (and with blatant panic) whispered at me. "Please forgive my mother. She is always like that". Her daughter, who I assumed no more than 12 years old, looks sincere. It helps tuned out the angry insults from aisle beyond because I feel bad at her.
The angry tirade stops around 5 minutes later, when the mother told her kids to move seats few rows away. Once more the daughter pleaded apology to me. It's crazy, to think that a 12 years old was way more emotionally mature than her entitled 40s mother. The whole time her mother spouted insults at me, the daughter looked pale and her body rigid. Her gaze fixated at one spot. I assume she was very embarassed. Poor kid.
11points
#3
Apologies, English is not my native language.
On long flights I preorder a special meal online because I am vegetarian. On most flights, the flight attendant brings the special meals first and then start the normal meal service for the rest.
On my last flight, a perfect stranger sat next to me and told me that I was rude and inconsiderate because I started eating my vegetarian food before their meal arrived. They said that it was basic rule to wait until everyone in the row got their food and that I ruined their flight. Their face was red and rolled their eyes several times
I stared at them. This is next level entitlement, right? We are not eating together on the same table in a restaurant.
On long flights I preorder a special meal online because I am vegetarian. On most flights, the flight attendant brings the special meals first and then start the normal meal service for the rest.
On my last flight, a perfect stranger sat next to me and told me that I was rude and inconsiderate because I started eating my vegetarian food before their meal arrived. They said that it was basic rule to wait until everyone in the row got their food and that I ruined their flight. Their face was red and rolled their eyes several times
I stared at them. This is next level entitlement, right? We are not eating together on the same table in a restaurant.
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10points
Annoyance on a flight can reach sky-high levels, and according to CBS News, one of the biggest sources of friction among passengers is when someone plays videos or music at high volume. 40% of folks who travel by air think it should be banned for people to use their phone or device unplugged, as the noise is unbearable.
Another point of contention is when someone reclines their seat too far and doesn't move it forward at all. Although 51% of folks say this behavior is okay, 10% strongly oppose it. Most of these actions can come across as entitled if the person doing them doesn’t consider their fellow passengers' feelings.
#4
Why does flying make people so entitled? My flight was delayed by a few hours because of a storm, and I've heard approximately 50 people complain and complain about the delay.
Now that I'm on the flight, it's extremely turbulent, and the flight attendants had to pause beverage service. Is that stopping the man behind me from loudly complaining? No. He's "OUTRAGED" that he can't get a beer right now. It's 11am. Not to mention, they'll resume service when it's safe to do so.
The real kicker is the old couple in front of me. Making loud comments like "thank God we brought noise cancelling headphones" in regards to a toddler who is "making too much noise". The child in question is giggling. Not crying. It's a flight to ORLANDO, during school vacation week, and we're sitting in the FAMILY SEATING section of the plane.
JFC.
Now that I'm on the flight, it's extremely turbulent, and the flight attendants had to pause beverage service. Is that stopping the man behind me from loudly complaining? No. He's "OUTRAGED" that he can't get a beer right now. It's 11am. Not to mention, they'll resume service when it's safe to do so.
The real kicker is the old couple in front of me. Making loud comments like "thank God we brought noise cancelling headphones" in regards to a toddler who is "making too much noise". The child in question is giggling. Not crying. It's a flight to ORLANDO, during school vacation week, and we're sitting in the FAMILY SEATING section of the plane.
JFC.
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10points
#5
I was on a 5 hour flight and had specifically booked a window seat moths ago. I love watching a view and taking a nap near the wall.
A woman gets on with her teenage son and asks if I'd switch seats so he can enjoy the view. I politely said sorry I'd prefer to keep my seat.
She immediately says, wow that's just a seat, don't be difficult.
I smiled and said, Exactly. It's my seat.
She let out this huge sigh, sat down next to me, and spent the entire fight elbowing into my armrest and dramatically texting with her brightness at full blast.
I get wanting to sit together, but how is me planning ahead suddenly me being rude?
A woman gets on with her teenage son and asks if I'd switch seats so he can enjoy the view. I politely said sorry I'd prefer to keep my seat.
She immediately says, wow that's just a seat, don't be difficult.
I smiled and said, Exactly. It's my seat.
She let out this huge sigh, sat down next to me, and spent the entire fight elbowing into my armrest and dramatically texting with her brightness at full blast.
I get wanting to sit together, but how is me planning ahead suddenly me being rude?
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9points
#6
So, I’m on a 5-hour flight for a work conference. I booked a window seat because I like to lean against the wall to sleep. I board the plane, settle in, and everything seems fine. Then enters Entitled Mom (EM) and her Kid (EK).
EM: (Staring at me) “Um, you’re in our seats.”
Me: “I don’t think so; this is 23A, right?”
