AITA for not giving up my window seat on a plane to a kid just because she threw a tantrum?

A passenger shared an experience on a flight where they refused to give up their pre-booked window seat to a young child who threw a tantrum about not sitting by the window. Despite the parents’ repeated requests, the passenger stood their ground, citing that they had booked the seat specifically to enjoy the view.

The parents weren’t pleased, and the tension lasted throughout the flight. Was the passenger wrong for not accommodating the family? Read the full story below.

‘ AITA for not giving up my window seat on a plane to a kid just because she threw a tantrum?’

I was on a domestic flight, and I had specifically booked a window seat because I love looking out at the view, it’s one of the few things I actually enjoy about flying. After I settled into my seat, a family boarded: a dad, a mom, and their little girl, who looked about six years old. The dad had an aisle seat, the mom was in the middle, and the kid was supposed to sit in the other aisle seat. Everything seemed fine until the girl realized she wasn’t sitting by the window.

She immediately started complaining: “I want the window! I want the window!” Her parents tried to calm her down, but she quickly escalated into a full-blown tantrum, crying and yelling about how she wanted my seat. At this point, the dad leaned over and asked, “Would you mind switching seats with her? She’s just a kid.”

I politely explained that I had booked the window seat in advance because I really wanted to enjoy the view. The dad insisted, saying it would be “nice of me” and that “it wouldn’t hurt” to switch. I reiterated that I understood his frustration but didn’t think his daughter’s tantrum was a valid reason for me to give up a seat I specifically reserved. He sighed and tried to push further, but I stood my ground.

The girl cried for about 10 more minutes before her mom managed to calm her down with a tablet. However, the tension lingered. Throughout the flight, I could feel the parents throwing me judgmental looks, and when we landed, I overheard the mom muttering something like, “Some people just have no heart.”

This made me wonder if I had been too rigid. I know kids can be a handful, but I also feel like giving in would’ve taught her that throwing a tantrum gets her what she wants. Still, I couldn’t shake off the guilt.. So, AITA?

Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:

Sure_Freedom3 −  I am a mum of three. Kids get explained that they can’t have that seat as it’s already occupied, end if it. Time for a game.

YeeHawMiMaw −  Readers, if this happens to you, the best response is, “I know mom, but don’t beat your self up for not reserving a window seat for your child. You didn’t know she’d throw a tantrum.”

philmcruch −  NTA. I politely explained that I had booked the window seat in advance because I really wanted to enjoy the view. The dad insisted, saying it would be “nice of me” and that “it wouldn’t hurt” to switch.

Thats when i would have said “lucky for me im not a ‘nice’ person, and yes it would hurt my bank account to switch since i paid extra for this seat. You had the same option and chose not to pick it”

74Magick −  And my response would have been “Some kids just have no home-training” (Southernese for manners and discipline).. NTA

DiverQuiet1381 −  NTA life isn’t fair and her parents are just setting her up to be a spoiled b**t u did a good thing

MizzyvonMuffling −  Stop discussing this s**t with those people, you booked and paid for the seat, they can go cry elsewhere. I’m a former flight attendant and if a passenger wouldn’t voluntarily give up their seat we won’t make you unless we have a better seat for you. You want a window/aisle seat, book it. Otherwise shut the f**k up.

Mindless_Wolf_8736 −  As a mom of four: NTA. It’s your seat. You booked a window seat for a reason. They could have done the same.

SapphireSwan34 −  Absolutely not, the window seat is a luxury and not a right. Plus, giving in to a child’s tantrum only reinforces bad behavior. Hold your ground, fellow aisle seat warrior.

Mjcarlin907317 −  Not your kid, not your problem. Good for you for holding your ground.

Fun_Orange_3232 −  lol NTA and the parents shouldn’t have even asked. giving in to tantrums is absurd. also why did they have her across the aisle when there were two seats together?

Should the passenger have given up their seat to the child to avoid the scene, or was it fair to keep the seat they had specifically chosen? How do you think situations like these should be handled on a flight? Share your thoughts below!