He thought longingly of the wide, cushy seat he had selected, the extra attentive flight attendants in business class who would tend to his every need. Hoping a kinder approach might work, he shifted tactics. “Is there any chance someone else could be moved to economy instead?” he asked, his tone laced with desperation. “I genuinely need that business class seat today.”
The agent gave him a regretful look. “I’m so sorry, but there is just no more room in the business cabin. I wish there was something I could do.” Carl picked up his carry-on bag angrily. He felt his meticulously planned flight home unraveling by the second. “This is unacceptable,” he said tersely. “I expect much better service than this.”