The more I think about this, the more I think this deserves more than a casual mention in my flight review. It’s shocking to me that some people have so little courtesy that they cannot comprehend they are making a fool of themselves. This was the case with my loutish seatmate across the aisle on Kenya Airways.
My Loutish Seatmate Refuses To Wear Mask Properly, Puts Feet On Wall, Blames Delayed Flight
We had boarded and passengers were settling into their seats for the four-hour journey to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. At the time (a few months back), a mask mandate was still in place on flights to or from Kenya.
But my seatmate did not want to wear a mask. Yes, one of the mask warriors. Sure, I do not like masks either, but I was the one who chose to fly on Kenya Airways and therefore it was incumbent on me to do my research and perform due diligence if masking was going to be an issue.
My mask stayed on the entire flight…as did everyone else around me. It’s not so hard. Most people were surprised by the mask rule, but a gate agent offered complimentary masks during boarding.
This passenger frequently moved his mask below his nose, looking around the cabin when doing so, demonstrating he knew he was not supposed to do so.
At two points he was asked politely by flight attendants to wear the mask over his nose and mouth and on both occasions, he briefly moved the mask up above his nose, then down again as soon as the flight attendant walked by.
When we encountered a departure delay out of Johannesburg, Mr. 1G decided to “get comfortable” by putting up his feet on the bulkhead in front of his seat. Real classy…
Here, flight attendants never said anything, but as he continued to sit with his feet on the wall and his mask down, I pitied him for being so foolish. His childish behavior was benefiting no one, certainly not least himself.
Later, he was reminded about the mask once more and had a new defense for not wearing it properly: the flight delay. Good one.
CONCLUSION
I’m very happy we’ve now moved beyond the mask era onboard, but for the few nations or airlines that may be straggling, we must keep in mind that we agree to abide by such rules when we voluntarily book tickets on them.
At one point, my actual seatmate in 1B leaned over and said, “What an idiot.” I nodded in agreement.
Treat others the way you want to be treated. Treat other people’s things (even airlines’ things) as you would like others to treat your things. Somehow, I don’t think going over to this guy’s house and putting your feet on the wall is going to fly…
I expect more common sense from you. The only reason masking was dropped in countries like Germany is the massive fight back against it. For your blog to even be alive you need people back in planes, which means better travel experience so people spend money. You should be leading the fight against virtue signaling and not shame people for it. You did not mention a health risk once, therefore you’re aware that it serves no value and should be pushed against.
I’m against mandatory masking, full stop, but airlines (and governments) are allowed to require them. I don’t see the contradiction?
Agree with your comments on the mask wearing… but disagree on the bulkhead which I don’t think is unreasonable (it would be if he had bare feet, etc)
I totally agree with everything you said. This guy was disrespectful in all manner of speaking. People don’t want to obey rules, well too bad, get them off the plane. Period.
I don’t know if this dude would have been allowed to continue flying in other airlines. Disrespectful behavior just because it is KQ. Try that in Delta, BA, etc and you face the music.
Time to end this mask nonsense. I’m with BK93 and it’s time you bloggers stop with the virtue signaling. If you’re ‘full stop’ against it why haven’t I seen you make a blog post blasting the foolishness of these policies?
Nothing to do with virtue signaling. If an airline still has a mask requirement, then follow it or don’t fly them. It’s that simple.
Him also putting his feet up on the bulkhead that way doesn’t do him any favors either.
Matthew isn’t virtue signalling, unless that’s what you call “following the rules.”
If wearing a mask is virtue signaling, what is refusing to wear a mask? D-bag signaling?
Sammy, Do you understand that when you shame someone for virtue signaling, you’re guilty of exactly the same thing?
Though,Matthew, your reaction to this situation was to take a picture of someone and post on your blog. Did you actually say anything to him? That would have been the adult like thing to do.
There’s something about your photo of the neanderthal that makes me want to spray him head to big feet with Lysol
If airlines don’t want passengers putting their feet on the bulkheads, they can move the seats further back such that one’s legs cannot reach. Unless and until they do that, the bulkhead is fair game for (shoe-wearing) feet.
Know of anyone whose chairs and couches in their house 18-24 inches away from a wall? If not, the the comparison to a house is not apt.
Perhaps minding your own business and not being so priggish would be a good self-improvement goal for you.
Oh yeah. And he was NOT your seatmate.
I have several chairs placed less than 18-24 inches from my kitchen island. When I sit at them, I generally just let my legs hang down to the floor. I don’t fling them up on the kitchen counter. I’ve never had a guest do that either, but hey, I live in Austin… I guess that’s just me “keepin’ it weird.”
Jerry, your post was the funniest thing I’ve seen all day – thanks for the laugh!
@Jerry: 1) a island is not a wall; and 2) unlike an airplane seat, your furniture is moveable.
Island, wall…both inappropriate to put your feet on.
