Let’s forget for a moment that the OP was the number three guy on a paid ticket. Never mind that there are more than two exit row seats so the number one and two pax are not getting any less value than their ticket bought them.

Where did the respect for the profession go? I don’t know if this guy was in uniform or not. At Southwest I know the drill when jumpseatong, don’t dare sit in good seat. Never understood it but I play by the rules and am greatful for the ride. Years ago I was jumpseating on continental and was given the last seat in first class. I actually had a passenger get mouthy with me when they were deplaning. They said that should’ve been their upgrade from coach and I shouldn’t have been given that seat. I was in uniform. Where did the respect for the profession go? It’s BS if you ask me.

As an aside, on a paid ticket board when you are supposed to and don’t poke your head in to the cockpit is the best practice. Being in regular clothes is preferable. At Spirit we are often deadheaded offline on paid tickets and if you just operated a flight or are going to operate a flight, changing clothes isn’t always possible.