With so much serious aviation news, let’s take a moment to offer a light-hearted reminder…as “the cockroach lady” reminds us…that kicking and screaming on the floor will not help get your oversized carry-on bag onto the airplane.
“Cockroach Lady” Has Meltdown Over Carry-On Restrictions At Milan Airport
We don’t have much context beyond the event occurring at Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP) and involving a Chinese national. Per the video description, her carry-on item(s) were too large and she was told to downsize to avoid being charged a fee. Her response was to act like a child, screaming and crying and throwing a fit on the floor of the airport concourse. The baggage sizer looks like it could be from WizzAir, a budget carrier that operates from Malpensa and has very strict carry-on policies for those who do not pay extra for a greater allowance.
However, Chinese netizens (users of the internet, especially habitual or avid ones) labeled her “the cockroach lady” because of the way she turned on her back and waved her arms and legs like a cockroach turned upside down and unable to get up.
That’s a rather mean description, but it certainly fits here.
There’s a reason why carriers like WizzAir are so cheap. By “unbundling” airfare to include nothing but a tiny personal item and a seat (not a specific seat) onboard an aircraft, the Budapest-based carrier is able to offer a compelling value proposition to those who travel light. Those who have larger carry-on bags and checked bags may often find that despite the alluring cheap base fare, they end up spending more, especially if they buy a snack or drink onboard, all of which is sold separately.
I realize that even in 2025 this still comes a shock for some travelers. But that’s the reality of air travel in 2025 and it is not constrained to Europe. In Africa, the Americas, and Asia there are now similar options available: everyone should be on notice and more importantly, it’s not like these policies are hidden…you have to read the terms and conditions when you buy your ticket.
It appears here was a happy ending for this woman. Once she calmed down, she was booked on a later flight. It isn’ clear, though, whether her carry-on bag traveled with her.
Perhaps netizens meant to call her a hissy fit cockroach. Hissing cockroaches are known to make good pets. (Ick)
I mean…what was her endgame here? That she would somehow publicly shame them into waving the regulations/fees for her?
Hey, at least she gets 0.5 points for not reacting with violence, assaulting the staff , unlike in this country ! She is one ‘caste’ above the Frontier/Spirit pax ! As to her dubious moniker, she was traveling in ‘roach’ class after all, no ? … lol
She should’ve been brought out and shot. Like the cockroach she is.