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People are flying again. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that the industry continues to recover. Total traffic in 2023 rose 36.9% compared to 2022, which equates to 94.1% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels.

However, our behavior hasn't really improved. On the contrary, unruly passenger incidents have also been rising, so we at Bored Panda decided to put together a collection of pictures showing some of the most egotistical travelers. Hopefully, they will serve as a reminder to remain considerate and respect others.

#1

How People Leave An Airplane. Unbelievable The Lack Of Respect People Have. This Is An Air Algiers Flight From Montreal To Algeria

How People Leave An Airplane. Unbelievable The Lack Of Respect People Have. This Is An Air Algiers Flight From Montreal To Algeria

DoftheG Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s disgusting and so disrespectful. Clean up your sh!t. What’s wrong with people?!

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#2

This Idiot Eating Pistachio Nuts And Throwing The Shells On The Floor Of A Plane

This Idiot Eating Pistachio Nuts And Throwing The Shells On The Floor Of A Plane

lolo795 Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why!? She could ask the staff for a bag to throw it in and it wouldn’t be a problem. Jesus Christ, some people really are a$$holes and lazy…

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Pre-pandemic, figures recorded by the IATA indicated unruly airplane passengers were on the rise. Discussions about the issue were ramping up, and in 2019, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) even launched and initiative called #notonmyflight, aiming to increase awareness.

During the peak Covid years, fewer flights didn’t equal fewer problems – at least not in the US, where reported incidents rose.

#3

It's Fine, I Didn't Want To Watch Anyway

It's Fine, I Didn't Want To Watch Anyway

MarthaFarcuss Report

#4

I’m Sorry, But Who Does This? The Flight Attendants Are Not Your Mothers

I’m Sorry, But Who Does This? The Flight Attendants Are Not Your Mothers

jenschap Report

#5

My Captain Friend Sent Me This Photo. Saudi Prince Bought Ticket For His 80 Hawks

My Captain Friend Sent Me This Photo. Saudi Prince Bought Ticket For His 80 Hawks

lensoo Report

In early 2021, Federal Aviation Authority data reached what an FAA spokesperson said was “record highs,” with many altercations based around the then-mandated face mask rule.

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As American flight attendant Susannah Carr told CNN Travel that year: "I come in expecting to have a passenger that could potentially get violent."

#6

Red-Eye Flight From Seattle To NY, And I Don’t Know These Kids. That’s My Seat In The Middle

Red-Eye Flight From Seattle To NY, And I Don’t Know These Kids. That’s My Seat In The Middle

reddit.com Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would a parent not sit next to their kids on a plane? I would understood if it was teens but this looks like small kids? Parents wanted a break from their fighting and just sat them next to a strangers to ‘take care f them’? I would ask the staff to remove seat for sure. Let the parent have your seat and you get theirs.

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#7

I Absolutely Hate It When People Do This

I Absolutely Hate It When People Do This

ErmineOfMight Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

PEOPLE EAT from that table! And those feet don’t even look clean!! Also person next to them have to smell the feet….

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The number of reported incidents in the US have since fallen, but remain notably higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Plus, IATA and FAA data can only tell us so much (not every airline that's part of IATA submits data, while not every airline records every instance of unruly behavior).

Thus, the conversation around disruptive passengers, including the ones we see in these pictures remains heated.

#9

Dude Spent The Majority Of A Late Night Flight Watching TV With Speakers Full Blast. Said He "Didn't Have Headphones"

Dude Spent The Majority Of A Late Night Flight Watching TV With Speakers Full Blast. Said He "Didn't Have Headphones"

vita_di_tyra Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here the flight staff should have said something. Also they often have cheap wire earplugs you can buy. Disrespectful man but imo the staff should done something.

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#10

Drying The Undies In Front Of The Plane's AC

Drying The Undies In Front Of The Plane's AC

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Eh WTF? I hope it’s clean. Weird way to dry your underwear on the planes AC though, it’s cold air so it would take a long time to dry yeah?

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#11

Trying To Watch A Movie On The Airplane

Trying To Watch A Movie On The Airplane

carlitos_sagan Report

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PattyK
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I were in a good mood, I’d politely ask her to move it, and if she didn’t move it, report her to the flight attendant. If I were not in a good mood, I’d give it a good hard yank.

