We often fly a route, together, that has only one-class planes on an airline which, for assorted reasons, we need to use. We would gladly use miles or even money for the upgrade if it were available. The Professor is tall and he really needs an upgrade or the aisle, and on long hauls, we always fly business or better (sometimes there is no business class, but I do rack up miles on business travel. International First is heaven!) I am little, but am not a contortionist and often have to get up during this several-hour flight, which inconveniences the whole row, so I try to avoid windows, even though I like them. If we let the airline (or in the old days, a travel agent) assign us seats I will always get a middle and someone else, usually someone huge (Murphy's law) will book the window, which means that fairly often we will be in the only full row on the plane and I will be squished to boot, and though I like cuddling with the Prof, on an airplane it is not practical, polite or even comfortable. The stranger, well, I would really rather not. We now always book aisles across. We have been married so long, we can communicate by telepathy <G>. I will switch if asked, for an equal or better seat, and will take a window in a good cause, such as to enable a parent to sit with his/her children. The Professor needs his legroom, so he usually won't except for another aisle. We are able-bodied and will grab exit rows if we can get them, which usually solves both our problems, but those are, on this route/airline, assigned at the airport, not in advance. No, it is NOT rude to plan for your own comfort. It is first-come, first-served, and sometimes, if it is a last minute flight, I do get squished, but that is the way it goes.
