Ever had a nightmare seatmate on a long flight? On my 14-hour trip home, I ended up next to a newlywed couple who treated the cabin like their personal honeymoon suite—and nearly ruined my journey.

I had booked a premium economy seat for the extra legroom and comfort after weeks abroad. Not long after takeoff, the guy next to me—let’s call him Dave—asked if I’d switch seats with his wife, Lia, who was back in coach, so they could sit together. I politely declined unless he was willing to cover the $1,000 I paid to upgrade.

He didn’t take it well. “You’ll regret this,” he muttered.

And that’s when the petty behavior started. Dave began coughing obnoxiously, blasted his movie without headphones, and even managed to spill snacks all over me. Then Lia came up the aisle and plopped down on his lap, giggling like they were on a beach, not a plane.

I’d had enough.

I flagged down a flight attendant and explained the situation. She firmly reminded them of airline safety policies—grown adults can’t share a seat—and that their upgraded spots were a privilege, not a right. Because of their disruptive behavior, she asked them both to return to their original economy seats.

They protested but eventually shuffled back to the back of the plane.

Later, Lia tried to use the restroom while the seatbelt sign was still on, sparking more drama. But after another warning from the crew, they finally calmed down. The rest of the flight was, thankfully, smooth and quiet.

A flight attendant even thanked me for staying cool and offered me a complimentary drink for the trouble.

When we landed, I stepped off the plane feeling proud I stood my ground—and relieved to see my wife and kid waiting for me. The lesson? Sometimes, keeping your peace means not giving in to entitled travelers—especially at 30,000 feet.