A traveler thought he had found an easy way to make flying more comfortable, so he paid extra for what was advertised as a better seat. Once he boarded, the upgrade did not feel like a treat at all. His complaint, posted on Reddit, quickly went viral and sparked a familiar argument about what comfort really means in economy class.
In his post, the passenger said he paid $85, around €73, expecting the usual perks that come with paying more. Instead, he claimed the seat came with no in-flight screen and no power outlet, and it was positioned right beside the airplane restroom. The photo he shared showed a spot with plenty of legroom, but it was separated from the main rows and faced a blank seatback where entertainment would normally be. For him, the missing features and the bathroom traffic made the whole thing feel like a downgrade with a higher price tag.
What surprised many people was how quickly the comments flipped the story on its head. Plenty of users said the seat looked ideal, especially for anyone tall or tired of feeling boxed in for hours. One commenter joked that no screen meant no forced ads, while another pointed out that being near the restroom could be convenient on a long flight. A few even said they would happily trade entertainment for space, because legroom is the one thing you cannot improvise once the door closes.
Paid $85 for upgraded seat, no TV, no power, and right beside the bathroom…
byu/Such_Drop6000 inmildlyinfuriating
Still, the frustration makes sense if the passenger pictured a full upgrade package rather than a single benefit. Airlines often sell different categories of “better” seats, and extra legroom does not always come with the same amenities as standard rows. Some aircraft layouts place certain seats near galleys, exits, or lavatories, which can mean more noise and foot traffic. When that information is not obvious during checkout, travelers can end up paying for a compromise they did not realize they were accepting.
The bigger conversation behind the viral post is why so many people pay for space in the first place. Economy seating can feel tight for the average flyer, and it is even tougher for anyone taller or broader than the cabin was designed to comfortably fit. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics noted that increases in human height and body mass over recent decades should be considered when designing seats. That helps explain why the same seat pitch that once felt fine can now feel like a squeeze.
Would you pay extra for legroom if it meant giving up a screen and sitting near the restroom, or would you keep your money and stay in a standard row? Share your thoughts in the comments.
