‘It Won't Help You With Nausea': How Vande Bharat Passenger Tackled Seat Swap ‘Scam'
Last Updated:
The passengers had settled into their reserved window seat in Vande Bharat, expecting a peaceful journey, until a woman took the middle seat next to them.
A train journey on the Vande Bharat Express took an awkward turn for one passenger when a fellow traveller attempted to swap seats under questionable circumstances. Sharing the experience on Reddit, the passenger recalled settling into their reserved window seat, looking forward to a quiet ride. Things changed a few stops later when a woman, likely in her mid-40s, boarded the train and took the middle seat beside them. She was carrying a large trolley bag and had two additional bags stacked near her feet, clearly not travelling light.
From the moment she sat down, the passenger sensed what was coming. 'She started with polite smiles, attempted small talk, and kept glancing out the window," they wrote. Sensing that a seat swap request was on the horizon, the passenger quickly put on headphones and pretended to be fully absorbed in music, hoping to avoid the conversation altogether.
Despite the silent message, the woman eventually asked to switch seats, faking illness in an attempt to persuade the passenger. However, the request was firmly and politely declined.
The woman didn't stop there. A short while later, she was seen speaking with another couple nearby, hoping to trade seats so she could sit closer to her husband. That attempt failed too, as the couple explained that the seat was already reserved for another passenger expected to board at the next stop.
The incident has flashed discussion online, with many Reddit users supporting the original passenger's decision to hold on to their seat. Some even shared similar experiences, noting how common such tactics have become during travel.
'And then it happened. She tapped me on the shoulder. I took off my headphones, trying not to smirk and asked, 'Yes?' She gave me the line I had been waiting for, 'Can you give me your seat?' 'Why? I asked. She paused dramatically, then said, 'I'm not feeling well, I'm feeling a bit nauseous.' Now, here's the thing, this was a non-opening fixed glass window. Even if you felt sick, the window wouldn't help. I smiled internally, keeping a straight face. I told her, 'This window doesn't open. It won't help you with nausea.' But with full confidence, she replied, 'Even then, I need it'," the Redditor shared.
The user ended the post writing, 'That's when I realised: Some people know how to play the 'nausea + woman + elder' sympathy card to get what they want. I calmly said, 'Sorry, I can't.' As she settled back reluctantly into the middle seat with all her luggage fortress, I thought to myself, If you truly have special needs, maybe just book the right seat in advance like the rest of us."
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, 'Good job, keep it up, always say NO to seat beggar."
Another shared, 'My husband is the sweetest guy, I have to fight for my seat and his seat, it's a nightmare. People will demand his LB like it's their birthright. I have to put on my bitch face and push back at them before Mr Sweetest says yes to them. He has an active leg injury, so he can't climb up, but he can't say NO to seat grabbers. What a struggle."
'This topic boils my blood. Some people even do this in aeroplanes, I don't care if it's your kid's first flight. Just plan better next time and pay for the seats so you can get all the perks you want without ruining someone else's day," a comment read.
An individual stated, 'People need to plan well in advance if they have specific requirements. If they can't, then they shouldn't take it for granted that people like us who plan well in advance will simply agree to adjust."
One more added, 'The best trick to avoid these types of people is to ask them to pay for the seat, like say that you have booked in tatkal from an agent and ask them to pay tatkal charges and agent fees for the seat, most will not ask you again."
Train bookings in India usually open about two months before the travel date. So, if you plan to travel on a specific train and date, it's a good idea to book your ticket as soon as the booking opens. This gives you a higher chance of getting a window seat.
Location :
Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 23, 2025, 12:02 IST
News viral 'It Won't Help You With Nausea': How Vande Bharat Passenger Tackled Seat Swap 'Scam'
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