A curious incident aboard a recent flight has ignited a social media debate after a passenger's carry-on bag was given its own first-class seat. The incident, originally shared on Reddit's "r/delta" forum, involved a passenger whose husband was upgraded to first class on a flight from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, to Sacramento International Airport.

According to the Reddit user, another first-class passenger's bag was too large for the overhead compartment, leading the flight crew to place it in an unoccupied first-class aisle seat, complete with a seatbelt. A photo accompanying the post clearly shows the hard-shell suitcase securely fastened in its premium spot.

The post quickly sparked a flurry of comments, with users questioning the airline's decision and debating the safety and etiquette implications of such a move. Some users joked about the "perfect seatmate," while others expressed concern about potential safety hazards in case of an emergency. One user argued that oversized carry-ons should be checked if they don't fit in the overhead bins. Others questioned whether the passenger had paid for the extra seat for their bag, similar to the practice for certain musical instruments.

Several users raised concerns about blocking egress in an emergency. Another pointed out the potential conflict with FAA regulations regarding carry-on storage. The FAA's Air Carrier Operations Bulletin outlines specific procedures for stowing carry-on baggage, including using approved tiedown straps or cargo nets and preboarding scanning to ensure compliance with size and quantity restrictions.

The FAA also provides tips for carry-on baggage, emphasizing that personal items should fit under the seat in front of you, particularly on aircraft with limited overhead bin space.

While some users shared similar experiences of being upgraded and allowed to buckle their bags into empty seats, the incident has raised questions about consistent enforcement of airline and FAA regulations regarding carry-on luggage.