An incident during a low-cost flight has ignited a debate over airplane etiquette, particularly regarding the use of overhead bin space. A passenger took to Reddit to share their experience of removing someone else’s shoes from the overhead compartment to make room for their luggage. The post, which has since been deleted, raised questions about proper behavior on flights and the unwritten rules of cabin storage.
The original poster described a situation on a short-distance flight where they had booked a seat that promised cabin space for their carry-on luggage. They noted that the flight was early in the morning, and they were feeling the effects of a long night. “When I got on the plane, all the front cabin spaces were taken,” the passenger explained, detailing their frustration as they searched for a suitable spot next to their seat, 2A. The pressure of a growing line behind them added to their discomfort.
After a fruitless search, the passenger discovered a space in row 8 occupied by two pairs of shoes. They remarked, “We all know the rules: cabin luggage goes in the cabin and anything else goes under the seat.” In a moment of irritation, the passenger decided to remove the shoes to create space for their suitcase. Shortly after, a voice from two rows above questioned their actions, asking, “Do you work for the company? Are you the flight attendant?”
Faced with this challenge, the passenger opted not to engage further and proceeded to place their bag in the newly vacated space. A flight attendant, having overheard the exchange, offered assistance, but both parties declined help. Tensions escalated when the owner of the shoes retaliated by hiding the passenger’s bag. The original poster later recounted, “I started yelling a bit, telling him that he was a child and that shoes belong on the floor.”
The incident has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, particularly within the Reddit community. Many users expressed a mix of outrage and understanding. One commenter questioned the appropriateness of storing shoes in the overhead bin, stating, “What kind of barbarian is on the plane in sock feet and uses the luggage bin for shoes?” While some defended the shoe owner’s right to their space, others criticized the original poster’s actions as impulsive and unnecessary.
Comments varied widely, with some users suggesting the passenger should have sought help from a flight attendant instead of acting on their own. “All of this could have been avoided if the other guy followed the rules,” one user contended. This sentiment resonated with others who argued that the need for intervention was clear given the circumstances.
As discussions continue online, this incident highlights the complexities of shared spaces and the unspoken rules that govern behaviors in crowded environments. Whether flying for business or leisure, the etiquette around luggage and personal items remains a contentious topic among travelers.
