A TikTok video of a plane passenger’s realization about an empty row of seats providing extra legroom on a Southwest Airlines flight has gone viral. The video, shared by Chris Olsen, shows him sitting in an exit row on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with the row largely empty. Olsen asked a flight attendant if the seats were available, and she jokingly said no one wants them, prompting him to take advantage of the extra space.
The footage was captured just days before a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 plane experienced engine trouble and an All Nippon Airways Boeing 787 reported an oil leak. Boeing has faced safety concerns following incidents involving the malfunctioning of aircraft parts on various flights, raising questions about the safety of its planes. A recent survey revealed that three in four millennials are more worried about flying due to recent safety incidents involving Boeing aircraft.
Olsen noted that he overheard other passengers expressing discomfort with sitting in the exit row, citing concerns about a previous door plug incident. Despite this, Olsen chose to sit in the exit row, wanting to be the first to assist in an emergency. While some passengers eventually took the exit row seats on the full flight, they did not seem pleased about it. Olsen expressed concerns about Boeing’s safety reputation but stated that it is not enough to avoid flying on their planes.
Newsweek invites travelers to share their travel-related stories and videos for a chance to be featured. The publication aims to challenge conventional wisdom and find connections in the pursuit of common ground. Olsen’s viral video highlights the unexpected perks and considerations that travelers may encounter on flights, shedding light on the nuances of air travel experiences. Despite safety concerns surrounding Boeing aircraft, passengers like Olsen continue to navigate the skies with a mix of caution and curiosity.
