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Woman fumes over passenger’s ‘rude’ move on flight that’s sparked internet debate
I can't imagine being in my seat and spotting this.
Jenny Brown
02.14.24

Traveling on an airplane often comes with its share of trials and tribulations.

From the cramped seats to the limited legroom, air travel tests the patience of even the most seasoned flyer.

However, it’s the actions of those we share this space with that truly test our civility.

Unsplash - Kevin Woblick
Source:
Unsplash - Kevin Woblick

A Reddit post has gone viral that shows a passenger doing something that many think is rude.

In the photo, it shows a socked foot encroaching into another passenger’s space.

It’s sparked a widespread debate on personal boundaries and respect in the confined quarters of an airplane.

Unsplash - JC Gellidon
Source:
Unsplash - JC Gellidon

The controversy began when Reddit user “stefahnia” shared an image on the “Mildly Infuriating” subreddit.

In the photo, a foot, clad in a white sock, is poking out from under the seat and into a woman’s personal area, even making contact with her sneaker.

This post, aptly titled “Don’t be this person,” struck a chord with the online community, leading to a flurry of comments and shared experiences.

Reddit - stefahnia
Source:
Reddit - stefahnia

One user vividly recounted,

“I had someone try this on a flight last month. I just kept kicking their foot or moving my foot quickly and hard on their toes. Each time, they would yell, and I would tell them that the area below my seat is mine, not theirs.”

Another shared:

“I had one of these last week! I kept bumping into his foot (ETA: not intentionally), but it didn’t seem to bother him enough to move, lol. At least he had a shoe on.”

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/19969kz/dont_be_this_person/
Source:
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/19969kz/dont_be_this_person/

“Good Morning America” also tackled the issue, bringing to light the unwritten rules of air travel etiquette.

The segment focused on the importance of maintaining one’s personal bubble and the collective responsibility to ensure comfort and respect for all passengers.

Flight attendants contributed to the conversation, noting the frequency of such breaches and the challenges they face in managing these situations amidst the cramped conditions of modern flights.

YouTube - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube - Good Morning America

The Reddit thread became a platform for passengers to vent, and many shared how she should’ve handled the situation.

“Spill water on his foot and make his sock wet.”

Another wrote:

“Just turn around and say “I don’t think our relationship has progressed along far enough to the level of “footsie” intimacy.”

Unsplash - Hanson Lu
Source:
Unsplash - Hanson Lu

But while most seemed to think the move was not okay, others were more sympathetic to the “sock-wearing” passenger.

Some users offered insights into the unintentional nature of these invasions, suggesting that cramped conditions and long limbs can sometimes lead to accidental encroachments.

“I’ve once accidentally done this and not realised. It’s a typical long legs in economy problem. Most people don’t do it on purpose and gently nudgung their foot will fix it,” one person explained.

Another shared:

“I’m guilty of this because I’m super tall and generally use longer flights to get rest because flying makes me sick. Please turn around and ask me and I swear I’ll say I’m sorry and be completely embarrassed. Now if you start rubbing my foot then that’s another story lol”

YouTube - Good Morning America
Source:
YouTube - Good Morning America

Nicole Campoy Jackson, a travel expert, weighed in on the discussion, emphasizing the importance of keeping feet covered on flights.

“I’m a firm believer in covered feet on a flight,” Jackson told PEOPLE, aligning with the broader call for respect and consideration among passengers.

Her advice serves as a guideline for maintaining hygiene and decorum in an environment where personal space is at a premium.

Unsplash - Bao Menglong
Source:
Unsplash - Bao Menglong

So, what are your pet peeves when it comes to passengers’ behavior on airplanes?

Watch the video below to see Good Morning America’s segment on plane etiquette!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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