EM: “Yes, but my son really wants to look out the window.”
Me: “I booked this seat specifically, sorry.”
EM: “Well, my son has never flown before, and he should get to experience it. You should give your seat to him. He deserves it more!”
Me: “I understand, but I also paid for this seat.”
At this point, the flight attendant (FA) comes over to see what the commotion is about.
FA: “Is everything alright here?”
EM: “No! He won’t let my son sit by the window!”
FA: “Ma’am, the seats are assigned, and he’s in his correct seat.”
EM: “This is outrageous! My child deserves this experience!”
FA: “I can’t change assigned seats; you’ll have to sit in your assigned seats.”
EM huffs and puffs but finally takes her assigned middle seat next to me, muttering about how “some people are so selfish.”
Five hours sitting next to EM was not fun, but I held onto my window seat. My comfort was worth more than her entitlement.
So, that’s my experience. Can’t believe people like this actually exist.
EM: (Staring at me) “Um, you’re in our seats.”
Me: “I don’t think so; this is 23A, right?”
EM: “Yes, but my son really wants to look out the window.”
Me: “I booked this seat specifically, sorry.”
EM: “Well, my son has never flown before, and he should get to experience it. You should give your seat to him. He deserves it more!”
Me: “I understand, but I also paid for this seat.”
At this point, the flight attendant (FA) comes over to see what the commotion is about.
FA: “Is everything alright here?”
EM: “No! He won’t let my son sit by the window!”
FA: “Ma’am, the seats are assigned, and he’s in his correct seat.”
EM: “This is outrageous! My child deserves this experience!”
FA: “I can’t change assigned seats; you’ll have to sit in your assigned seats.”
EM huffs and puffs but finally takes her assigned middle seat next to me, muttering about how “some people are so selfish.”
Five hours sitting next to EM was not fun, but I held onto my window seat. My comfort was worth more than her entitlement.
So, that’s my experience. Can’t believe people like this actually exist.
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8points
It’s bizarre that so many folks end up demanding or rude when they’re trapped in a metal box with other people. According to Highbrow Magazine, some individuals act entitled because they focus only on their own point of view and feel they deserve special treatment.
This narcissistic behavior can sometimes turn extreme if folks throw tantrums to get a particular seat, complain about somebody else, or force other passengers to comply with their wants. What these entitled people also don’t seem to understand is that everyone is just trying to get ot their destination with minimal drama, and that causing such chaos can make all passengers feel uncomfortable.
#7
TL;DR at the end.
I used to fly for work, a lot. I have so many entitled people stories it stopped surprising me to run into the behavior. This is one such story ...
Cast: Me, myself and I = Me EP = Entitled Person
As can be expected, in a larger airport, I arrived to my connection gate after boarding already started. As I go through the slow death march into the plane, I arrive to my seat to see that the foot space of my seat is already packed solid way into the foot space. I ask the person sitting beside me if it was their stuff to which they replied that they had no idea whose it was. Well I certainly wasn’t going to be sitting with such limited leg room on a multiple hour flight so I start removing all that “stuff”.
I hear from several rows up “Excuse me, what do you think you are doing!”
Me: “Someone stuffed all their things in my foot space. Is this your stuff?”
Now, I look where she is sitting and she has NOTHING in the foot space in front of her. This woman really expected someone else to be inconvenienced and made uncomfortable by her “stuff” during the long flight. Well, I obviously picked up the last of the items stuffed in my foot space.
EP: “You put that back.” She didn’t scream it. She didn’t yell it. She just assertively and expectedly told me to put her items back under the seat in front of me and then gave “that” stare.
Me: “Lady, I am not going to fly with all your items jammed in front of me. I want my leg room”. I walked up to her and she made it clear she wasn’t going to take the items from me. So I pushed them in her arms, let go, said “if you don’t want to fly with all these things in front of you, what makes you think someone else does”, turned and walked away.
Did some of them fall on the ground? Yes they did. Did I care? No, no I didn’t. Could I have been nicer about it? Maybe.
As I sat down, I saw her picking up the item or two that dropped, stand up to realize there is no overhead space left and proceed to stuff them under the seat in front of her.
While I realize that this falls somewhere between rude and entitled, I thought it fitting enough for this subreddit.
TL;DR - Entitled person didn’t want to be uncomfortable on a multiple hour flight with all of their things stuffed in the foot space in front of them and expected me to fly with them in my foot space instead.
I used to fly for work, a lot. I have so many entitled people stories it stopped surprising me to run into the behavior. This is one such story ...
Cast: Me, myself and I = Me EP = Entitled Person
As can be expected, in a larger airport, I arrived to my connection gate after boarding already started. As I go through the slow death march into the plane, I arrive to my seat to see that the foot space of my seat is already packed solid way into the foot space. I ask the person sitting beside me if it was their stuff to which they replied that they had no idea whose it was. Well I certainly wasn’t going to be sitting with such limited leg room on a multiple hour flight so I start removing all that “stuff”.
