Pregnant Influencer Shocked When Flight Attendant Refuses to Lift Her Bag

A social media influencer said on a podcast that a flight attendant refused to place her carry-on bag in the overhead bin, sparking online debate.

Pregnant passenger left stunned when flight attendant refuses to lift her handbag

Etiquette expert Diane Gottesman weighs in after a pregnant influencer says a crew member refused to help carry her.

A pregnant influencer's awkward spat with luggage has sparked a heated debate about flight attendant responsibilities.

Influencer Dominique Elisa recently recalled asking a male flight attendant to put her bag in a trash can while traveling.

Elissa said on the Oct. 7 "Big Small Talk" podcast that she explained to the flight attendant that she was pregnant and was told not to lift the bag herself. According to Elisa, the bag weighed nearly nine pounds.

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He said the flight attendant refused to take it off. The attendant told her that if she couldn't put the bag in the overhead bin herself, she would have to be checked. The airline involved in this incident was not identified.

"I was so shocked," the influencer said on the podcast.

Another passenger eventually noticed the situation and offered to help with the luggage.

"I feel this lack of respect for pregnant women right now," Elisa added on the podcast.

"They are customer service providers," Gottesman said. "They want to make your trip comfortable and safe. They are not baggage handlers."

The influencer (not pictured) said another passenger eventually noticed her plight and offered to help with her luggage after a flight attendant refused to lift her handbag. (iStock)

Policies vary among airlines, Gottesman said, with some airline and union rules prohibiting or prohibiting flight attendants from lifting heavy luggage due to safety and injury concerns.

She also noted that the flight attendant offered Elisa an alternative way to check her bag.

"It's not their job! If you can't lift your bags, then you should politely ask another passenger."

While flight attendants often help pregnant travelers, Gottesman says moms-to-be shouldn't assume they'll get help.

If someone nearby can help and make a decision, it should be seen as "an act of kindness and generosity," Gottsman said.

For travelers who know they can't carry-on, Gottesman recommends checking those bags instead.

The crash of the cab was met with swift reactions online.

"I was under the impression that flight attendants weren't allowed to carry bags in the overhead bins," commented one Reddit user.

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Some commenters said they had seen flight crews volunteer to help.

"I didn't know that. I've had multiple flight attendants help me when I travel alone," wrote one person. "I don't even ask. They just see me struggling and intervene."

Other commenters thought the passenger should be responsible.

"It's not their job! If you can't lift your bags, then you should politely ask another passenger," one user wrote.

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