DonTopaz

I think it's a bit extreme to go and get pregnant just so that you can have an aisle seat.

Debi

You guys are funny.......

Kay2

Times do seem to have changed.
Used to be either the rules were not adhered to as strictly or I was too young to pay attention.
Lots of people would look around as the departure time approached, checking for empty seats, even rows, and either staking claim then or moving just after the FAs said the door was closed.

On recent trips I have taken, the FAs were adamant about everyone in their seats before the door could be closed. Everyone stay seated so the plane could push back.

Last international trip, the FAs were telling anyone switching seats before takeoff to return to their original seats because of the weight/balance calculations would be off for takeoff. They would allow changes after takeoff. However, those teenagers whose first language was French did not hear/pay attention.

I felt sorry for the FAs on a domestic flight this week. English was not the first language for several passengers. We hit rough turbulence and even the FAs were ordered to be seated. After about 15 minutes and a bout of smooth air, 1-3 passengers at a time would get up and head all the way to the rear of the plane to the toilet. The FA would make the announcement to return to seats because we did bounce some more. When disobeyed, the FA would make the announcement louder. No effect, of course.

nancicita

It's actually a dangerous situation when you switch seats without the flight attendant knowing. It's very important to have the correct weight/balance on the aircraft in order for the plane to safely fly. Same reason for your carry-on bags. It's dangerous to bring huge bulky heavy carry-on bags that are really supposed to be checked in. I understand that it sucks that some airlines charge for checked bags. Unfortunately there's just nothing we can do other than try to pack lightly and carry less.

CarolA

OP is flying Delta/AF.

Door will probably be closed for 10 minutes before they can figure out HOW to move the plane.

I am LOL as the "weight/balace" logic. Sure that's true on the commuter jet to Knoxville, TN. But on a widebody to Paris...UH... NO! It's going to take more then your carry on or changing your seat to mess that up... LOL! The FAs made that up probably becasue you were moving into the seats they near the back they wanted to "spread out" in. (Seen it done,trust me!)

CarolA

By the way...

The FA also does NOT have a "seat belt warning panel" that "tells me all of you have not buckled your seat belt" or "an emissions dector" that "tells me all of you have not turned off your cell phones"

(No, I did NOT make the above statements up.. I have actually heard FAs try these lies... That said, they do have ears. If your cell phone goes off then expect to be BUSTED!)

dutyfree

There is weight and balance on ALL flights-the commuter flights are the ones most affected. On international flights there are weight and balance issues in terms of too much cargo in the bins then there might be a "limiting" of passengers. Examples-Johannesburg SA because of heat and altitude,Lima Peru because of the extensive aspargus crop,etc.There have been times in my career when the flight was not full on an international or domestic flight that people had to sit in certain areas for takeoff and landings due to weight and balance-usually putting people more forward in the cabin.


On the airline that I work for,when we push back it is not to "figure out how to move the plane"? Its doing check lists in the cockpit along with the company and security checking the passenger lists.

As for changing seats-do it before pushback.You won't get an open seat after that. As a flight attendant, I always try to find open seats for people who have reasonable changes and couldn't get them before they boarded.

And to those who chose to not want to hear our PA's or care to comply(ie standing around in the back during turbulence with the seatbelt sign on while I am on my jumpseat in my harness),I always say the following:

"I just want to make sure that we are on the same page. When we go before the judge for your medical injury lawsuit from getting hurt on this plane,did I not remind you that the seatbelt sign was on and that you were going to get hurt?"

clevelandbrown

I know they do planning to balance the plane, but I think that largely involves cargo. If they are balancing based on the weight of individual passengers, where do they get it?

1965

I'm still seeing red about Jeff of costa rica's story of someone sitting in his aisle seat, and when that was pointed out, was told by the seat poacher to sit elsewhere so the seat poacher could have Jeff's seat. What nerve!! Glad you demanded your rightful seat.

Cowboy1968

Hum.. maybe airlines in the US make more fuss about this seat changing issue, but I fly maybe once a week domestic or intra-EU and had these problems.

With "my" airlines, the FAs always state "boarding completed" over the PA once the last person has entered the aircraft. Then people change seats as they please (while the door is still open, of course). No changing/running around after the door got shut.

Against common believe, I made the experience that both FAs as well as ground staff are usually trying their best to accomodate passengers the way they need or prefer it.
There is usually no need to throw yourself "at the mercy" of either group but simply act like a human being and try to articulate your wish or problem in a manner and language you'd also use talking to your mother (implying that you do not yell at your mother like a 6yo throwing a fit because the airline does not shoot one passenger so you can have the window seat).