A woman taking a Frontier Airlines flight from Seattle to Dallas on June 9 had an unpleasant surprise when she found that her backpack, which was under the seat in front of her, was wet from what she believed was urine. After complaining to airline personnel, she allegedly did not receive any help. The incident became popular after her sister shared it on Reddit.
The female first thought the wetness was due to spilled liquid and took the bag to the bathroom to sanitize it. However, when blotting it with paper towels, she realized the towels became yellow. That’s when she feared the worst, someone could have urinated in flight.
“She’s 99% certain the guy sitting in the seat in front of her urinated on the plane and it dripped onto her backpack,” the Reddit posting stated.
Frustration with Frontier’s Response
She attempted to report the incident after arrival. In the Reddit post with the title, “My sister’s backpack was soaked with pee on her Frontier flight and the airline says there’s nothing they can do except she herself confront the passenger…”, the complaints of the woman were rejected by airport officials. She was shuffled from one counter to another while carrying with her “pee-soaked paper towels as evidence.”
She finally talked to a manager, who informed her that the general manager would have to be called because “nothing like this has ever occurred before.” But the last word from Frontier was that there was nothing they could do. She would have to deal with the passenger herself, she was told.
“Which is ridiculous, because who in their right mind is going to confront someone, but also confront someone about an unknown bodily fluids???” the sister added.
Online Community Reacts
The Reddit post sparked debate, with many sympathizing with the woman, while others questioned whether the airline was at fault. One user commented, “I’m scratching my head wondering how Frontier is responsible for a passenger peeing on another passenger’s bag.”
Another user noted that airline policy could be in favor of Frontier’s argument, stating, “The contract of carriage specifically states they aren’t, so not a lot of head scratching to be done.”
A third one commented, “Why is this Frontier’s issue? They didn’t urinate on her bag…. She should stand up to the individual and demand some sort of reparation. The problem lies between her and the other person, no one else.”
Airline Policy and Accountability
As stated on Frontier’s own website, “Frontier will not be responsible for loss or damage to carry-on baggage unless such loss or damage results from Frontier’s or its agent’s negligence.” Damage due to turbulence, movement of bags, or normal in-flight handling is not covered.
The sister of the woman asked if the incident could be reported to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and sought advice from the Reddit community.
This entire situation just feels… so gross and wrong. A bodily fluid saturates her personal items, and she’s being informed that she’s on her own?” she wrote.
