A woman's refusal to part with her luxury designer bag during takeoff resulted in her being escorted off a flight to a round of applause from fellow passengers. The incident took place on August 10 aboard a China Express Airlines flight traveling from Chongqing to Hebei province.

According to Malaymail, the woman, seated in economy class, had purchased her ticket for 800 yuan (RM495). However, she was not willing to stow her Louis Vuitton bag, valued at US$3,000 (RM13,300), under the seat in front of her as required by airline safety regulations. The situation escalated as the plane prepared for takeoff. Despite multiple requests from the cabin crew, the woman clung to her handbag, sparking a standoff that forced the flight, which had already started its departure, to return to the gate.

A fellow passenger captured the exchange on video, and the footage quickly went viral on the social media platform Douyin, garnering over four million views. The video shows the situation escalating to the point where police were called to intervene, leading to the woman's removal from the plane. Her departure was met with applause from other passengers, who were likely frustrated by the delay.

China Express Airlines has remained silent on the incident, but it has sparked a wave of mixed reactions on social media. Some criticized the passenger for her stubbornness, arguing that safety should come before personal belongings. Others felt the cabin crew could have handled the situation better, suggesting that they could have offered to secure the woman's prized possession in a safe place.

The incident highlights the tension that can arise between passenger expectations and airline safety protocols, particularly when luxury items are involved. As the story continues to circulate online, it serves as a reminder of the importance of following airline regulations to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Source: Malaymail