AITA for not letting people in the window seats on a plane into the aisle when disembarking?
On a large plane that was set out as a 9 or 12 seat row layout, I (28M) was sat in the aisle seat on the lane of chairs situated against the window (I had 2 people between me and the window).
Before the seatbelt sign had turned off, the aisles were already full with people scrambling for bags, rushing to the front, and plane hostesses trying to get people to sit back down whilst I’m dodging elbows and hips to the face whilst still seated; seems to be the new norm for plane etiquette
Despite there being zero space in the aisle, and at least another 10-15 mins before being allowed off, the couple (late 30s) next to me asked if I could let them out.
I said: “I can’t? Why, where are you hoping to go?”
Couple: “We need to get our bags” with a confused look
I said: “Well I can’t sorry, there’s no room, and I’ll just be stuck in the crowd”
They got funny about it and made some remarks under their breathe.
I waited for the chaos to clear, stuck my foot out to get my bags once the rows in front had disembarked (blocking the hordes in the rows behind from barging ahead), and ushered them to get out behind me before the hordes behind me blocked them back in. In return I received a scowl, no thanks, and dirty looks from them in the airport?!
AITA for not immediately letting them out? Are you not meant disembark per row?
Posted Aug 11, 2026, 11:22 AM UTC