Pregnant influencer ‘just so shocked’ when flight attendant refuses to lift her bag
Pregnant influencer Dominique Elissa said a flight attendant refused to put her carry-on in an overhead bin after she explained she had been advised not to lift it. The incident prompted debate about what travellers can expect from cabin crew and how airlines should support passengers who need help.
Elissa said the bag weighed nearly 9 pounds and that another passenger eventually offered to help; the airline was not identified. Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman said airline and union policies may restrict staff from lifting bags because of injury risks, and recommended checking bags travellers cannot lift themselves.
- Dominique Elissa said a flight attendant declined to lift her nearly 9-pound bag.
- Another passenger eventually helped her.
- An etiquette expert said travellers should not assume crew can lift luggage.
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Cabin crew are responsible for safety and passenger service, but their duties do not always include lifting or stowing passengers’ bags. Handling heavy luggage can cause injuries, and airline rules or agreements with staff unions may limit what crew members are allowed to do.
Passengers who are pregnant or have another reason they cannot lift a bag may need help getting it into an overhead locker. The options can depend on the airline and the help available from other travellers, so some travel guidance recommends checking bags that passengers cannot lift themselves.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Passengers who are pregnant or otherwise unable to lift safely may reasonably expect considerate assistance, especially when a bag is modest in weight and they have explained their circumstances. A refusal without a helpful alternative can leave someone feeling unsupported, and airlines could make assistance options clearer and easier to access.
The case against
Cabin crew may be restricted from lifting passengers’ bags because repeated or awkward lifting can cause injuries, and staff need to follow consistent workplace safety rules. Travellers are responsible for managing luggage they bring aboard, so checking a bag they cannot lift themselves may be the fairest approach when crew assistance cannot be provided.