Airlines

Woman applauded for defending passenger asked to swap seats on flight

Thousands of users on TikTok are praising Seattle-based user @not.cristinayang for splitting up an awkward conversation between two passengers during a journey home.

Earlier this month, the creator uploaded a video to TikTok revealing how she previously assisted the woman seated next to her in premium economy class to keep her seat when another passenger requested a seat swap. In the video, she described how a “soft-spoken” Asian woman named “Connie” was sitting in the middle of the row between herself and another passenger when a fourth passenger asked a question.

@not.cristinayang
Replying to @mixedchick132 the audacity of some people #flying #assignedseats
♬ original sound – Not it

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According to the video, the fourth passenger, who desired to remain anonymous, requested that Connie move them from row eight to a seat in row 26 so they could sit alongside their friend. The TikToker noted that the woman would no longer be in premium economy, where she said they received limitless snacks and beverages, if she were to sit in row 26.

She protested, but the anonymous woman who wanted to trade seats emphasised that it would be a window seat with more space than Connie’s centre seat. The TikToker, however, claimed that she continued to stand up for the senior citizen. She finally resorted to acting as though they were travelling together when the other passenger persisted.

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“Both of us are Asian. Of course, we are familiar “She spoke. When the little Asian woman turned to face me, I said, “Sit down, Connie!” According to the footage, the woman’s conviction allowed her to keep her seat while the other passenger was compelled to return to row 26 for the remainder of the four- to five-hour journey.

Over three million people have seen the video and over 11,000 people have commented on it, largely praising the creator for intervening to defend the woman. One user said “May your coffee always be hot, your drives always have green lights, and the parking places in the lot always be close.” Other comments noted the unwritten standards of aeroplane etiquette that passengers should adhere to.

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Airlines

Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns

Tensions at Qantas reached new heights as base maintenance workers in Brisbane walked out of a hangar meeting hosted by the airline’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson.

The walkout was a clear display of displeasure and aimed to send a strong message to the company’s management about the growing frustrations within the workforce. The workers, represented by the Qantas Engineers Alliance, have been pushing for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living.

In an open display of displeasure, Qantas Base maintenance workers walked out of a hangar meet hosted by the CEO Vanessa Hudson in Brisbane, also aimed to send a message to the management.

Qantas Engineers Alliance members have been demanding decent wage increases to match with… pic.twitter.com/y9EVjc46VM— FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 14, 2024

Despite ongoing discussions, the employees feel that their concerns have been overlooked, leading to this public show of dissent. The hangar meeting, meant to foster dialogue and address employee concerns, instead became the stage for a visible demonstration of dissatisfaction as the workers exited in unison.

For some time, the engineers and maintenance staff have expressed frustration over wage stagnation amid increasing inflation and living costs. Their demand is simple: a decent and fair wage adjustment that keeps pace with economic realities. The walkout underscores the workers’ determination to stand firm on their request for better pay and fair treatment.

As Qantas navigates its recovery post-pandemic, this incident highlights the growing internal challenges the airline faces, especially concerning its workforce. The maintenance staff’s actions have put additional pressure on the company’s leadership to address the wage concerns and avoid further escalation.