A recent incident on a low-cost airline has ignited a lively discussion about airplane etiquette. A passenger decided to remove someone else’s shoes from an overhead bin to create space for their carry-on luggage, leading to a heated exchange that unfolded on the social platform Reddit. The original poster, who described flying on a “short distance flight” and was feeling the effects of a hangover, shared their experience in the r/AmItheAsshole forum.
The post, which has since been deleted, revealed the passenger’s frustration upon boarding the plane. They noted that all overhead compartments near their seat, row 2A, were occupied. The passenger wrote, “When I got on the plane, all the front cabin spaces were taken. I kept searching for a place next to my seat, but my suitcase wouldn’t fit.” This moment of stress is one many travelers can relate to, as limited overhead space can often lead to tension among passengers.
After unsuccessfully searching for a suitable spot, the passenger reached row 8 and found two pairs of shoes occupying the overhead space. “We all know the rules, cabin luggage goes in the cabin and anything else goes under the seat,” they explained. In a moment of frustration, the passenger decided to take the shoes out of the bin without consulting the owner.
The situation escalated when a nearby passenger, presumably the owner of the shoes, objected. The individual asked if the poster worked for the airline or was a flight attendant. Ignoring the question, the original poster proceeded to place their suitcase in the overhead bin. A flight attendant, noticing the commotion, inquired if either passenger needed assistance, but both declined help.
In retaliation, the shoe owner allegedly hid the original poster’s bag in a different row. “I started yelling a bit, telling him that he was a child and that shoes belonged on the floor,” the passenger recounted. This back-and-forth sparked a torrent of reactions online, with users expressing mixed opinions about who was in the wrong.
Some commenters sided with the original poster, arguing that the shoe owner should not have placed footwear in the overhead bin. “What kind of barbarian is on the plane in sock feet and uses the luggage bin for shoes?” one user remarked. They criticized the original poster for not waiting for the flight attendant’s help but acknowledged the pressure of the situation.
Conversely, others highlighted the original poster’s actions as inappropriate. “You should have contacted the flight attendant right away,” suggested another user, who felt both parties acted poorly. “All of this could have been avoided if the other guy followed the rules.”
The incident, which highlights the often unspoken rules of air travel, serves as a reminder of the challenges passengers face when navigating shared spaces. As air travel continues to grow, discussions about etiquette and personal space will likely remain relevant among flyers.
