UPDATE: A viral post on Threads has ignited a fierce debate over airline etiquette after a passenger criticized a woman for her unconventional seating position during a flight in India. The incident occurred on a short internal flight from Chennai to Bangalore, where the woman was photographed sitting with her bare feet on the seat, scrolling on her phone.
The post, shared by Maria Mammen in early January 2024, has already amassed over 4,500 likes and 6,900 comments, fueling discussions about public behavior on flights. Mammen expressed her frustration, stating, “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!”
The photo has left internet users divided. One commenter, Artid14, defended the woman’s right to sit comfortably, stating, “She is sitting in her space, not encroaching yours. What’s your problem?” Meanwhile, others, like Shish_21_06, criticized the behavior as indicative of a lack of civic sense, saying, “There is a basic decency to sit in public, whether you sit on your seat or not.”
Official sources, including the Booking.com flying etiquette guide, emphasize that removing shoes on a plane is often discouraged. The guide warns that bare feet can pose a safety hazard during critical phases of the flight and that passengers should avoid putting their feet on other seats as it is uncomfortable and intrusive to others.
As the discussion continues to trend online, the guide also suggests practical etiquette tips for air travel. Key recommendations include keeping feet covered and clean if shoes must be removed, greeting cabin crew, and being considerate about conversations and phone calls. Passengers are urged to wait their turn to board and disembark, share armrests fairly, and avoid bringing strong-smelling food onboard.
This incident highlights a growing concern about personal space and public behavior in shared environments, particularly as air travel resumes globally. As discussions unfold, many are left wondering where the line between comfort and public decency truly lies.
WHAT’S NEXT: Keep an eye on this evolving story as more reactions pour in from social media and travel experts. Will this debate lead to changes in airline behavior standards? Stay tuned for updates.
