Twitter user Elisara Edwards, who posted a video of the exchange, said the 6-foot-5-inch quarterback wanted some extra leg room for the 10-hour flight.
In the video, Newton can be seen talking to a passenger in a seat with no one to the front.
The passenger shook his head to a surprised Newton, who smiled and went back to his seat.
Newton, known for his sense of style especially during post-game appearances, was in Paris for Men's Fashion Week.