You picked the seat. You paid extra for it. Then you board the plane and you’re somewhere else entirely. The short answer is yes, airlines can move you—but whether they should refund you or compensate you is where things get interesting.
It finally happened. One airline has quietly introduced a fee for something as basic as reclining your seat—and travelers are furious. But that might just be the beginning. Industry insiders warn the next wave of “comfort fees” could actually see parents having to pay extra just to sit beside their own kids.