A routine flight from Spain to Germany turned into an uncomfortable experience for traveler Fanny Gagnon O’Donnell after a fellow passenger repeatedly crossed into her personal space to take photographs out of the airplane window.
Gagnon O’Donnell, who was seated in the window seat, captured video footage showing the passenger next to her reaching across her body numerous times throughout the flight in order to photograph the sky and clouds. What began as a minor inconvenience quickly became a recurring disruption that lasted for much of the journey.
According to Gagnon O’Donnell, the flight had been going smoothly until the middle-seat passenger began extending his arm across her seat without warning. “Every 20 minutes or so he would shove his arm in front of me and take pictures of the clouds,” she told Storyful. The repeated action left her feeling uncomfortable and frustrated, particularly because the passenger made no effort to ask permission or acknowledge the intrusion.
The video, which later circulated online, shows the arm repeatedly entering her space, at times coming very close to her face. Viewers quickly reacted, with many criticizing the behavior as inconsiderate and invasive. Social media users pointed out that airplane seating already offers limited personal space, making respect for boundaries even more important during flights.
Air travel etiquette experts note that while window-seat passengers typically control access to the window, common courtesy dictates that any request to take photos or look outside should be communicated verbally. “Reaching across someone repeatedly without consent violates basic social norms,” one travel commentator noted. “A simple request could have avoided the entire situation.”
The incident has reignited broader conversations about personal space and passenger behavior during flights. With cramped seating and long travel times, small actions can quickly escalate into uncomfortable encounters. Many commenters emphasized that airlines and passengers alike share responsibility for maintaining respectful behavior in shared spaces.
Gagnon O’Donnell did not report the incident escalating into a confrontation, nor did she indicate that flight attendants intervened. However, she shared the experience publicly to highlight how seemingly minor actions can significantly impact someone’s travel experience.
“This wasn’t about the photos,” she explained in follow-up remarks. “It was about the lack of respect and awareness.”
As the video continues to circulate, the situation serves as a reminder that courtesy goes a long way—especially thousands of feet in the air. In environments where personal space is already limited, clear communication and mutual respect remain essential for a peaceful journey.