to have taken the seat offered to me

[MimiR]

This may seem trivial (and it is, I know) but please bear with me because I really don't know the etiquette and what I should have done in this situ so would really appreciate your input.

Yesterday was my daughters' spring concert at school. We got there 5 minutes past the time they were supposed to report to their classroom so after dropping them off, I rushed to find a seat. On the way, I met my daughters' best friend and her parents so I offered to save them seats as well.
I chose a set of seats right at the back even though there were many single seats in the middle rows available, because I had promised to save seats for the other couple.
My neighbour then came up to me and said that she had saved me a seat right up front (2nd row).
I didn't know what to do - I felt bad to tell her no because it was very nice of her to think of me and save a seat (even though I didn't ask) but I also felt bad about ditching the other couple who I had promised to save seats for. In the end I went to sit with my neighbour and then when the other couple came (a few minutes later), I told them what happened and helped to find seats for them (at the back).

What should I have done in this situation do you think? Was I being unfair to take the seat saved for me? Should I have politely refused and said no, I promised the other couple? Please advise....

Surely it doesn't matter now anyway?

I would probably have stayed where I was and explained to the friend who had saved you a seat, as you saving a seat for your friends was your prior commitment. But I don't think it's a big deal in any event, I wouldn't spend any more time thinking about it!

Yes I would have just stayed where you were and said to your neighbour that you were having to save the friends a seat. I don't think your neighbour would have been bothered.

I might well have said "thank you very much. I promised to save seats for another couple but once they've arrived, I'll come down and join you". But you made an effort for the other couple, I don't think you should feel bad about it.