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#12

This Mom Shares Colorful Travel Hack To Keep Toddlers Quiet On Flights

This Mom Shares Colorful Travel Hack To Keep Toddlers Quiet On Flights

“These are a great tool to pull out when the iPad has run its course. I prefer to let my toddler use these when I want him to go to sleep, because the iPad stimulates him and I find it’s harder to get him to sleep. And we all know a sleeping toddler on a long flight is a MAJOR WIN.”

instagram.com Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

..and she cleaned up after the kid? If she did wash it after and it didn’t get any damage I guess it’s ‘ok’ but something tells me she just left it for the staff to clean and that is NOT ok!

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IATA classifies unruly behavior incidents into four levels:

  • Level 1 is “minor” (IATA’s 'Cabin Operations Safety Best Practice Manual' suggests this could be argumentative behavior or non-compliance with safety regulations);
  • Level 2 is “moderate” (physically aggressive behavior, for example);
  • Level 3 is “serious” (i.e. dangerous behavior, an “intent or threat to injure,” as IATA puts it);
  • and Level 4 is “flight deck breach” (which IATA classifies as “credible threat of death).
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#13

The Man In The Seat Across From Me Has Taken His Pants Off For The Flight And Is Just In His Boxers. After That, He Also Removed His Socks

The Man In The Seat Across From Me Has Taken His Pants Off For The Flight And Is Just In His Boxers. After That, He Also Removed His Socks

Lizzie_Thompson Report

#14

One Batch Of Clear Air Turbulence, And That Passenger Will Need More Than Yoga To Repair Their Back

One Batch Of Clear Air Turbulence, And That Passenger Will Need More Than Yoga To Repair Their Back

thecrewlounge Report

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Biofish23
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's weird, certainly, but she has found a way to stretch out her legs without blocking the isle or invading any one else's space. So good for her I guess.

Debbie
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's kind of funny :) socks are on and she's not reclining her seat into someone elses space.

PFD
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a bit weird, and both somewhat dangerous and surely kinda gross for her, but not like most of the others in this thread.

Regina Holt
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pray for turbulence, pray for turbulence, pray for turbulence!!!!

ThatCapybara
Community Member
7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m more scared about the demon on the left

BoredPossum
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's pretty and amused. I'd be laughing too if I saw someone do "the reverse broken back of the Karen" on a plane.

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Jessica SpeLangm
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn't the worst I've seen, and she will pay for her own stupidity. I say let her be.

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#15

On My Flight And In My Bubble

On My Flight And In My Bubble

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Put those feet away from me! If not, take the consequence of me spilling water ‘accidentally of course’ on them🙃

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#16

Some People Should Just Stay Home Or Drive In Their Own Vehicles

Some People Should Just Stay Home Or Drive In Their Own Vehicles

influencersinthewild Report

According to the latest available IATA data from 2022, there was one unruly incident reported for every 568 flights that year, up from one per 835 flights in 2021.

The most common categorizations of incidents in 2022 were non-compliance, verbal abuse and intoxication. Physical abuse incidents remain very rare, but these had an alarming increase of 61% over 2021, occurring once every 17,200 flights.

#17

My Dad Sent Me This Picture From His Plane Ride Today

My Dad Sent Me This Picture From His Plane Ride Today

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one, I repeat; no one! Wants to smell your dirty shoes! (Or underwear from a diffeent picture here). Eww

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#19

Parents That Let Their Kids Deface A 3-Month-Old Plane

Parents That Let Their Kids Deface A 3-Month-Old Plane

ooochaoboocha Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let the parents clean up. If they don’t, refuse to let them leave the plane. Their kid their responsibility.

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#20

Luckily Had No One Sitting In My Row For A 10-Hour Flight And Then… This

Luckily Had No One Sitting In My Row For A 10-Hour Flight And Then… This

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michael Chock
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the rule is if it's in your space you can do whatever you want. Just pull out a good book and smack those feet.

