An American Airlines passenger has accused another traveler of taking his first-class seat on a flight from New York City to Los Angeles because her own seat was broken.
Justin Escalona, who was traveling in first class on American Airlines flight 171, detailed the incident in a video posted to Instagram. Escalona stated that he was awoken by a woman who asked to swap seats. He initially believed she wanted a better view, but she explained that her seat did not recline.
Escalona, an American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum member who received an upgrade to first class, said he would have considered swapping seats for a sentimental reason or if the request had been made politely. However, he stated that the woman did not ask for a swap and instead immediately moved to his seat and refused to leave.
The woman allegedly told Escalona that he had to move because he had not paid for his seat, a claim Escalona disputed, showing his boarding pass for seat 6A, while hers was designated as 3F.
Video footage captured the woman appearing to clutch her forehead and refusing to vacate Escalona's seat. Escalona can be heard in the video pleading with her to leave, stating that she was holding up the entire flight.
According to Escalona, the woman eventually began gathering her belongings, making a remark before the video concluded. Another passenger in the aisle reportedly commented to Escalona that he was almost robbed.
The incident occurred on a flight from New York City to Los Angeles, which has a duration of five and a half hours. The video of the confrontation has garnered significant attention online, with millions of views.