A flyer advertising freshly brewed espresso on a commercial flight has stirred up quite the conversation online, eliciting a variety of reactions from social media users—some quite intense. The buzz began with a TikTok video shared by a user named Ozan Cetinkaya, which shows a passenger seated by a window, grinding his own espresso beans with a handheld brewing device connected to an app.
As of late Monday, the post had around 2 million views, showcasing the process of pouring freshly brewed espresso at an altitude of 35,000 feet. Viewers were quick to chime in, sparking discussions on whether making coffee mid-flight was a good idea. One commenter expressed, “My seat neighbor is a nightmare,” reflecting a common concern about personal space on planes.
Another chimed in humorously, stating, “Next time I fly, I’ll bring my portable BBQ and grill some steaks.” This sparked further debates on the necessity of such devices, considering airlines typically provide coffee on board, leading many to question why one wouldn’t just wait until after landing for their caffeine fix.
However, a segment of commenters came to the coffee-brewing passenger’s defense, pointing out that many travelers dislike the coffee offered in-flight due to its taste. Others raised concerns about whether using heat or electric devices is even allowed on airplanes, noting that airlines generally prohibit personal items that could disrupt cabin operations.
As the discussion widened, various travelers expressed worries about the potential for strong smells, spills, and the use of personal appliances within the cramped cabin space. Yet some argued that if the equipment complies with safety regulations and doesn’t disturb fellow passengers, then why not make one’s own beverages?
Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant and etiquette expert, weighed in, suggesting that flying used to be a luxurious experience. “Passengers were dressed in their Sunday best,” she noted, adding that today’s flights focus more on getting from point A to point B with efficiency rather than quality.
She shared her views on the brewing incident, stating that as long as the passenger isn’t causing issues for others, it shouldn’t be a problem. After all, she pointed out, many people bring food on board, likening it to wheeling out a portable espresso machine.
“If he hadn’t recorded this video, no one (except maybe his seatmates) would have known he was making espresso,” she concluded. The conversation around this unusual flight experience continues to unfold, leaving many curious about the evolving standards of in-flight etiquette.
