Have you ever had awful seatmates? Introducing the newlyweds that made my fourteen-hour journey a misery. The jet was mistaken for their honeymoon suite. I thought it was time to create some turbulence of my own to provide a memorable lesson in aviation etiquette when they pushed too far.

Love is said to be in the air, but my most recent journey was a complete mess. Hi there! I’m 35-year-old Toby, and I have an incredible tale that will make you reconsider your next trip. Imagine this: After spending what seems like an eternity away from home, I’m on a plane, anxiously down the minutes until I can finally embrace my wife and child. The arrival of two conceited newlyweds made my journey a complete misery.

I had treated myself to a premium economy seat on my fourteen-hour flight. To be honest, every inch of additional legroom matters when you’re looking down the barrel of that many hours in a metal tube.

The man next to me cleared his throat as I got comfortable, feeling quite pleased about my choice.

He said, “Hey there,” with a smile. “I’m Dave. Listen, I hate to ask, but would you mind switching seats with my wife? We just got married, and, well… you know.”

I put on my biggest grin of congratulations. “That’s great, man. Congrats! Where’s your wife sitting?”

Dave’s grin wavered slightly as he gestured to the rear of the aircraft. “That’s my Lia back there. In economy.”

I’m not a monster now. I understand that newlyweds want intimacy. However, I wasn’t going to give up this seat for free since I had spent a lot of money for it.

“Look, Dave,” I remarked, attempting to be kind. “I paid extra for this seat because I really need the comfort. But hey, if you want to cover the difference, about a thousand Australian dollars, I’d be happy to switch.”

Dave’s expression became glum. “A thousand bucks? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I gave a shrug. “Sorry, buddy. That’s the deal. Otherwise, I’m staying put.”

A glimpse of Dave’s face appeared when I inserted my ears. Let’s just say that I would have been a goner immediately if appearances could kill.

He said, “You’ll regret this,” loud enough for me to hear.

I had no idea that those three statements would quickly transform my tranquil trip into a combat zone at 30,000 feet.

The coughing started first. It’s not just any clearing of the throat, either. We are discussing intense, hack-up-a-lung explosions, which made me question if I need to get a hazmat suit.

Trying not to lose my temper, I said, “You okay there, Dave?”

He gave me a look that made my blood boil. He wheezed, “Never better,” and then erupted again.

I was about to give him a cough drop, or even a whole pharmacy, when Dave made the bold move. Without wearing headphones, he pulled out his iPad and began playing an action movie.

We got the stink look from the couple on the other side of the aisle. The man remarked, “Hey, buddy,” to Dave. “Mind turning that down?”

Dave gave a charming grin. “Sorry, forgot my headphones. Guess we’ll all have to enjoy it together.”

I clutched the armrest and clenched my teeth, my knuckles whitened. “Dave, come on. This isn’t cool.”

His eyes glistened as he turned to face me. “Oh, I’m sorry. Am I making you uncomfortable? That must be awful.”

A shower of crumbs fell across my lap before I could reply. Somehow, Dave had made eating pretzels an Olympic sport, with more falling on me than in his mouth.

He smirked and muttered, “Oops,” without even attempting to conceal it. “Butter fingers.”

A chuckle came down the aisle just as I was ready to lose it. Dave’s lovely wife, Lia, was standing there looking like the lucky charm.

She plopped herself directly into Dave’s lap and murmured, “Is this seat taken?”

I don’t want to seem prude, but the way they began to continue, you’d think they had forgotten they were on a crowded aircraft. The whispering, the laughing, the… additional noises. Without the ability to switch the channel, it was similar to being stuck in a lousy romantic comedy.

I attempted to ignore the lovebirds’ performance by concentrating on my book, my movie, heck, even the safety card. However, I’d had enough of their shenanigans after an hour.

I murmured, “That’s it,” and flagged down a flight attendant who was passing by. “Time to fight fire with fire.”

Dave and Lia turned up the corny act as the stewardess drew near, all gooey eyes and lovely nothings.

The attendant looked at our row with a mixture of skepticism and worry and said, “Is there a problem, sir?”

I inhaled deeply as I prepared to explain everything. This was going to work out well.

I said, loud enough for other passengers to hear, “Problem? Oh, where do I start?” “These two have turned this flight into their personal honeymoon suite.”

The hostess looked from me to the snuggling pair and arched an eyebrow.

I went on, crossing things off my list. I pointed to Lia sitting on Dave’s lap and said, “This lap dance situation.” “We’ve had nonstop coughing, a movie blasting without headphones, a rain of snack crumbs, and now…”

Dave’s cheeks became crimson. He rebelled, “We’re newlyweds!” “We just want to sit together.”

A brief instant of irritation was visible through the stewardess’s professional mask. “Sir, ma’am, I understand you’re celebrating, but there are rules we need to follow.”

Lia’s eyelashes fluttered. “Can’t you make an exception? It’s our special day.”

I felt compelled to add my voice. “It’s been their ‘special day’ for the last one hour.”

After adjusting her attire, the hostess turned to face the two lovers. “I’m afraid I can’t. It’s against airline policy for an adult passenger to sit on another’s lap. It’s a safety issue.”

Dave’s self-satisfied smile wavered. “But—”

“No buts,” interrupted the hostess. “And since you didn’t pay for this upgraded seat but were moved here, you need to follow all rules strictly.”

I had to suppress a smile by biting my lip. It was a nice change to have the roles reversed.

