It was supposed to be a simple flight home. After competing in London, athlete James was counting on some much-needed sleep during the transatlantic journey. But his plans were derailed by one of the worst passengers imaginable.
Seated next to James, “Karen” immediately began making everyone miserable. She complained about the seat, the space, and especially her fellow passengers. “Tell him to book a seat that fits his giant legs!” she hissed at a flight attendant, gesturing to James.
For eight agonizing hours, Karen alternated between pressing the call button, elbowing James, and loudly declaring her discomfort to the entire cabin. Even the flight attendants’ patience wore thin as she demanded impossible solutions.
The perfect comeuppance came upon landing. As Karen rushed to exit while the seatbelt sign was still on, the captain made a surprise announcement asking everyone to remain seated while he greeted a “very special guest.” Walking down the aisle, he stopped at Karen’s row.
“Let’s all give a round of applause to our special guest in seat 42C!” he declared. The entire plane burst into laughter and clapping as Karen stood frozen in humiliation.
“Worth every miserable minute,” James said as he finally escaped the plane, the memory of Karen’s red face keeping him smiling all the way to baggage claim.