I hear from several rows up “Excuse me, what do you think you are doing!”
Me: “Someone stuffed all their things in my foot space. Is this your stuff?”
Now, I look where she is sitting and she has NOTHING in the foot space in front of her. This woman really expected someone else to be inconvenienced and made uncomfortable by her “stuff” during the long flight. Well, I obviously picked up the last of the items stuffed in my foot space.
EP: “You put that back.” She didn’t scream it. She didn’t yell it. She just assertively and expectedly told me to put her items back under the seat in front of me and then gave “that” stare.
Me: “Lady, I am not going to fly with all your items jammed in front of me. I want my leg room”. I walked up to her and she made it clear she wasn’t going to take the items from me. So I pushed them in her arms, let go, said “if you don’t want to fly with all these things in front of you, what makes you think someone else does”, turned and walked away.
Did some of them fall on the ground? Yes they did. Did I care? No, no I didn’t. Could I have been nicer about it? Maybe.
As I sat down, I saw her picking up the item or two that dropped, stand up to realize there is no overhead space left and proceed to stuff them under the seat in front of her.
While I realize that this falls somewhere between rude and entitled, I thought it fitting enough for this subreddit.
TL;DR - Entitled person didn’t want to be uncomfortable on a multiple hour flight with all of their things stuffed in the foot space in front of them and expected me to fly with them in my foot space instead.
7points
#8
The happened a few years back. I was on a Southwest flight aisle seat and we are all settled in our seats. I opened my overhead vent as I run hot and like moving air. This woman next to me without asking, reaches up to shut my vent. I asked her why she touching my vent. And she felt entitled to it because she was cold and didn't bring an outerwear. I reopened it and not a minute later she closed it again without asking. I had to be more firm and tell her please don't touch it again. She calls a flight attendant and we both explained the situation to her. Luckily there another middle seat that she moved to. So in the end I got extra arm room and no one feeling entitled to my space. If she had asked nicely about turning down the vent, I'd happily accommodate to find middle ground. But if you pull the entitled card right away, then I will absolutely not give in. I'm so sick of entitled people.
7points
#9
Twelve hours in economy and I apparently drew the golden ticket: a kid behind me who thought my seat was the penalty box. Thump. Thump. Thump. At first I tried to ignore it, but after an hour of feeling like I was in a low-budget massage chair, I turned around and politely asked the parents if they could get their little Messi-in-training to stop. They gave me the classic “oh, he’s just a kid” shrug. Spoiler: that wasn’t helpful. After the third polite ask, I finally flagged a flight attendant, and suddenly the miracle cure for restless legs was discovered.
Fast forward to landing, and instead of apologizing, the parents are glaring at me like I’m the villain of the story. They’re muttering about how “some people just don’t understand children.” Buddy, I understand children just fine, I just don’t think my lower back needs to be enrolled in your son’s soccer camp. Maybe next time buy him a ball instead of a boarding pass.
Fast forward to landing, and instead of apologizing, the parents are glaring at me like I’m the villain of the story. They’re muttering about how “some people just don’t understand children.” Buddy, I understand children just fine, I just don’t think my lower back needs to be enrolled in your son’s soccer camp. Maybe next time buy him a ball instead of a boarding pass.
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6points
Emotions tend to run high when people board an aircraft, and much of that has to do with the crowd on the plane. Having so many folks around, being squeezed into small spaces, and dealing with noise and chaos can make everyone feel irritable, like they’re on a short circuit. This feeling can definitely be exacerbated by an entitled passenger.
Even without the crowd, folks with a long journey ahead might feel stressed and quick to anger. These short fuses might not even be a result of the other people on board, but mainly of the frustration of having so many tasks ahead of them and such a lengthy commute to undertake.
#10
Finally, something to report to this thread. Just boarded a long haul United Airlines flight. Lucky to be sitting in Polaris business class. Took my seat in the row having selected using lots of advice as to which is the best Polaris seat. Turns out my seat was 9X. Had just sat down, wiped down the seat and surrounding areas thoroughly with the provided antibacterial wipes, and was enjoying the complementary bubbly when a middle-aged woman and her docile husband came over. In a raised voice, she accused me by saying “you stole my seat!“. I briefly checked my ticket realized I was in 9L (relieved because I couldn’t understand why was supposed to be such a great seat and it turns out 9L is a significantly better seat). I apologize profusely. Explain my error, tell her I just sat down and just finished wiping down the entire seat but she continued to throw a tantrum, berating me and telling me that I was a bad person for taking the seat. I explained again that my seat was also in Polaris and was a better seat and I was very sorry. There was at least 15 minutes till takeoff but she lurks over me as I rapidly pack up. Husband grand flight attendant who immediately realizes they have a “live” one. “Why would you do such a thing” she continues to berate . “I’m so sorry again my mistake“, I said. “That is my seat” she reiterates “I know, but I am also in business class just two rows behind you. Apologies again”, I repeat. I repeated that I just cleaned it and I was very sorry. It did not modify her one bit.
