She checked my boarding passes, and then she leaned in and checked the woman’s pass, and I watched her face settle into that specific, tight, apologetic expression of a service worker who has just discovered a problem she knows she cannot solve without making somebody angry.

“It looks like there was a double assignment on this seat,” she murmured.

“I paid extra for these specific seats,” I said, keeping my voice level and firm.

“Weeks ago.

I have the confirmations.”

“I understand, ma’am.” She dropped her voice even lower, the way you do when you are about to ask someone for something you know is unfair.