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Although non-compliance incidents initially fell after the mask mandates were lifted, the frequency began to rise again throughout 2022 and ended the year some 37% up on 2021. The most common examples of non-compliance were:

  • Smoking of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes and puff devices in the cabin or lavatories;
  • Failure to fasten seatbelts when instructed;
  • Exceeding the carry-on baggage allowance or failing to store baggage when required;
  • Consumption of own alcohol on board.
#21

Person Kept Resting Their Hand On The Screen And Accidentally Touching Buttons On An Overseas Flight

Person Kept Resting Their Hand On The Screen And Accidentally Touching Buttons On An Overseas Flight

mediumRareDev Report

#22

When There Were No Manners Left In The Gen Pool

When There Were No Manners Left In The Gen Pool

shichan1517 Report

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Learner Panda
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd pay the flight attendant to take a run at this with the catering trolley. Ooh, right in the n**ts!

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#23

The Woman Next To Me Stretched Out Her Leg Into My Leg Space On The Plane

The Woman Next To Me Stretched Out Her Leg Into My Leg Space On The Plane

uhshavaughn Report

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Mrs. Dearly Regret
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why take a picture instead of talking to them? Why not raise the voice but complain on the internet? I don't get it.

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#24

Pedicures On Planes Are Absolutely Not Okay. Keep Personal Grooming Personal

Pedicures On Planes Are Absolutely Not Okay. Keep Personal Grooming Personal

lifesatripwithsk Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF that’s so disgusting! Imagine nails popping around and end up in your food/drink/lap… yuck!

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In their 2023 document called 'Even safer and more enjoyable air travel for all: A strategy for reducing unruly and disruptive passenger incidents,' IATA highlights that while “only a tiny minority” of passengers behave badly, these travelers “have a disproportionate impact.”

#25

This Woman Just Dropping Her Food Tray In The Middle Of The Aisle Of The Plane

This Woman Just Dropping Her Food Tray In The Middle Of The Aisle Of The Plane

speeddemon266 Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

….When she could just push the botton for the flight attendant to come take it… WHY!!

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#26

Naked Feet On Planes Should Be Illegal No Matter How Far Apart We Are

Naked Feet On Planes Should Be Illegal No Matter How Far Apart We Are

Throwaway273489 Report

#27

What I Had To Deal With On An 11-Hour Flight Yesterday (I'm The Grey Sweatpants)

What I Had To Deal With On An 11-Hour Flight Yesterday (I'm The Grey Sweatpants)

Ele_phant909 Report

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SummerVeE
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One order of black coffee would accidentally tip onto those white pants while I was fumbling to put my seat back tray down

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#28

The Lady Next To Me On The Plane Spilled Her Whole Drink, Got Up, And Moved Over One Seat. She Just Left All The Ice On The Floor And Kicked Her Empty Food Carton Under

The Lady Next To Me On The Plane Spilled Her Whole Drink, Got Up, And Moved Over One Seat. She Just Left All The Ice On The Floor And Kicked Her Empty Food Carton Under

BanannaKarenina Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is so many people acting like small kids on planes? Do they just throw away garbage on the floor at their home too? If not, why are whey doing it outside their home?

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#29

It Is My First Time On An Airplane In Over A Year And This Guy Is Peeling One Dozen Hard Boiled Eggs For His Family In My Row. Would Give Anything To Be Alone In My House

It Is My First Time On An Airplane In Over A Year And This Guy Is Peeling One Dozen Hard Boiled Eggs For His Family In My Row. Would Give Anything To Be Alone In My House

usarasa Report

#31

Poor Parenting

Poor Parenting

NoWrongdoer6386 Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A$$holes.. clean up after your kid no matter where you are. You clean home right? Well in public is the same rules…

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#32

This Guy Making Everyone Walk Around Him To Board Their Plane

This Guy Making Everyone Walk Around Him To Board Their Plane

Ak47110 Report

#33

Today On A Flight From Philadelphia To Denver. That’s My Sister In Front Of Her

Today On A Flight From Philadelphia To Denver. That’s My Sister In Front Of Her

i-hate-pumpkin-spice Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Push the seat back. Since they looks like they like yoga let’s try out a new position you bending🙃

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#34

This Man’s Laptop Set On Maximum Brightness In A Dark Flight

This Man’s Laptop Set On Maximum Brightness In A Dark Flight

performative-pretzel Report

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Debbie
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Politely tell him that you can help adjust his brightness settings, so he can still see and others can sleep. Pretend he doesn't know how to adjust it. If he refuses, tell him "but it's really easy to do and everyone in the plane would be so much happier for it, really, it's no big deal for me to reduce the brightness, i'd be happy to do it for you" Sort of beat them with kidness and smiles.

