During a long-haul flight, I find my row and locate seat 12A—the prime window seat with extra legroom that I paid an extra $50 to reserve weeks in advance.
Me: Excuse me, I think you're in my seat.
Kid: A 10-year-old boy, happily staring out the window, wearing giant headphones around his neck, Oh! Hi!
Mother: (Sitting in 12B, looking up with a sweet, disarming smile) Hi there! So sorry, but my son, Leo, absolutely loves looking at the clouds during takeoff. Would you mind swiping seats with him? He’s in 34E.
Me:- 34E? Isn't that a middle seat right next to the lavatory in the back row?
Mother: Yes! But it’s still on the plane! It would mean the absolute world to him to have the window. Kids deserve a little magic when they fly, don't you think?
You: I understand, but I actually paid extra to reserve this specific window seat in advance. I really prefer sitting here.