DUBAI- An Emirates Airline (EK) passenger traveling on flight EK235 from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) recently encountered an unusually polite seat swap request.
On board the Boeing 777-300ER, configured with Emirates’ “Game Changer” first class, a family with two children left a written note for a fellow traveler in seat 1A, offering an option to switch seats for a quieter flight experience, OMAAT exclusively reported.
Photo: EmiratesEmirates First Class Seat Swaps
First class on Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER features just six enclosed suites arranged across two aisles. In this layout, seats 1A, 1E, and 2A open into the left aisle, while seats 1K, 2F, and 2K open into the right aisle. The only bassinet position in first class is located in seat 1E, directly across from 1A.
This became relevant for a passenger assigned to seat 1A, as a family of four with two young children had reserved three of the other suites. To reduce potential disturbance, the father of the family wrote a detailed note.
The letter explained that they would do their best to limit noise, but also acknowledged that infants and children can be unpredictable. As a solution, the passenger in 1A was invited to move to seat 2K — identical in layout but positioned in the opposite aisle, away from the bassinet.
The note included reassurances such as:
- Efforts to keep noise minimal and under control within 60 seconds.
- Rotation of the children between cabins to manage disruptions.
- Absolute respect for the passenger’s decision, making the swap optional.
Emirates 777 Retrofitted First Class Seat | Photo: EmiratesThe Extra Mile in Courtesy
Rather than making a direct, possibly uncomfortable request, the family chose to prepare a typed letter and even added a diagram of the cabin layout. This effort turned a potentially awkward conversation into a thoughtful gesture.
The tone of the letter emphasized empathy and respect: no entitlement, no demand, and no pressure. By leaving the choice entirely in the other passenger’s hands, the family managed to show awareness of fellow travelers’ comfort while balancing their own needs.
The approach stood out because seat swap requests are often made casually or with an assumption of compliance. In this case, the family prioritized politeness and clarity, setting an example of how such situations could be handled more gracefully.
Photo: Korean AirComparisons and Past Examples
This incident echoes other stories where traveling parents went out of their way to acknowledge the impact children might have on a flight. A notable example was a mother on a long-haul Korean Air (KE) flight who handed out gift bags to fellow passengers with notes apologizing in advance for potential crying.
While such gestures are not necessary, they often leave a lasting impression on fellow travelers. In the Emirates’ case, the polite approach paid off, with the passenger agreeing to the seat swap.
The father’s effort in drafting a note and diagram turned what could have been a tense in-flight moment into an example of respectful communication.
For frequent flyers, it serves as a reminder that empathy and courtesy can make air travel smoother for everyone — whether in first class or economy.
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Emirates First Class Passenger Who Paid $50,000 Criticized for Post
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