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A tourist was filmed having a full-blown meltdown at Milan Malpensa Airport after she was barred from boarding a flight due to her overweight hand luggage — the latest in a string of incidents highlighting rising tensions among airline passengers across Europe.
The chaotic episode unfolded on June 8 when airport staff told the middle-aged woman that her carry-on suitcase exceeded the allowed weight limit.
Faced with the choice of paying a surcharge or discarding some of her belongings, the woman reportedly erupted into tears, waving her arms erratically and sobbing uncontrollably in front of stunned onlookers.
Flight Denied, Emotions Unleashed
According to witnesses, the passenger appeared “overwhelmed and inconsolable,” likening the reaction to a child being told they couldn’t have their favourite toy.
Video footage shared on social media shows the woman wailing as security officials attempted to calm her down.
Airport authorities eventually removed her from the boarding area for causing a disturbance. She later rebooked a flight for the following day after regaining composure.
The Cost of Excess Weight: A Common Flashpoint
Airline policies on hand luggage continue to cause friction with travellers, especially on budget carriers where strict weight limits are enforced and fees can quickly escalate.
Consumer watchdogs have repeatedly criticised what they describe as “opaque and punitive” hand luggage policies, particularly in Europe.
The woman’s breakdown comes at a time when passenger frustration appears to be on the rise, with airline staff increasingly caught in the crossfire.
Air Rage in the Skies: More Chaos Reported
The Milan incident is not isolated. On May 18, a separate flight from Tenerife to Prestwick in Scotland had to be diverted to Faro, Portugal, after a female passenger allegedly became aggressive mid-flight, even making a bomb threat, according to reports.
The flight, operated by Ryanair, was forced to make an unscheduled landing so Portuguese authorities could remove the woman from the aircraft.
Fellow passengers described the situation as “frightening,” with one saying, “You could tell something wasn’t right from the start. She was shouting at people, and then suddenly things escalated.”
Sickening Start to a Long-Haul Journey
Elsewhere, a long-haul flight from Taiwan to Austria became a nightmare for one traveller before the plane even left the runway. Just moments before take-off, a passenger began violently vomiting in their seat, splashing another man seated next to them.
“The cabin door was already closed, and then that person started vomiting,” a fellow passenger told local media. “The older man next to him jumped up instantly. The crew later moved him to another seat, but that entire row had to be blocked off.”
The incident delayed departure and added to the discomfort of a flight that was scheduled to last over 13 hours.
A Growing Trend of In-Flight Disruptions
These incidents are part of a growing trend: from unruly behaviour to emotional outbursts, airports and airlines are witnessing an uptick in passenger-related incidents.
Travel experts suggest several factors are contributing, including post-pandemic travel stress, increasingly rigid airline policies, and rising costs associated with flying.
According to a 2024 report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), disruptive passenger reports rose by 14% year-on-year, with baggage disputes, alcohol consumption, and non-compliance with crew instructions ranking among the top triggers.
The Balancing Act: Passenger Rights vs Airline Rules
As airlines attempt to enforce rules more strictly in the name of efficiency and cost control, the emotional toll on travellers, especially those facing delays, cancellations, or unexpected fees, appears to be increasing.
Experts urge travellers to familiarise themselves with airline luggage policies before arriving at the airport to avoid last-minute surprises.
“This isn’t just about policy enforcement — it’s about communication and compassion,” said aviation analyst Sophie Mandel. “What may seem like a routine fee to the airline might feel like the final straw for a stressed-out traveler.”
Published by https://m10news.com | By F. Dayo Olusola | Category: Travel|11 June 2025