I rapidly vacated the seat grabbing everything of mine, dragging it to my true seat two rows back. At the same time, she turned to her husband and said “well?“ He then turned to the person sitting behind me in row 8L and said “I made a mistake when I booked the flights and my wife and I are sitting on other sides of the plane. Would you be kind enough to switch with me?”.
Meanwhile, the witch now sitting in seat 7L insisted on the flight attendant coming and taking a new antiseptic wipe and made het wipe down the entire seat, provide her with new bedding, even though I had not touched or opened the bedding and generally made the flight attendant uncomfortable. BTW, i’m nearly and properly dressed, clean shaven, don’t smell (just in case there is a pessimist out there).
Even though the flight attendant had no reason to apologize, she came up to me as I sat back down and was apologetic because of how rude the witch in my old seat was. I explained it was my error and that I was sorry to make the flight attendant do extra work. We both laughed at the irony of her being such a jerk while her husband in an entitled manner was asking somebody to move while at the same time forcing flight attendant to do nonsensical work. I got the feeling that the passenger agreed to move only because he was so scared of them which in front of him and just wanted to get away as well.
A few minutes later, another flight attendant who witnessed the whole scene, came over to me and apologized again on behalf of the airline. I once again reminded her that it was not the Airlines fault and that some people are unkind and demanding.
I know those are two separate items, but I think it describes the person and the family perfectly: mean and unforgiving on the one hand, entitled and demanding on the other.
Those of you that get really upset when someone is in your seat, keep in mind sometimes it’s a mistake. If someone really moves fast to make amends, apologizes profusely, and tries to lighten the situation with a smile, move on. Lufe is good. And for those entitled folks out there that are incredibly rude even when faced with multiple apologies and really good service, fly private. You deserve it and we don’t deserve you!
I rapidly vacated the seat grabbing everything of mine, dragging it to my true seat two rows back. At the same time, she turned to her husband and said “well?“ He then turned to the person sitting behind me in row 8L and said “I made a mistake when I booked the flights and my wife and I are sitting on other sides of the plane. Would you be kind enough to switch with me?”.
Meanwhile, the witch now sitting in seat 7L insisted on the flight attendant coming and taking a new antiseptic wipe and made het wipe down the entire seat, provide her with new bedding, even though I had not touched or opened the bedding and generally made the flight attendant uncomfortable. BTW, i’m nearly and properly dressed, clean shaven, don’t smell (just in case there is a pessimist out there).
Even though the flight attendant had no reason to apologize, she came up to me as I sat back down and was apologetic because of how rude the witch in my old seat was. I explained it was my error and that I was sorry to make the flight attendant do extra work. We both laughed at the irony of her being such a jerk while her husband in an entitled manner was asking somebody to move while at the same time forcing flight attendant to do nonsensical work. I got the feeling that the passenger agreed to move only because he was so scared of them which in front of him and just wanted to get away as well.
A few minutes later, another flight attendant who witnessed the whole scene, came over to me and apologized again on behalf of the airline. I once again reminded her that it was not the Airlines fault and that some people are unkind and demanding.
I know those are two separate items, but I think it describes the person and the family perfectly: mean and unforgiving on the one hand, entitled and demanding on the other.
Those of you that get really upset when someone is in your seat, keep in mind sometimes it’s a mistake. If someone really moves fast to make amends, apologizes profusely, and tries to lighten the situation with a smile, move on. Lufe is good. And for those entitled folks out there that are incredibly rude even when faced with multiple apologies and really good service, fly private. You deserve it and we don’t deserve you!
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6points
#11
Can't believe I finally have a reason to post here.
My boyfriend (27M) is the sweetest, most understanding, nonconfrontational person ever. He's also 6'4'', 100% gentle giant.
We were on a plane visiting family. He has the aisle seat, and there's a girl (maybe 20yo) sitting in front of him. Before we take off, boyfriend happens to be getting something out of his backpack under the seat; without warning, this girl thrusts her seat back with all of her might, slamming into my boyfriend's knees and face. Surprised, he leans back. But this girl seems confused about why her seat isn't going back very far (cuz, y'know, boyfriend has long legs and she literally hit his face). He let her continue to slam her seat on his knees multiple times until he finally said "please stop." She had no head phones on, was not distracted, and could obviously hear him, and she didn't answer him (though she did stop). She did the thing where she flipped her long hair over the seat onto his lap, which I really only thought people faked for TikTok.
