AITA for not moving out of the way while getting off the plane for a tantrum throwing child (not mine)?
Following a Thanksgiving trip, a Reddit user recounted a stressful disembarkation experience. The user stood their ground when a mother’s screaming child obstructed the aisle, preventing others from moving, explaining that they needed to retrieve their luggage. The conflict intensified when the mother demanded that the user give way, resulting in a stalemate. Was the user wrong for refusing to yield? The complete account is provided below!
‘ AITA for not moving out of the way while getting off the plane for a tantrum throwing child (not mine)?’
The feeling of excitement upon exiting a plane after the Thanksgiving holiday is universal. Our flight lasted four hours, so naturally everyone was anxious to get off once we arrived at the terminal. I was sitting on the aisle, so I rose to retrieve my luggage from the overhead compartment, as did the man across the aisle and the passengers ahead of me.
A mom with two children, possibly ages 3 and 4, who were sitting behind me, allowed them to climb over the seats and join her and her husband in the walkway, creating a cramped space. The younger child squeezed between his sister and me and began to have a complete meltdown, shoving his sister and screaming at his father, who was attempting to pick him up, saying “Leave me alone! I hate you, Dad!” His mom then responded in a cheerful tone, “We don’t speak to Daddy like that, [child’s name].”
The individuals navigating the aisles behind this disruption retreated to their seats, creating space for the young girl he was guiding and her mother. The mother, adopting a noticeably firmer tone than she had used with her screaming child, addressed me, requesting, “Could you kindly move out of his path?” Initially, I presumed she was addressing her spouse, as he was also squeezed into the aisle. However, upon her repeated request and a tap on my shoulder, I realized she was speaking to me.
I was unable to proceed because passengers in the row in front of me were retrieving their luggage, and I still had to get my bag. All the while, the child continued to scream. So, I simply stated, “Excuse me, I need to get my bag,” to which she replied, “Well, your rear end is in his face!” At that moment, I was unwilling to sit back down to accommodate her family of four obstructing the aisle. So, I remained standing, got my bag, and exited the plane. Am I the unreasonable one for not moving?
Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:
Sprigganzee − NTA Dismissing her child’s behavior entirely with a teasing tone instead of disciplining his behavior and taking her frustration out on you. tsk tsk tsk. she can learn to be patient. You weren’t in the way, she’s just entitled. The people farther up the plane get off first. Thats just how it be. Edit: holy moly thanks for all of the upvotes and award.
NoRazzmatazz564 − NTA. The parents created the problem. You were doing what everyone normally does in a plane. Doing what she asked would just further encourage her entitlement.
the-italian-american − NTA. I would’ve farted to teach both the kid and the mom a valuable lesson.
Blueberry-Jam-23 − NTA. “Well your b**t is in his face!”. “His face is in my ass and if he doesn’t move it he’s going to get farted on”
Ireland1169 − NTA. You cannot change stupid, ignoring her was the best thing to do. Pity you couldn’t fart on demand, that would have cleared the area behind you.
Outrageous_Emu8503 − “You be as stern with your kid as you are with me, Lady, and maybe you wouldn’t have this problem!” (Say it in a sing song voice.). NTA.
az22hctac − “Then maybe you would all be more comfortable back in your seats?” NTA.
kathycorn13 − OP *in a sing song voice*: We don’t talk to strangers that way.
Aware_Welcome_8866 − I was all ready to judge you as the ahole, until I read about the attitude the mom gave you. NTA. Not all people have small children and may not know what would be helpful, so you ask – nicely. NTA.
volumeoforgottenlore − Yeah, f**k these people lmao.
Was the Redditor incorrect for standing their ground while the child was having a meltdown, or was it understandable given the limited space and their need to grab their bag? What would your course of action have been? Let’s hear your opinions!
