August 17 — A recent flight on China Express Airlines took an unexpected turn when a passenger’s refusal to stow her luxury handbag led to her being escorted off the plane, losing her RM495 economy seat in the process.
The incident occurred on August 10 during a flight from Chongqing to Hebei province. As the aircraft was preparing for takeoff, the passenger, who had paid 800 yuan (RM495) for her economy seat, insisted on keeping her US$3,000 (RM13,300) Louis Vuitton handbag with her, contrary to safety regulations requiring all personal items to be stowed under the seat in front of her.
The flight, already in the process of departing, was forced to return to the gate to address the situation. A video captured by another passenger quickly went viral on Douyin, amassing over four million views.
The situation escalated, ultimately involving police intervention. The woman was removed from the aircraft, with fellow passengers reacting to the scene with applause.
China Express Airlines has yet to comment officially on the incident. Public reactions on social media have been mixed, with some criticizing the passenger’s insistence, while others suggested that the cabin crew could have managed the situation more effectively by offering to securely handle the handbag.
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