There was an old lady sitting next to boyfriend (bless her heart) who poked the girl and said, "You're being very rude." Girl still didn't answer; this old woman had a petty battle with this girl the entire flight to move the long hair out of my boyfriend's lap. (Girl flips her hair, old lady moves it back.)
I genuinely can't believe people like this are real. It was only a one hour flight! I was in a different part of the plane, but if I would've known this girl was literally hurting a stranger (much less someone I love) I would not have let her get away with it. She needed to move her seat up for takeoff anyway; he didn't let her push her seat back again, though she really tried. Never a single word from her through the entire ordeal. Absolutely insane.
My boyfriend (27M) is the sweetest, most understanding, nonconfrontational person ever. He's also 6'4'', 100% gentle giant.
We were on a plane visiting family. He has the aisle seat, and there's a girl (maybe 20yo) sitting in front of him. Before we take off, boyfriend happens to be getting something out of his backpack under the seat; without warning, this girl thrusts her seat back with all of her might, slamming into my boyfriend's knees and face. Surprised, he leans back. But this girl seems confused about why her seat isn't going back very far (cuz, y'know, boyfriend has long legs and she literally hit his face). He let her continue to slam her seat on his knees multiple times until he finally said "please stop." She had no head phones on, was not distracted, and could obviously hear him, and she didn't answer him (though she did stop). She did the thing where she flipped her long hair over the seat onto his lap, which I really only thought people faked for TikTok.
There was an old lady sitting next to boyfriend (bless her heart) who poked the girl and said, "You're being very rude." Girl still didn't answer; this old woman had a petty battle with this girl the entire flight to move the long hair out of my boyfriend's lap. (Girl flips her hair, old lady moves it back.)
I genuinely can't believe people like this are real. It was only a one hour flight! I was in a different part of the plane, but if I would've known this girl was literally hurting a stranger (much less someone I love) I would not have let her get away with it. She needed to move her seat up for takeoff anyway; he didn't let her push her seat back again, though she really tried. Never a single word from her through the entire ordeal. Absolutely insane.
6points
#12
So, I was flying today. Smaller plane. Short flight. Seat set up 1 to 2 in first class, 2 to 2 in coach. I (F40s) am in the first row of coach. Only one person is in row across from me. F60ish. When I sit down, she has a call on speaker talking to a hotel about her room tonight, demanding a room in a specific “tower” blah blah. Annoying. But whatever. I put my earbuds in.
Something is wrong with my seat, however, so when the boarding doors closed I politely asked the flight attendant if I could move across the aisle to the empty seat next annoying speaker phone lady. Flight attendant says yes, I go to sit down. Annoying speaker phone lady tries to stop me, starts arguing w me that I cannot sit there because the seat is “empty” and I am not allowed. I tell her I had permission (which she had heard me get … fyi), but still she keeps it up. The flight attend comes over, tells her I can sit there. Yet, she keeps arguing. Finally, I ask if she paid for the empty seat, because if not she needs to shut up and I sit down. She starts sulking.
Flight takes off. She takes off her smelly sneakers and puts her feet in the small pocket of the seat in front of her like a little foot hammock. Starts rocking her feet and moving the seat in front of her. For about 20 minutes. (Thankfully wearing socks, but I could smell her feet). When she gets bored with that, she puts her feet on the wall then later sits criss-cross-applesauce on the seat. Still no shoes.
She gets chips. 3-4 bags. Eats them with her mouth open so loudly I can hear her over my movie and gets crumbs all over the place—floor, my arm, self. All over her seat when we left. Looks like a toddler sat there eating goldfish crackers.
Finally, I look over and she is picking her nose.
Something is wrong with my seat, however, so when the boarding doors closed I politely asked the flight attendant if I could move across the aisle to the empty seat next annoying speaker phone lady. Flight attendant says yes, I go to sit down. Annoying speaker phone lady tries to stop me, starts arguing w me that I cannot sit there because the seat is “empty” and I am not allowed. I tell her I had permission (which she had heard me get … fyi), but still she keeps it up. The flight attend comes over, tells her I can sit there. Yet, she keeps arguing. Finally, I ask if she paid for the empty seat, because if not she needs to shut up and I sit down. She starts sulking.
Flight takes off. She takes off her smelly sneakers and puts her feet in the small pocket of the seat in front of her like a little foot hammock. Starts rocking her feet and moving the seat in front of her. For about 20 minutes. (Thankfully wearing socks, but I could smell her feet). When she gets bored with that, she puts her feet on the wall then later sits criss-cross-applesauce on the seat. Still no shoes.
She gets chips. 3-4 bags. Eats them with her mouth open so loudly I can hear her over my movie and gets crumbs all over the place—floor, my arm, self. All over her seat when we left. Looks like a toddler sat there eating goldfish crackers.
