A Chinese tourist's dramatic outburst over luggage weight fees at Milan's Malpensa Airport went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism and raising concerns about a trend of passenger meltdowns in airports around the world. The incident occurred on June 8 when airport staff informed the woman, a tourist in her 50s from China, that her carry-on luggage exceeded the allowed weight limit and she had to pay an additional fee of 100 euros.
Faced with the option to pay the fee or dispose of some belongings, the tourist experienced a public nervous breakdown. Instead of complying, she collapsed, crying loudly and rolling on the floor. Footage shows her lying in the airport corridor, shouting and kicking her legs, causing chaos as passersby watched in surprise.
Local media reported that even when airport security intervened, the woman's anger did not subside, and her crisis continued despite attempts to calm her. Ultimately, she was denied boarding. Once she calmed down, she booked a new ticket for another flight.
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The incident quickly spread on social media, attracting thousands of comments. User reactions were overwhelmingly critical, with many describing the woman's behavior as childish, embarrassing, and shameful. Social media users commented, "Like a child throwing a tantrum;" "Deliberately causing a scene to force airport staff to give in?"
This incident is part of a trend of "airport meltdowns," raising questions about adult reactions to regulations. Passengers are collapsing more frequently when facing problems at security checks or boarding. The incident joins a series of similar cases around the world where passengers confront ground or air crews, mainly over baggage issues and additional payments.
For example, last month, a Ryanair flight from the Spanish island of Tenerife was diverted to Faro Airport in Portugal when a British woman behaved aggressively towards other passengers. She was forcibly removed from the plane upon landing following threats she allegedly made, including threatening passengers with a bomb and attacking several tourists.
In March, a woman in the United States completely undressed at Dallas Airport and stabbed two people with a pencil. She also bit a restaurant manager on the hand. Referring to herself as "Goddess Venus," she threatened random passengers, shouting and cursing. Authorities concluded that it was a manic episode.
Airlines state that passengers who do not meet the conditions will be required to pay extra fees or part with their luggage. Many airlines have recently increased supervision of baggage weight. The incidents underscore the importance of adhering to airline regulations and the potential consequences of failing to do so.