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#35

Let Me Just Air Out My Stinky Shoes For Everyone On The Plane To Smell

Let Me Just Air Out My Stinky Shoes For Everyone On The Plane To Smell

cody4king Report

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BoredPossum
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's one a$$hat and 99 other travellers. How come that person isn't weeping in a corner?

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#36

Wants To Record The Whole Flight From The Middle Seat

Wants To Record The Whole Flight From The Middle Seat

LocallySourcedWeirdo Report

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Anna Ekberg
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Take a deep snifff of her and then whisper in her ear: mhmm, you smell soooo gooood...

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#37

Goblin Spying On Me During A Plane Trip

Goblin Spying On Me During A Plane Trip

HeavyLoungin Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s just their ear and an earbud inside. Not an eye looking at you edit; they have the hoodie backwards and what you see is their hair and an ear with earbud. If anyone wondered😄

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#38

The Man Next To Me On My Flight Today Put His Phone On My Leg Without Asking While He Was Digging Through His Bag

The Man Next To Me On My Flight Today Put His Phone On My Leg Without Asking While He Was Digging Through His Bag

False_Concentrate408 Report

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Mohsie Supposie
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok this could have been done absent-mindedly. Also, at least it is a phone and not something like socks or undies!

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#39

Delayed For 3 Hours… Just To Have This Guy Blasting A Movie On His Phone The Whole Flight. Flight Attendants Did Nothing

Delayed For 3 Hours… Just To Have This Guy Blasting A Movie On His Phone The Whole Flight. Flight Attendants Did Nothing

spidermonkey2947 Report

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#40

Interesting

Interesting

QGSkieur Report

#41

Fully Reclined Plane Seat And A Possible Theft

Fully Reclined Plane Seat And A Possible Theft

2Binspired Report

#42

This Person Reading On Their iPad With The Brightness All The Way Up On A 6-Hour Red-Eye Flight

This Person Reading On Their iPad With The Brightness All The Way Up On A 6-Hour Red-Eye Flight

boobymoon Report

#43

This Couple On My Flight The Other Day

This Couple On My Flight The Other Day

anthnyshark Report

#44

Woman Saving An Entire Row Of Plane Seats Behind Her With Donut Bags

Woman Saving An Entire Row Of Plane Seats Behind Her With Donut Bags

Hog_Fan Report

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Verena
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Free Donuts. Aren't seats assigned on the boarding pass anymore? Sorry for asking, I either pick the seats while booking or during online-check-in.

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#45

Either This Or Jumping Out Of His Seat The Whole Flight

Either This Or Jumping Out Of His Seat The Whole Flight

Sea_Voice_404 Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was travelling with my kid when she was small we always bought the first row ‘extra space for child-seat”. More expensive yes but I like to think about other people around. Especially on a plane where you can’t just leave..That prevent situations like this.

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#46

Man Snacking On A Bag Of Smelly Hard-Boiled Eggs While I Was Waiting For My Flight

Man Snacking On A Bag Of Smelly Hard-Boiled Eggs While I Was Waiting For My Flight

Low_Currency_990 Report

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Petunia Petal
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope he's not on a long haul flight or the other passengers on the plane wont appreciate the after effects 😂

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#47

The Plane Hasn't Even Taken Off Yet

The Plane Hasn't Even Taken Off Yet

hpbojoe Report

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Tempest
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve seen short people who are unable to reach the overhead bins doing this so frequently like it’s the only solution. It’s obviously not okay. You can always ask a flight attendant to help you store your baggage. Sometimes other passengers will also help. Just ask without damaging public property.

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#49

Man On My Southwest Flight Tying Battery Wires Together Mid-Flight

Man On My Southwest Flight Tying Battery Wires Together Mid-Flight

TRUST_ME_IM_BLACK Report

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PattyK
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So what’s wrong with that? He seems to be contained in his own space.

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#50

My Girlfriend Just Sent Me This From Her Flight To Chicago

My Girlfriend Just Sent Me This From Her Flight To Chicago

chuckiek Report

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Norwegian_Panda🇳🇴
Community Member
7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is harmless. They just want less light so they can sleep. Unless it was under the pandemic when you had to wear a mask (over mouth and nice-not eyes😂) I see no problem. Edit that I wrote ‘he’ instead of ‘they’.

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