I was waiting for the author to discuss actual strategies, like subtly herding new passengers toward a seat, sitting in your own row so you can get up when the right person comes along and graciously offer them your seat, saying "I think there's some spilled Sprite there" if the wrong person attempts to sit down (only if there are plenty of seats left, of course), etc.
Hi, OP here. I love your suggestions, and I love the way HN comments turn. I play this for fun and never really thought of creative strategies like yours, but they are great ! I will definitely use them next time to win with my son :)
I was definitely thinking along the spilling fluids strategem. Coughing without covering your mouth, playing obnoxious music, making unnaceptable agist comments...
As for enticing the desired people, perhaps carry lots of baggage to fill the spaces around you and selectively offer to remove them when people come aboard
