I was on a flight from Newark to Los Angeles. I didn't get upgraded, even though I am an executive platinum member. I did however, have an exit row aisle seat. Shortly after I got comfortable, a female flight attendee approached and asks me to move up one row, as there are some gentleman coming onboard who cannot sit next to a woman. After some debate, I agree to move. Shortly afterward, a male flight attendant informs me I must move again. There are 4 Hindu monks, all with window and middle seat exit row. I refuse this time, since there are no more exit rows. They offer to move me to another aisle, but not an exit row. The male flight attendant tells me I should be more understanding, as "only in America do women enjoy such rights!" I was so outraged that I stood and starting yelling about my rights as a woman in the US, and wasn't it convenient that is where I live. I explained that I wasn't moving and that the "gentlemen" could be moved to other seats. I received a standing ovation from the other passengers, and I did not move. After 20 minutes of arguing and my yelling for a news crew, another male passenger agreed to sit next to me so that one of the monks could sit in the window and the other 3 in the exit row.

Upon completion of the flight, I complained to airline about the issue, and the FAA violation regarding exit rows, since 2 of the men didn't speak English and none of them would talk or take direction from the female flight attendants. Yet they were allowed to occupy the exit row. I received a $150.00 voucher, but got a better deal when they lost my luggage!!!

-- Robin L., Cedar Creek