Woman traveling with husband and two children only got three seats on a Southwest flight today (over-booked). Went off on the flight attendant big time. The plane went silent while she ripped on him for 5 minutes. Think heavy east coast accent. Flight attendant went off the plane to see what he could do... then the lady stands up and rudely shouts to all the passengers on the plane, "Which one of you is willing to give up a seat so my husband can get on the plane!!!? We have an important family event in Denver and he needs to get on NOW!! You can make some money on this - well, not from me, but Southwest will pay - who's going to stand up and be nice about this!!!? C'mon! Somebody raise your hand, now!". If she had asked nicely, I'm sure at least 5 people would have volunteered, but her scolding rant only made everyone avoid eye contact and bury their heads in their iPhones and newpapers. She eventually just decided to leave her husband and take the kids, but not without throwing a fit. Guy beside me said he would have gladly given up his seat if she wasn't such a ....

Moral of the story... just be nice. People will help you. If you're a jerk, you won't get anywhere.