An Air India passenger’s complaint about being assigned a seat with a faulty tray table has gone viral on social media, drawing attention to passenger comfort and aircraft maintenance.
The traveller claimed the issue made his eight-hour journey extremely difficult, especially while travelling with two children. After the post gained traction online, Air India responded and sought the passenger’s booking details for further investigation.
Passenger Says Flight Turned Into ‘Absolute Chaos’
The passenger, who posts on X under the name Mr. Credible, shared that the tray table on his assigned seat would not open during the flight.
got seats on @airindia where the tray table didn’t open. they made me sign a consent form at the check-in counter. alternative? sit separately from my kids and let the whole flight suffer. so I had no other option but to sign.
these were seats which I had paid extra for by the… pic.twitter.com/L1IngvQBAw
— Mr. Credible 💳 (@mistercredible) March 26, 2025
According to him, the malfunction created several challenges throughout the journey, making it difficult to manage meals, drinks and his children’s food during the long flight.
He described the experience as “8 hours of absolute chaos.”
Claims He Had No Choice But To Accept The Seat
The traveller said he had paid extra to choose the seat during web check-in.
However, at the airport, he was reportedly informed that the tray table was not working and was asked to sign a consent form acknowledging the issue.
He explained that changing seats would have separated him from his children, leaving him with little option but to continue in the assigned seat.
Managing Meals Became Difficult
Without a functioning tray table, the passenger said he had to balance meals and drinks while trying to take care of his children.
He added that the situation became even more difficult whenever the aircraft encountered turbulence.
According to his post, the airline crew provided a separate tray, but it did not fully solve the problem during the long journey.
Passenger Expresses Frustration
In his social media post, the traveller said he genuinely wanted to support Air India but felt disappointed by the experience.
He suggested that the airline should improve passenger convenience and maintenance standards to avoid similar situations in the future.
His complaint quickly attracted attention online.
Air India Responds To The Viral Post
After the complaint gained widespread attention, Air India replied publicly on X.
The airline acknowledged the passenger’s disappointment and requested that he send his booking details through a direct message so the matter could be examined further.
The response indicated that the airline intended to investigate the issue.
Social Media Users Share Similar Experiences
The viral post generated numerous reactions from other travellers.
Some users expressed sympathy for the passenger, especially because he was travelling with young children.
Others shared their own experiences involving faulty seats, broken tray tables or other maintenance-related issues during flights.
The discussion sparked a broader conversation about passenger comfort and aircraft upkeep.
Why Tray Tables Matter During Flights
Tray tables are an important feature for passengers, particularly on long-haul journeys.
They are commonly used for meals, drinks, electronic devices and children’s activities.
When they malfunction, even routine tasks can become uncomfortable, especially for families travelling with young children.
Conclusion
The passenger’s complaint has highlighted how even a small equipment issue can significantly affect the overall travel experience.
Following the viral post, Air India acknowledged the concern and asked for the passenger’s details to review the matter.
The incident has also encouraged wider discussions about airline maintenance, customer service and passenger expectations during long flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Air India passenger complain?
The passenger said the tray table on his assigned seat was not working, making his eight-hour flight uncomfortable.
Why didn’t he change his seat?
According to the passenger, changing seats would have separated him from his children, so he decided to remain in the assigned seat.
What did Air India say?
Air India responded on X, acknowledged the complaint and asked the passenger to share his booking details through a direct message for further investigation.
Did the passenger receive any alternative?
He said the cabin crew provided a separate tray, but he still found it difficult to manage meals during the flight.
Why did the post become viral?
Many people related to the passenger’s experience, while others shared similar stories about airline maintenance and customer service.
Was the issue resolved publicly?
The airline publicly responded and requested additional details, but no further public update about the final resolution was mentioned.