A woman on an AirAsia flight in Kuala Lumpur allegedly caused a commotion after insisting on sitting beside her husband despite not having paid extra to select seats.
The incident reportedly escalated when cabin crew asked her to return to her assigned seat, resulting in all passengers having to disembark and delaying the flight.
According to Sin Chew Daily, the incident happened on Oct. 25 when the couple boarded the aircraft. The woman reportedly noticed that the seat beside her husband was empty and decided to occupy it, despite not being assigned that seat.
Cabin crew subsequently told her to return to her designated seat or pay the additional seat selection fee.
However, the couple and their travelling companions allegedly refused to cooperate, with members of the group questioning why they had to pay extra just to sit together.
Travelling Group Challenges Cabin Crew
A video shared by Sin Chew Daily showed the woman arguing that she had only taken the seat because it was empty.
She also questioned whether her actions had actually violated any rules.
Other members of the group reportedly claimed that it was normal for all six of them to sit together and questioned why additional fees were necessary.
At one point, one individual was heard asking other passengers: “Are you even Chinese? Do you even know what happened?”
All Passengers Asked To Disembark
As the situation escalated, cabin crew reportedly called security personnel to intervene.
China Press reported that the incident eventually resulted in all passengers being asked to disembark from the aircraft.
The flight was consequently unable to depart on schedule.
According to AirAsia’s website, passengers who wish to select their preferred seats must pay an additional fee. Seat selection can be arranged during ticket purchase, online check-in or at the airport.
Passengers can also pre-book seats through the AirAsia MOVE app or website up to two hours before their scheduled departure.
Alternatively, they can purchase seats at airport counters or Airport Sales Offices at least four hours before departure.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of following airline seating arrangements, even when an unoccupied seat appears to be available.