The woman, who had booked her ticket a year in advance and received the upgrade due to her loyalty program points, was hesitant to give up her seat. The flight attendant offered alternatives, such as a future free upgrade or a full refund, but the woman felt she had earned her first-class seat and didn’t want to relinquish it.
The situation sparked debate online, with some calling her selfish for not giving up her seat and others supporting her decision. The woman argued that if the parents had purchased their tickets, she might have considered swapping seats, but they hadn’t. She also noted that the boy wasn’t left alone, as he regularly visited his parents in first class during the 13-hour flight.
The incident raises questions about loyalty programs, upgrades, and the responsibilities that come with them. Should the woman have given up her seat, or was she justified in keeping her hard-earned upgrade?
