NEED TO KNOW
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On TikTok, a man named Paul Lee shared a video of himself on a flight seated next to a screaming toddler
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The child’s tantrum lasted for about five minutes, and he was kicked throughout it as the girl’s mother at one point laughed, Lee claimed
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“Seriously this will turn me into a Karen,” one incensed person wrote on TikTok, where a video of Lee’s experience amassed more than 4 million views in just a few days
A traveler is going viral for their uncomfortable flight experience, during which they were repeatedly kicked by a young passenger seated next to them on the plane.
Paul Lee posted a clip of his experience aboard the flight in a recent TikTok. In the shocking video, he is sitting patiently and sipping from a teacup with his headphones on while a child in the seat next to him has a dramatic fit.
The young girl was screaming and kicking during the mid-air tantrum, and she can be seen hitting Lee several times with her feet. A woman seated next to the young child appeared to be trying to get her under control, but was largely unsuccessful. At one point, she appeared to laugh.
Lee maintained his calm and didn’t say anything in the clip.
Newsflare
Paul Lee documents his experience seating next to a kicking and screaming toddler
“Worst possible seat ever next to a crying baby,” he captioned the TikTok, which amassed more than 4 million views in just a few days.
Speaking to Newsflare, Lee revealed that he had the rough experience while aboard a Vietnam Airlines flight in 2024, however he shared the footage from the flight in a TikTok last week.
He alleged to the outlet that the tantrum lasted for several minutes, adding that he put on his headphones to try and distract himself from the loud crying.
“This was filmed last year, and I had to sit next to a mother and daughter. This lasted for about five minutes,” he said.
Despite being hit, Lee said that he opted not to respond and escalate the situation.
“I didn’t confront her or do anything, just waited and then enjoyed my flight. A little patience went a long way. The kid’s mother did not apologize,” he claimed.
The outlet also reported that he reflected on social media: “Rather than let this ruin my whole flight and me make a scene, I just waited it out. Fortunately, minutes later, it stopped and I enjoyed the rest of my flight. Some battles aren’t worthy to be had.”
On TikTok, Lee’s video amassed more than 200,000 likes and thousands of comments. Many of the people commiserated with him over the uncomfortable experience.
“Mothers pls remember your kid is only special to you,” one TikToker wrote, adding, “be respectful to [others’] space.”
Another person seemingly agreed, writing, “Letting your kid kick a stranger is NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!”
“Seriously this will turn me into a Karen,” another person wrote, praising Lee’s enviable patience.
Newsflare
Paul Lee documents his experience during the flight
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PEOPLE has reached out to both Lee and Vietnam Airlines for comment.
Travel expert, writer and advisor Nicole Campoy Jackson of Fora Travel previously spoke with PEOPLE and provided some tips about what a passenger should do if a child is kicking their seat during a flight.
“This is a tough one because parents are already on high alert and often feel defensive when flying with their kids,” Jackson said, noting that she has her own experience traveling with children.
She continued, advising, “To turn around, already mad, and start throwing blaming words around is going to help absolutely no one have a better flight. Instead, turn to the closest parent and ask if they could talk to their kid(s) about not kicking your seat. Try saying, ‘I know you’ve got a lot on your plate, but your child is kicking my seat and it’s bothersome. Could you chat with them about stopping, please?’ However you say it, start with some understanding.”
Read the original article on People