In a house, yes. In an airplane, no.
Mind your own business – don’t be a yenta.
It’s inappropriate in both. A sign of rudeness, among others. Nothing to do with being a yenta.
Ouch Ryan, you just got spanked. Any more stupid comments?
Nope. I think yours covers it.
Why is it that his wearing shoes makes him putting his feet up on the bulkhead ok, while doing so barefoot is worse? He’s walked around outside, in the airport, etc. in his shoes, while his feet have presumably been comfortably inside his shoes during those times. Sure his feet might have sweated during those times, but that’s a lot less gross than all of the different things that the soles of his shoes have picked up during his day out.
Right, he was probably in the john right before the flight, and I assume not barefoot. On the other hand he could have athletes foot or something… best to just keep the feet on the floor
The shoes keep odors better contained. And who cares where his feet has been? It’s a wall. Are you licking it?
I totally do care. Dirt on the wall is as bad as graffiti to me.
Also I may end up touching the wall while moving about. The wall should be clean, unlike the ground. My jacket may touch the wall and that’s ok if it is a different level of cleanliness than the ground. I would never leave my jacket on the ground. And i would under no circumstances touch the ground. This has been the case since before COVID.
This guy should try his trick on JAL…
Well, you’re what we call an eggshell plaintiff. And I’ve done this on JAL many times. No issue.
Is he really though?
Also, lol to your claim of doing it multiple times on JAL.
Your comment is an example of everything wrong with people today. Your Mom should have taught you better. Shame on her, shame on you. And yes, airlines could give you more legroom,…and charge you more to make up for the removal of seats inorder to do so. What is so hard about following the rules ( masks), and having a little bit of class! Keep you shoes/ feet off the walls & furniture! “Jeez!”
How do people like you make it through the day? It must be difficult being you… so sad.
I agree with many of your sentiments, Matthew. But this one, nah. A big so what.
Sure, he was a bit entitled with mask dropping when required and placing feet on the bulkhead. But it’s hardly worth a post. I see these dudes on every flight and they are like mosquitos, mostly harmless if not somewhat annoying.
Wow! On every flight you see these guys? What routes you on? I fly a lot but I rarely see behavior so over the top. Keep your feet down. A little respect please? I’m happy to see Matthew call them out.
I assure you I fly on pretty much every global route imaginable. And yes, there are always one or two on each plane who consider a plane to be their personal trailer park. As long as they don’t encroach on my space, disturb my peace, or create a diversion or drama, I could care less. They can make fools of themselves all they want otherwise.
Well I don’t debate your feelings toward it. But perhaps a bit of hyperbole? I’m currently in flight BKK to HEL. I looked at the bulkhead seats. No one with their feet up. I’ve been on 11 international flights the last 3 weeks. I didn’t see a single person with their feet on the bulkhead in this manner nor similar manner.
Statistically I think it’s impossible for you to see these guys on every flight.
When you use terms like “every, always, never, etc” it causes a loss of credibility in an argument.
It’s good you have a high degree of tolerance for this behavior. It speaks well of you. But I know from my travels that feet elevated are highly offensive to a large number of people. Especially on an international flight this is a no-no out of consideration for those less tolerant of other nationalities. And if you have traveled extensively as you indicate, you should know this.
I was not directly referring to feet on bulkheads. If you correctly read my comment I was referring to boorish behavior in general. It can be a number of things, including placing feet on bulkheads. As to my general reference I can not think of any flight that does not involve at least someone treating an aircraft and flight as their own personal trailer park.
I see this so often in the US. Did you ever notice that in POS in the priority pass lounge, they even put a sign in English not to put feet and shoes on the table?
You’re a snowflake get over it. Masks don’t work.
Yes, that’s exactly why doctors and nurses have been wearing them since medicine moved beyond bloodletting. They just don’t work. That mask your surgeon uses? Just for show. In fact there is zero reason why the cook handling your food should bother washing his hands after taking a dump. Only snowflakes worry about germs.
What an oaf.
The photo implies that the passenger is seated in 1G and not 1C. KQ 737s are configured ABC-GHJ (AC-GJ in Premier).
Also. your seatmate would have been in 1C, not 1B as 1B doesn’t exist.
Totally agree with you Matt. Feet on the bulkhead is a punk move. I dread to think where those shoes have been, places like the airplane lavatory floor.
And so what? Are you making out with the bulkhead?
Not all of us were raised by wolves.
No one likes self-righteous, priggish busybodies.
And people like rude selfish arrogant jerks even less.
Best response of the week!
Really, the cabin crew should have asked the pax to lower his feet (were they pressed to the bulkhead during taxi and departure? What about approach and landing?
