A recent incident aboard a low-cost airline flight has sparked a heated discussion about airplane etiquette after a passenger removed another traveler’s shoes from an overhead bin to create space for their own carry-on luggage. The passenger later took to Reddit to seek opinions on whether their actions were justified or selfish.
The original poster, who flew on a short-distance route, described their experience in a now-deleted post on the r/AmItheAsshole forum. They explained that upon boarding the aircraft, all overhead compartments near their seat, 2A, were occupied. “This specific company guarantees cabin space when you book a certain seat and it’s not too expensive,” they noted, adding that it was an early flight and they were feeling the effects of a hangover.
Feeling frustrated as they navigated the aisles in search of space for their suitcase, the passenger recounted their growing annoyance. “I admit that I was getting more and more frustrated when walking down the aisle looking for a space and also a bit pressured because there was a line forming behind me,” they wrote. Eventually, they found an empty compartment in row 8, which contained two pairs of shoes.
The passenger stated, “We all know the rules, cabin luggage goes in the cabin and anything else goes under the seat.” Believing they were justified in their actions, the passenger decided to remove the shoes to make room for their bag. This decision prompted a response from a passenger seated two rows above, who challenged their authority to do so.
A flight attendant nearby intervened, asking if either passenger required assistance, to which both replied negatively. The situation escalated when the owner of the shoes retaliated by hiding the original poster’s bag. “I couldn’t find my bag — he had thrown it and hidden it in some row,” the passenger described, noting that a kind couple helped locate it.
The ensuing online debate reflected a spectrum of opinions. Some users criticized the shoe owner’s actions, suggesting that it was inappropriate to use the overhead bin for footwear. One user remarked, “What kind of barbarian is on the plane in sock feet and uses the luggage bin for shoes?” They also advised the original poster to have involved a flight attendant instead of taking matters into their own hands.
Others pointed out that while the passenger’s frustration was understandable, their choice to move the shoes was ill-advised. “Understandable that you were feeling pressured and impatient, but you should have waited anyway,” another commenter stated.
Conversely, a few users defended the original poster, arguing that the shoe owner should have followed basic etiquette by keeping their belongings under the seat. “All of this could have been avoided if the other guy followed the rules,” one commenter asserted.
As discussions regarding airplane etiquette continue to evolve, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of shared spaces and the varying interpretations of acceptable behavior during air travel. The debate highlights the need for clear communication and mutual respect among passengers, especially in confined environments like an aircraft.
