URGENT UPDATE: A viral post on Threads is igniting heated discussions after a plane passenger criticized a woman for an unconventional seating posture during a flight in India. The incident, which occurred on a short domestic flight from Chennai to Bangalore in January 2023, has left social media users stunned and divided.
In the post shared by user @mammenmaria, a photo depicts a woman relaxing with her bare feet on the seat in front of her while scrolling through her phone, seemingly oblivious to the discomfort of nearby passengers. The caption reads, “How irritating is it when the passenger in your row sits with her feet up on the seat like she’s sitting on her living room sofa?? She sat like that the entire duration of the flight!”
Maria Mammen, the original poster, elaborated to Newsweek, stating: “Putting your feet up on a public seat is not the way to treat public property. I would put my feet up on my sofa and not on a public seat.” The post has rapidly gained traction, amassing over 4,500 likes and 6,900 comments in a short time, reflecting a growing discourse on airplane etiquette.
Responses on the platform have been polarized. User Artid14 defended the woman’s behavior, questioning, “She is sitting in her space, not encroaching yours. What’s your problem? Jealousy at her being able to sit like that?” Meanwhile, another user, Shish_21_06, criticized the situation, asserting, “No wonder this country lacks civic sense… There is a basic decency to sit in a public space.”
The debate has also prompted discussions about appropriate behavior on flights. According to a Booking.com flying etiquette guide, removing shoes during a flight is generally discouraged, as it can pose safety risks during critical phases like boarding and landing. The guide states that bare feet are “never a welcome sight” and urges passengers to keep their feet covered and clean.
For those considering removing their shoes on long flights, it’s recommended to wear slippers instead. The guide emphasizes the importance of not placing feet on other passengers’ seats or against seat backs, as it is uncomfortable and intrusive.
The incident highlights a growing concern about personal space and respect in crowded public environments like airplanes. As air travel continues to increase post-pandemic, discussions surrounding etiquette are more relevant than ever.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the conversation unfolds, it remains to be seen how airlines and travelers alike will adapt to these evolving standards of public behavior. Observers are encouraged to reflect on their own flying habits and consider the shared space of an airplane.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it captures the attention of travelers and social media users worldwide.
