Flying fourteen hours across the Pacific was exhausting, but I, Toby, was ready to power through it. I’d upgraded to premium economy for a rare bit of comfort—until a loud, clingy honeymoon couple, Dave and Lia, boarded and turned my flight into chaos.
Dave immediately asked me to swap seats so he and his wife could sit together. I refused unless he paid the upgrade difference. He threatened me, and the trouble began. Coughing fits, loud movies without headphones, pretzel crumbs raining down, and the couple’s constant public displays of affection made the flight unbearable.
Finally, I called a flight attendant, who ordered them back to economy. The honeymooners were furious, blaming me, but the surrounding passengers and crew sided with me. Later, during turbulence, they tried to bypass the rules again—heading toward the front restroom—but I reminded the crew of their prior misbehavior. They turned back, humiliated.
The rest of the flight was peaceful. By the time we landed in Los Angeles, I was greeted by my wife and son, the only people who mattered. Dave and Lia went on with their honeymoon, but I learned a valuable lesson: love might be in the air, but sometimes, so is karma.