Boarding a flight only to find someone else in your reserved seat can be quite the predicament. This was the case for Myah Elliott, as her viral TikTok video recounted. Rather than receiving an apology or an offer to swap seats, Myah encountered entitlement from a mother who seemed to assume she’d just agree to move.
This incident has sparked an online firestorm, propelling a debate about airplane etiquette, the importance of respecting assigned seating, and the fundamental courtesies due in public spaces.
Selections Disregarded
Myah, visibly frustrated, shares her experience in a TikTok video captioned “Your child and lack of responsibility have nothing to do with me,” starting with a text overlay that reads, “The Audacity of Parents.”
She begins her story by questioning,
“Why are people with children under the impression that the world needs to bend for them because they decided to have a child? I’m tired of it.”
Myah recounts how she boarded a plane, ready to sit in her pre-selected seat, Row 22, Seat F, for which she had checked in 24 hours earlier, ensuring she got the window seat she desired. However, upon reaching her seat, she found a mother and her son occupying her seat and the adjacent one.
Not wanting to confront them directly, Myah resorted to subtly hinting at the mix-up by conspicuously checking her boarding pass and comparing it with the seat number, hoping the duo would take the hint and move.
Courtesy Meets Confrontation
In the video, Myah continues her story, explaining that the mother didn’t take the hint. When Myah informed her she was in her seat, the mother casually replied, “Oh, well you can actually sit in my seat,” and pointed to a seat in the back.
Myah was taken aback, saying, “Excuse me, you don’t even have the decency to ask if you can stay in my seat,” referring to the one she had specifically selected and which was indicated on her boarding pass.
She looked at the seat the mother offered and declined, saying,
“No, it’s an aisle seat and I want a window seat, so I would appreciate it if I could sit in my seat.”
The mother didn’t respond but kept glancing between her child and Myah, who was waiting for her to move. Myah questioned the woman’s planning, asking,
“If it was so important for you to sit beside your kid, why did you not do the check-in when it opened 24 hours ago when I did it?”
She noted there were several suitable seating options available at that time.
Setting Boundaries
As Myah stood her ground, a man from behind offered to give up his window seat so the mother and child could stay put. While Myah appreciated the kindness, she was irritated because it seemed to validate the mother’s entitlement to take someone else’s seat without consequence.
“I didn’t want this woman to get away with it because she was disrespectful,” Myah expressed.
Despite her frustration, Myah didn’t want to prolong the confrontation and accepted the man’s offer. However, she didn’t miss the opportunity to advise the woman to plan better in the future, so she could sit with her child without inconveniencing others.
The Comment Section
The video struck a chord with many viewers who shared their frustrations over similar experiences. They expressed annoyance with the sense of entitlement some parents seem to have, expecting others to accommodate them simply because they have children.
One commenter empathized with Myah, saying,
“I feel very much connected to this. Why do people with children assume everyone has to bow to them? Well said, by the way, I’m glad you stood your ground.”
They applauded her for not giving in to the mother’s assumption that she could simply take someone else’s seat.
Another agreed, adding,
“You are speaking from my heart! So many people with children feel superior and act as if the world revolves around them and your needs mean nothing.”
This sentiment underscored a common frustration with the perceived self-centeredness of some parents.
One person pointed out that the man who offered his seat might have inadvertently prevented a teachable moment, saying,
“The man behind is an enemy of progress because he revoked you from teaching her that lesson.”
They felt that the mother didn’t learn that her actions were unacceptable because the situation was resolved without her having to face the consequences.
How to Swap Seats on a Plane–Simple Rules
When you’re on a plane, swapping seats can be tricky. If you’re stuck in the middle seat, you might think you should get both armrests, but not everyone agrees. Seats are smaller these days, so everyone wants their own space. If you’re by the window, you handle the shade but ask others before you change it.
If you’re in the aisle seat, you should be ready to get up a lot for others.
Want to change seats? Wait until everyone’s on board, then ask nicely. Don’t ask kids, older people, or those who need special help to move.
And don’t try to get a better seat than you paid for. Flight attendants can help, but they’re busy, so be patient. If someone says no, it’s okay. They paid for their seat, too.
It’s Okay to Say No to Seat Swaps
Sometimes, people have good reasons for not wanting to change seats. Maybe they need the extra space, or they picked their seat on purpose for a long flight. Some people say it’s okay to say no on the internet because they paid extra for their seat choice.
Families sometimes need to sit together, especially if kids need help. But asking someone to move can be hard. It’s best to sort out seats before you get on the plane. If someone doesn’t want to move, try to understand. They want to be comfy, too, just like you.
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Sources
- stuff.co.nz/travel/kiwi-traveller/300738667/plane-seat-etiquette-how-where-you-sit-determines-the-rules-you-should-follow
- today.com/parents/family/airplane-etiquette-for-families-rcna74741
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this video:
@yomrants Your child and lack of responsibility have nothing to do with me
#yomrants
#storytime
#flightstory
#rant
♬ original sound – myah elliott
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