Finally, I look over and she is picking her nose.
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6points
Anyone who has ever come across an entitled person on a flight knows how hard it can be to stay silent or avoid getting pulled into their drama. Allianz says a good way to handle these situations is to know when to engage and when to mind your own business.
They stated that if a kid is kicking your seat, then you should give them some grace, unless the behavior keeps on happening and the parent doesn’t do anything about it. In cases like this, or even a mild conflict with a nearby passenger, it might be best to speak to the flight attendant first so they can defuse the situation.
#13
This is fresh from last evening. I was on the last flight of a long trip and ready to pass out for two and a half hours. That changed when my seatmate thumped into his spot. Let's call him Bill. Bill is in his 60s and speaks about five decibels too loud. His tablet font is so big the guys in air traffic control can probably read it through the plane window.
Bill settles in and begins watching videos on his tablet while the flight attendants do the pre-flight demonstrations. The videos are far-right politics on nature, and the sound on the tablet is maxed. The flight attendant tells Bill, “You'll need to wear headphones or earbuds or put that on mute, sir.”
At first, it seems like Bill complies. The sound is off, and we get into the air. When we reach flying altitude and the wifi comes on, he's back on YouTube with his videos at full volume.
The flight attendant rolls his eyes and repeats he will have to put on headphones or mute.
Bill sits up straight and exudes obstinate entitlement. “I can't wear headphones. They hurt my ears, and I'm not missing the debates.”
“You will have to mute it and put captions on so you don't disturb the other passengers.”
With a smug smirk, Bull says it's his right to watch the debates, and this is the only way he can. If anyone else hears, they should be listening as voters and learning.”
The flight attendant gives Bill a long look and returns to the front of the plane. Two minutes later, an announcement was made that “due to electronic issues, the wifi won't be available on this flight.”
Bill huffed and puffed about this and complained bitterly to his wife. He was snoring most of the flight, and the attendant told him to bring his complaints about no wifi to the ticket counter. Two policemen were hanging out there as I passed. I hope they were there to educate Bill on in-flight rules and the consequences of not following them.
Bill settles in and begins watching videos on his tablet while the flight attendants do the pre-flight demonstrations. The videos are far-right politics on nature, and the sound on the tablet is maxed. The flight attendant tells Bill, “You'll need to wear headphones or earbuds or put that on mute, sir.”
At first, it seems like Bill complies. The sound is off, and we get into the air. When we reach flying altitude and the wifi comes on, he's back on YouTube with his videos at full volume.
The flight attendant rolls his eyes and repeats he will have to put on headphones or mute.
Bill sits up straight and exudes obstinate entitlement. “I can't wear headphones. They hurt my ears, and I'm not missing the debates.”
“You will have to mute it and put captions on so you don't disturb the other passengers.”
With a smug smirk, Bull says it's his right to watch the debates, and this is the only way he can. If anyone else hears, they should be listening as voters and learning.”
The flight attendant gives Bill a long look and returns to the front of the plane. Two minutes later, an announcement was made that “due to electronic issues, the wifi won't be available on this flight.”
Bill huffed and puffed about this and complained bitterly to his wife. He was snoring most of the flight, and the attendant told him to bring his complaints about no wifi to the ticket counter. Two policemen were hanging out there as I passed. I hope they were there to educate Bill on in-flight rules and the consequences of not following them.
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6points
#14
I am boarding my flight to O’Hare when a passenger right in front of me goes to his aisle seat. In his seat is a dad who is sitting next to two of his daughters probably around 10. He complains to the guy that he HAS to sit with his daughters. He sends the man back a row to a MIDDLE seat like he owns the aisle seat. The flight attendant says the flight is full but I think the dad ended up staying in the aisle. He was so entitled and it pissed me off. I wish that guy stood up for himself.
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5points
#15
so my mom is a flight attendant. Yesterday my mom had a passenger who ask for directions to there next gate. My mom asked “where she was going.” The passenger said “Portland“. My mom said “I can look it up for you but I would need to get my device to look it up”. The passenger said “hurry up then”. So my mom look it up and told the passenger where there flight was, then the passenger said “are you going to tell me how to get there?”. My mom said “look for the signs with the gate number.” So they land and the passenger get to where they get off the plane and said “you are going to walk me to my next gate. Cause I don’t know where to go.” My Mom just looks at her co-worker and says “you can get help from CSA agents“.
5points
Silence doesn’t always help when someone acts entitled, so if even the flight attendant can’t help, you can confront the offender directly. Before you engage, take a deep breath and don’t immediately shout or raise your voice, as that can make the situation worse.
Let them know, as politely and calmly as possible, that their behavior is affecting you, and suggest a compromise. If they still don’t listen, you can ask the crew to help you switch seats or figure out your next move.
