Should You Ask A Stranger To Swap Seats On A Plane?

Perhaps this has happened to you. You arrive at the airport and learn that you aren’t seated next to your travel companion. What do you do? Is it ok to ask a complete stranger to swap seats?
An Australian journalist who wasn’t able to sit with his girlfriend for a flight complained on Twitter that a “boomer” wouldn’t switch so they could be together, kicking off a fierce online debate.
While some came to Daniel Brettig’s defense, many comments called him a “spoiled, entitled brat” and an “idiot.” One person noted, “Your lack of planning is nobody else’s problem.”
Adding a poll to his query, Brettig learned that 64 percent felt asking is reasonable, with 36 percent giving the thumbs down.
What are your thoughts on swapping so companions can sit together? Would you give up your seat? Why?