As for the mask wearing….the airline required it. You claim to have researched it at the time of booking. Presumably others did too and it was made clear at the gate a mask would need to be worn, with complimentary masks available pre boarding
It’s simple: whether one agrees with the policy or not, it’s a stipulation with Kenya Airways. If pax don’t agree with it, fly with somebody else. If there isn’t an alternative (and often this is the case) suck it up and don’t be a numpty
I hope this moron wasn’t an American
typical idiot.
Stop already with the virtue signaling. COVID is over dude. I was on a Qatar airways flight and they have a mask policy which everyone ignored. Even coming back to the US. If the both countries have no mask policy then I’m not sure why the airline would require it.
COVID is over dude. I’m sure if you walked back towards the rear of the flight you would have a 30% mask compliance. COVID is over, full stop.
Missed the lesson on nuance in school, didn’t you?
It doesn’t matter if you feel Covid is over, if the plane has a requirement, you follow it or don’t fly the airline.
“You’re” a clown.
I think you’ll or you will find, its:
‘You are’ or ‘you’re’
Just saying………….but hey, what do I know I just fly planes……..
Your a Clown?????? It’s You are or You’re a Clown…….
COVID over?
Do your research!
COVID is not only still very much with us, it will always be with us. True, it might continue to lessen in strength as time unfolds and it mutates into new variants, and maybe the masks have some effect, if only psychological, or maybe not.
It’s the airline’s policy…….if pax don’t like it, the answer is simple: fly with another carrier. If there isn’t one, which is often the case, either don’t fly or suck it up, don’t be a twat, and wear a mask……
been a long time follower of this blog but come on bro it’s been 3 years. time to drop the mask nonsense
I don’t support mandatory masks. That’s a different issue, though.
Yeah I’m against rules stopping me from smoking on my flight, or rules stopping me from bringing my emotional support mountain lion, or rules stopping me from bringing a half frozen thermos of nitroglycerin on my flight. But you know what, it doesn’t matter what the hell I’m against. Rules are rules. Do t like um? Stay the fuck home.
I really think they should just put a strip of carpet where people would put their feet. I’d never put my feet on the wall but since people do they might as well mitigate the potential damage.
I tend to split the baby on this one. Bare feet on the wall? No. Shoes on the wall? No. Taking off your shoes and putting your sock feet on the wall? Not horrendous.
I put my feet up on the bulkhead. Never knew it was so offensive lollll
US is the only country that I’ve often see people putting their feet on the headrest of the seats in front of them in movie theaters or any venues with stadium seats. Frankly it seems to be very disrespectful to me.
I’ve become more aware of feet issues since traveling to Asia a lot. It is offensive to many Asians to raise your feet since the feet are considered to be low and unclean. I can remember crossing my legs in a restaurant in Chiang Rai and being told to lower my foot as it was offensive to sit in that manner.
When on international flights I am cognizant of international travelers and always keep my feet on the floor. Why is that so hard? Do we consider the privileges we enjoy in the USA above the preferences of the international community?
Those here who think this is such a minor issue have little consideration outside their little bubble.
I should have written “outside they’re little bubble” to make it easier for “Your a Clown” to understand.
I like the word loutish, Could have been worse like a drunkard with bare feet and feces. Its flu season and I i hope someone sneezes on him and he gets the flu.
I have a good supply of comfortable N95 masks. Others can do as they wish but I will keep wearing mine when I am around germ ridden people.
Loutish, cretinous behavior is getting to be the norm. Right now I am sitting in EWR waiting for a flight. I have this family of morons talking amongst themselves while their toddlers I pad is BLASTING sound.
I moved about 60 feet away and I can STILL hear it. Imagine they go on the plane and do this. Would YOU alike to sit next to them??
Whoever does this on a plane is nothing but a pig. That goes too for the ones that take off their shoes.
This is just TRASH BEHAVIOR. Stop making excuses for people who do not follow a company’s procedures and other regulations, regardless of whether they (or you, who have NOTHING to do with it) agree or not.
Virtue signaling? Get over yourselves. It takes a special kind of entitled moron to tell someone on their PERSONAL blog that they should stop expressing their PERSONAL opinions. This is why we have been laughing at you juvenile “mask droppers” who think you’re getting away with something besides showing off your immaturity. You probably still say “Let’s go Brandon,” too. Pathetic.
Well even prince harry played pool in Vegas flashing his royal regalia for all to see,…this guy looks upset,maybe he had a bad day and trying to cope best he can,he’s not bothering anybody,well,except Mathew.Meh,nothing to see here.
Technically in many countries, unlike the US, you need to ask people’s permission before taking photos or videos of them. People do have portrait right, no matter if they are in a public space or not.
If you were flying with an European airline, technically you should have followed the European law. It’s absolutely forbidden to take a photo of that guy and posting it online without his consent, no matter how poor his manner was.
I am curious what laws in Kenya say about privacy and portrait right.
OMG, the guy wasn’t wearing his mask properly… YOU’RE ALL GOING TO DIE!
The feet on the bulkhead would concern me more than a ridiculous face covering