#16
Hey! First post here, hope you enjoy my story. It’s short and sweet.
So I work as a barista and this happened around 2013. I had just learned how to make drinks and was nervously making my way through the line. It was about 7 drinks long at this point. EL (Entitled lady) comes up to the handoff point and waves to get my attention.
Me: Hello ma’am is there anything I could help you with?
EL: Yes, you see I’m on my way to the airport and I’m going to be late if I don’t get my drink soon. Could you move it to the front of the line?
She had just ordered her drink and it was at the back of the line.
I was shocked by the audacity of this woman and took a second to form a response.
Me: I’m sorry but I can’t do that...that would be unfair to everyone else in front of you. We’re getting everything done as fast as we can. It shouldn’t be long!
She frowns and gives a big huff and stands there the whole time just staring at me until her drink is done. I hand off her drink with a smile. EL grabs the drink not acknowledging me and heads to where the lids are. I expect to see her run out the door but what do I see instead? Her chatting with some friends for over 10 minutes before finally leaving.
Guess her flight wasn’t that important (if it even existed).
TL;DR Lady thinks that she should come first because she decided to get a coffee on her way to the airport
So I work as a barista and this happened around 2013. I had just learned how to make drinks and was nervously making my way through the line. It was about 7 drinks long at this point. EL (Entitled lady) comes up to the handoff point and waves to get my attention.
Me: Hello ma’am is there anything I could help you with?
EL: Yes, you see I’m on my way to the airport and I’m going to be late if I don’t get my drink soon. Could you move it to the front of the line?
She had just ordered her drink and it was at the back of the line.
I was shocked by the audacity of this woman and took a second to form a response.
Me: I’m sorry but I can’t do that...that would be unfair to everyone else in front of you. We’re getting everything done as fast as we can. It shouldn’t be long!
She frowns and gives a big huff and stands there the whole time just staring at me until her drink is done. I hand off her drink with a smile. EL grabs the drink not acknowledging me and heads to where the lids are. I expect to see her run out the door but what do I see instead? Her chatting with some friends for over 10 minutes before finally leaving.
Guess her flight wasn’t that important (if it even existed).
TL;DR Lady thinks that she should come first because she decided to get a coffee on her way to the airport
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5points
#17
There were 13 passengers on the flight requiring wheelchair assistance. The gate agent made multiple announcements that these passengers were to remain seated in the boarding area until their name was called. Obviously, that is a lot for a single flight and they didn’t have 13 wheelchairs so they were just taking who they could and returning for someone else.
Meanwhile they also called for concierge key (AA) members to board. The flight had been delayed so the agents were doing their best to get the plane loaded as quickly as possible. This cranky guy about 60 yrs old is using a walker with wheels and still seems unstable pushes his way through the crowd and tries to board. He was on the list for wheelchair assistance but hadn’t been called yet. He is demanding a wheelchair and to be boarded immediately. Even though they announced to remain seated until name was called. He kept raising a fuss and they just let him (along with his whole party) board when then next wheelchair became available.
Then he did not sit in his assigned seat! When the person in that seat came, he told him he was disabled and didn’t want to move. Ugh! I felt bad for the other passenger. It’s hard to stand up for yourself when the guy is using his disability as an excuse. I readily get that a mobility condition can make flying challenging, but I would still book the seat I needed, not steal someone else’s. Even if my seat assignment changed, I would have inquired politely with the gate agent to see if they could change it without just taking someone else’s. It was bad enough he was acting like a jerk, but using his condition like made it worse.
On the same flight, a flight attendant went to take her seat just before takeoff. It was one of those jumpseats near the middle of the plane that faces the exit row. The exit row passenger opposite the jumpseat was using the jumpseat as a footrest. He actually had the audacity to tell her that she was taking his footrest. She tried to respond kindly just saying oh, I am just trying to take my seat. He literally said well you took my footrest and I want you to know it. What! Are you kidding me??? Kudos to the flight attendants on that flight.
Meanwhile they also called for concierge key (AA) members to board. The flight had been delayed so the agents were doing their best to get the plane loaded as quickly as possible. This cranky guy about 60 yrs old is using a walker with wheels and still seems unstable pushes his way through the crowd and tries to board. He was on the list for wheelchair assistance but hadn’t been called yet. He is demanding a wheelchair and to be boarded immediately. Even though they announced to remain seated until name was called. He kept raising a fuss and they just let him (along with his whole party) board when then next wheelchair became available.
Then he did not sit in his assigned seat! When the person in that seat came, he told him he was disabled and didn’t want to move. Ugh! I felt bad for the other passenger. It’s hard to stand up for yourself when the guy is using his disability as an excuse. I readily get that a mobility condition can make flying challenging, but I would still book the seat I needed, not steal someone else’s. Even if my seat assignment changed, I would have inquired politely with the gate agent to see if they could change it without just taking someone else’s. It was bad enough he was acting like a jerk, but using his condition like made it worse.
