Have the "guidelines" changed? I thought leaving belongings in a seat said "this belongs to me." Are younger people not thinking so? Yes, I think it's best to ask someone to monitor it for you. To even say for you, "sorry, but this seat is saved." I would speak up--at least now that I'm older and bolder. It could depend on how crowded a place is, I guess--but really. How rude!

(Trav is a 62-year-old little lady)