The seat mate chat

[D747]

I always grab an isle seat so when I am getting settled in on an ultra long haul like Mel>Lax I'll always greet my window seatmate with a little chat like: "This is a really long flight. If you need to get up don't worry. Just ask and I'll get out of your way. If you need to wake me up, that's okay. I will not annoy you with any more chat. Have a good flight." Does anyone else do anything like this? p.s. I'm normally in Y+ or J.

 

[Denali]

My last Y flight was about 5yrs ago but I remember the look of fear in her eyes, when I was said I hope she had a good bladder as I can hold for 14hrs and never get out of my seat.

Then I told her to not be shy and tell me if she wanted to get out because I really can hold for 14hrs and rarely do get out of my seat.

She looked like she was trapped by the crazy people but didn't ask to move

 

[JohnK]

I'm naturally shy.

 

[RooFlyer]

Also usually on an aisle, in J. I will introduce myself to the person in adjacent seat, but i don't make any offers re waking me up. If they need to, that's fine, but I don't want to encourage it.

 

[davidj]

I'll always greet my window seatmate with a little chat like:

I've had yanks do this to me, never aussies.

Really nice manners if you ask me. Well done!

 

[D747]

I've seen people visibly relax when I have the chat. Having been the person who sits by the window, I have felt really bad disturbing the person I climb over to get out. Just want everyone to enjoy the flight as much as possible.

 

[boomy]

I don’t like seatmates unless it’s my +1 and then I will get up every time she needs to use the toilet otherwise...

Seriously now, on long haul I do my best to fly on single seats cabins and if I’m stuck down the back then better be exit row or bulkhead with extra space to move around.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I'll usually greet a seat mate politely and slip my headphones on to give the idea! I have to talk for a living, so when I'm not bring paid, I'd prefer not to chat, especially about some inane topic, just for the heck if it.

 

[VPS]

I'll usually greet a seat mate politely and slip my headphones on to give the idea! I have to talk for a living, so when I'm not bring paid, I'd prefer not to chat, especially about some inane topic, just for the heck if it.

But some of them continue to talk at you and you pointedly take your headphones off and then respond and put them back on again and they keep going arrrrggh

 

[BCons]

Always acknowledge your neighbour, even just a nod or quick hi. Its basic manners, essential in Y where there's bound to be some physical interaction (arm rest etc), and a good idea in J. I dont generally strike up much conversation, but breaking the ice allows them to chat if they want, for you to engage further (or not..) and more importantly, on Intl flights, get to know how to speak to them if/when you do need to

 

[travelguy]

I always introduce myself and have a chat with those who are open to it. I find many people actually like to chat. As a result I have had a number of invites to stay with people and/or meet up after the flight.

Conversely, I find some people just want to sleep or listen to headphones and I leave them to do so.

 

[GaryB]

After 2500 international flights over 30 years I’ve reached a point where window in the heering bone configuration is perfect , one seat , one window on the aisle. I’ve given up on airlines that still fly the old configuration. Status now on CX , BA , Skyteam and Lifetime Gold on QF .. so even in the past particularly on CX because of my status they would block the seat next to me when possible .. fortunate .. yes , but will always try to sit this way.

 

[Matt_01]

I generally say hello and that is about it and will respond to questions if asked but do not get into conversations. Early use of headphone normally signals my intent.

 

[juddles]

I am always upset if on a long-haul flight there is someone next to me - that is why I spend hours on expertflyer, etc planning and planning. And I do not tend to chat much (usually tanked anyway after the pre-flight lounge). But occaionally I have had "neighbours" who are very interesting people. I really enjoyed chatting for hours on one flight with the CEO of Latam Colombia. We had a great time. But that is not my norm.

I have previously posted similar to the OP - that is, IMHO great manners - break the ice with a starnger, and let them not fret if they have to clamber over you. It is part of flying

 

[Melburnian1]

I am always upset if on a long-haul flight there is someone next to me...

A man who must never travel on flights that are full. Unfortunately I've been on many domestic and more than a few international flights that are, at least in Y or J. Sometimes one can learn from talking with others, although I agree it's a fine line between pleasant chat and intruding on one's seatmate.

 

[Flyin_Penquin]

I generally say hello and that is about it and will respond to questions if asked but do not get into conversations. Early use of headphone normally signals my intent.

Likewise, the headphones go on once seated and after a quick acknowledgement to any people alongside then I prefer my peace and quiet.

 

[jabu]

I always introduce myself and have a chat with those who are open to it. I find many people actually like to chat. As a result I have had a number of invites to stay with people and/or meet up after the flight.

Conversely, I find some people just want to sleep or listen to headphones and I leave them to do so.

Exactly this. I too introduce myself and try to present a countenance that reflects that i am open to conversation but also respect the individual's right to silence. I purposely do dont wear my headphones on trains anymore, jus as an invitation for some interaction. I really believe the world would be a much better place if people actually talked face to face and not always on the electronics

 

[RooFlyer]

After 2500 international flights over 30 years I’ve reached a point where window in the heering bone configuration is perfect , one seat , one window on the aisle. I’ve given up on airlines that still fly the old configuration. Status now on CX , BA , Skyteam and Lifetime Gold on QF .. so even in the past particularly on CX because of my status they would block the seat next to me when possible .. fortunate .. yes , but will always try to sit this way.

And welcome to AFF

 

[QF WP]

I also have a routine when traveling alone (for work the majority of times, whether Domestic or International). After getting into my seat (generally window for domestic legs and aisle for International), I’ll attempt to say hi to my seat mate whilst I set up iPad and earphones (for relaxing or until I can bring out the laptop if I need to work). I generally find that over a meal there is conversation or in some cases, like others here, if you find something in common (pilot, another person in my industry etc).

 

[parsonstrish]

On trip from o’hare to lhr a few years ago gentleman in window seat business said he had to go to work on arrival & wouldn’t be company. I was in aisle seat. It was a night flight. I appreciated how he phrased his statement.
I’m a single flyer. When I first started flying international I thought it was good manners to at least say hello to next passenger. I have learned a hi back is not always considered necessary back. I am quite happy with my own company. I find if chat occurs early in flight, in my experience after the meal it just naturally stops & perhaps few words prior to landing.
One of my favourite domestic next seat ‘companion’ was a upgrade I received business tsv-bne. The gentleman next to me had never flown business previously. He expressed in word commentary his experience. I found it great fun to relive my first business experience through his experience.