On the same flight, a flight attendant went to take her seat just before takeoff. It was one of those jumpseats near the middle of the plane that faces the exit row. The exit row passenger opposite the jumpseat was using the jumpseat as a footrest. He actually had the audacity to tell her that she was taking his footrest. She tried to respond kindly just saying oh, I am just trying to take my seat. He literally said well you took my footrest and I want you to know it. What! Are you kidding me??? Kudos to the flight attendants on that flight.
5points
#18
I early 20F sat in the middle seat next to a male on my flight. I had no issue with this however he was literally manspreading into my space. His leg was stretched out into my leg space and when I tried to give him hints to move he completely ignored me. He was very much taking up my space and making me feel crazy like this cannot be happening.
After a bit of not picking up my subtle hints I told him to move. To which he looked at me like I had significantly inconvenienced him. He then gave a slight eye roll and moved finally giving me space.
Example of my “subtle” hints: Me trying to put my medium hand bag under my seat(it is extremely easy to put under the seat might I add) and his leg being in the way. I know he saw me trying to do this and nothing changed until I said something.🤷♀️
After a bit of not picking up my subtle hints I told him to move. To which he looked at me like I had significantly inconvenienced him. He then gave a slight eye roll and moved finally giving me space.
Example of my “subtle” hints: Me trying to put my medium hand bag under my seat(it is extremely easy to put under the seat might I add) and his leg being in the way. I know he saw me trying to do this and nothing changed until I said something.🤷♀️
4points
The reason why we’re getting more information about entitled people on flights is that they’re being shamed online. Folks aren't hesitating to film demanding passengers to name and shame them on social media, which can definitely deter that behavior in the future.
The problem with this is that it can also create a trend of narcissistic people acting out for attention and Internet fame. This shouldn't be encouraged, which is why it’s best to think twice before filming a rude passenger. Maybe only do it to collect evidence of their wrongdoing and share it with the concerned authorities.
#19
I was seated in the second to last row on a flight out of Florida (MIA to DTW). Shortly after takeoff I reclined my seat and the guy behind me immediately flips out. He yelled that he couldn’t recline his seat so I shouldn’t either. Mind you the person in front of me had fully reclined already.
So the guy behind me thinks that I should be the one that suffers but he’s the one that bought a ticket in the last row.
I ended up splitting the difference and reclined half way and while I was adjusting my seat he punches it several times and shouts obscenities.
Looking back I should have called the flight attendant but I’m honestly not sure what good that would have done. It was a very full flight. (‘Very’ because the jump seats were full too).
So the guy behind me thinks that I should be the one that suffers but he’s the one that bought a ticket in the last row.
I ended up splitting the difference and reclined half way and while I was adjusting my seat he punches it several times and shouts obscenities.
Looking back I should have called the flight attendant but I’m honestly not sure what good that would have done. It was a very full flight. (‘Very’ because the jump seats were full too).
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4points
#20
Me, solo traveler, flying internationally from Asia to US, just getting checked in at the counter. On this plane, the seat layout is 3 seats - aisle - 3 seats - aisle - 3 seats. I ask the flight attendant if it's possible to move my middle seat to one that is the window or an aisle, but clearly state that it's fine if it's not possible. She gets me an aisle seat and I am jazzed.
Next to me, woman and man (looks like a couple), doing the same.
Woman: are there any rows of 3 with an empty middle seat? Flight attendant: I'm sorry, I can't guarantee any seats will remain empty. I can seat you next to each other though? Woman: No, I want to sit with an empty seat between us. Man: (murmurs something to her, looks kinda embarrassed) Woman: No, I like the extra room. We would like to be seated with an empty seat between us (continues to make the same request to the poor flight attendant)
Later, after boarding my flight, I realized that the middle seat between me and the other aisle passenger was open, and it made me smile.
Lady, we all want the extra room, but we aren't entitled to it, dayum. Leave the poor customer service agents alone.
Next to me, woman and man (looks like a couple), doing the same.
Woman: are there any rows of 3 with an empty middle seat? Flight attendant: I'm sorry, I can't guarantee any seats will remain empty. I can seat you next to each other though? Woman: No, I want to sit with an empty seat between us. Man: (murmurs something to her, looks kinda embarrassed) Woman: No, I like the extra room. We would like to be seated with an empty seat between us (continues to make the same request to the poor flight attendant)
Later, after boarding my flight, I realized that the middle seat between me and the other aisle passenger was open, and it made me smile.
Lady, we all want the extra room, but we aren't entitled to it, dayum. Leave the poor customer service agents alone.
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4points