to move seats?

[AnotherCareerThread]

Just boarded a plane which by the looks of the queue in the airport is going to be half full. The passenger next to me has just arrived and settled down and unfortunately he has an extreme body odour problem. Its a 5 hour flight and after just a few minutes I'm feeling really ill. I know that makes me sound like a complete bitch, but it is honestly incredibly strong. There's no free seats nearby but looks like there will be further back, WIBU (and increabily rude ) to move seats? I'm presuming ill need to ask an air hostess and I have no idea how to word it (not an English airline) and I really don't want to upset the man.

Google translate and show the air steward the phone ?

I can't see any seats that have 2 free now (I figure it's polluter to move to a seat with a spare next to it)

@Singlebutmarried

I’d wait until after the doors are closed then go up and speak to them. Fuck sitting there for 5 hours!

@Singlebutmarried good plan!

I'd get up now, assuming still boarding, walk to the front and explain quietly. You might have to sit there for takeoff though, that's normal practise, and move once in flight.

Not quite the same but I've done this on a coach. No way would I sit next to a smelly person. Just tell them you are not feeling well ( they will think you are doing them a favour !)

The guy on the other side has just starting reading this aptly named book though

With his smelly feet sticking between the seats, I feel that the people in front might want a copy of that book too! I would move and not feel bad - 5 hours is a long time!

I once sat beside a man who smelt like raw and rotting meat. It was a 12 hr flight, 15 yrs ago and the smell is still in my nostrils.

As long as you don't embarrass the guy by saying anything that he will hear I'd say it's perfectly reasonable to request a change of seat within the same class as your current seat. Just go up to the galley and ask a flight attendant. You might have to explain why though.

I would be glad if someone moved from the seat beside me- more space for me.

That looks like a lot of leg room misses point

I did this last year with no qualms. The man had rancid armpits and he kept reaching up and adjusting the air con. I moved, he hot an empty seat next to him and everyone was happy