A viral video showcasing a woman comfortably napping in the overhead compartment of a plane, typically reserved for luggage, has circulated widely across social media platforms. According to the New York Post, this incident occurred aboard a Southwest Airlines flight. Originally shared on TikTok, the viral video garnered over five million views and later spread to other social media channels. While some passengers appeared baffled by the spectacle, those filming the incident could be heard laughing uproariously, as per the report.
In the footage, the woman appears at ease, reclining in the overhead storage space as if it were a bed. Questions arose regarding her identity, whether she was a member of the flight crew or a fellow passenger, sparking online speculation. People also wondered how she managed to climb into the storage space.
“How did she get up there? And she’s just chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool,” pondered one TikTok user. Another commenter quipped, “When someone’s in my seat but I don’t wanna bother,” while a third joked about Southwest’s seating policy, stating, “Southwest does allow you to choose your own seat.”
No response from airline amid viral video
Despite the widespread attention, the airline has yet to issue a response regarding the incident. However, this peculiar occurrence is not unprecedented. A similar event took place in 2023 when a passenger was discovered sleeping in the overhead storage bin on a Ryanair flight bound for Ibiza, Spain. In the viral video capturing the moment, the individual can be seen descending from the bin with laughter.
In 2019, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant climbed up to the bin on a plane at Nashville International Airport in Tennessee.
In a statement at the time, Southwest Airlines said: “Southwest employees are known for demonstrating their sense of humor and unique personalities. In this instance, one of our flight attendants attempted to have a brief moment of fun with customers during boarding. Of course, this is not our normal procedure, and Southwest Crews always maintain safety as their top priority.”