Lia caught the stewardess’s attention. “Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to return to your original seat.”

Lia’s gaze expanded. “You can’t be serious! We’re married!”

The stewardess responded, “Congratulations,” in a tone that made it obvious she was finished talking. “But marriage doesn’t exempt you from airline safety regulations. Please return to your seat.”

Dave attempted to enter. “Look, we’re sorry if we disturbed anyone. We’ll be quiet now, promise.”

The stewardess gave a headshake. “I’m afraid that’s not enough. Due to your disruptive behavior, you’ll both need to move to the back of the plane in economy class.”

Dave’s face lost its hue. “Both of us? But I paid—”

“You were upgraded as a courtesy,” the hostess said, cutting through. “A courtesy you’ve misused. Now, please gather your things.”

I heard bits and pieces of Dave and Lia’s hushed disagreement as they grudgingly gathered their things.

Hissing, “This is all your fault,” Lia said.

“My fault? You’re the one who—”

“Enough,” interrupted the hostess. “Please move to the back of the plane.”

Red-faced and avoiding eye contact, they scurried by, and I couldn’t help but take one more picture.

“Enjoy your honeymoon,” I murmured, making a fake wave with my fingers.

Even though Dave’s look might have burned steel, I chose to grin and return to my now-calm seat.

“Is there anything else you need, sir?” the hostess said, turning to face me.

I smiled as if I had won the jackpot. “Just some peace and quiet. And maybe a celebratory drink?”

I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt as the stewardess left to get my drink. Had I been too severe? No, I shrugged it off. They were the ones who caused this.

I was greeted with a thumbs-up by an elderly guy across the aisle. “Well played, son,” he said with a laugh. “Reminds me of my first marriage. We were young and dumb too, but at least we knew how to behave in public.”

I smiled in return. “Thanks. I was starting to feel like I was on some hidden camera show.”

The woman next him bent down. “Oh honey, you did us all a favor. I was about ready to stuff those pretzels down that boy’s throat myself.”

As we all laughed, the tension from before dissipated. Having some pals felt wonderful.

My drink, a can of cola, and a little bottle of whiskey were brought back by the waitress. “On the house,” she said with a grin. “Consider it a thank you for your patience.”

I made a fictitious toast with the bottle. I shouted, “To peaceful flights and karma,” loud enough for everyone to hear. “Hear, hear!” erupted from the chairs close.

I kept thinking about Dave and Lia while I made my drink. Did they sit in the back and plan their retaliation? Or had they finally come to terms with the absurdity of their behavior?

A ring from the intercom broke the flow of my thoughts.

The cabin echoed with the captain’s words. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re expecting some turbulence ahead. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts.”

I laughed in private. More turbulence? after our recent ordeal?

I heard a yell from the rear as the aircraft began to tremble. I turned in my chair to have a look. Dave was there, frantically attempting to prevent his drink from pouring over his lap from his tray table.

I sipped my coke and whiskey and turned around again. I mumbled, “Karma’s a witch!”

The airplane entered a quiet calm as the turbulence decreased. Just as I was beginning to consider what may come next, there was a ruckus coming from behind.

“I need to use the bathroom!” Lia’s voice was high-pitched and demanding.

She was standing in the aisle with Dave just behind her when I turned around. She was being calmed down by a flight attendant who seemed frantic, unlike the one who had assisted me before.

The attendant said, “Ma’am, please go back to your seat. The fasten seatbelt sign is still on.”

Lia screamed, “But it’s an emergency!” and, for emphasis, danced.

The elderly guy looked at me. He gave me a wink, obviously enjoying the performance.

Dave added, his tone brimming with phony worry. “Look, my wife has a medical condition. She really needs to use the restroom up front. The one back here is… occupied.”

The flight attendant seemed conflicted. “I understand, but rules are rules. You’ll have to wait until the captain turns off the seatbelt sign.”

Lia’s face fell flat. “But I can’t wait! Please, I’m begging you!”

I was forced to give it to her. She was a really talented actress. I could have felt terrible for her if I hadn’t known any better.

The attendant sighed, obviously unsure. “Alright, but make it quick. And straight back to your seats after, understood?”

With a forceful nod, Dave and Lia pushed past her and headed toward the front of the aircraft. I was unable to stop them as they came toward my row. I got up and blocked their way.

I remarked, loud enough for other passengers to hear, “Whoa there, folks. Didn’t we already settle this? Back of the plane, remember?”

Dave’s expression became glum. “Mind your own business, pal. This doesn’t concern you.”

I arched an eyebrow. “Oh, I think it does. After all, we wouldn’t want any more… disruptions, would we?”

With a horribly sweet voice, Lia spoke out. “Please, sir. It’s just a quick bathroom break. We promise we’ll go right back.”

I glanced at her, then at Dave, and last at the flight attendant who had allowed them to pass. It’s time for this farce to cease.

I said, “You know what? You’re right. It is just a bathroom break,” and moved aside. “Go ahead.”

Dave and Lia raced by me, exchanging victorious looks. I wasn’t finished yet, however. I smiled as I turned to face the flight attendant.

“Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear. Did you say these two have permission to be up here?”

A frown creased the flight attendant’s forehead. “Well, I… they said it was an emergency.”

I gave a sympathetic nod. “I see. And are you aware that these two were explicitly told to remain at the back of the plane due to disruptive behavior earlier?”

The eyes of the attendant became wide. “No, I wasn’t informed of that.”

At that moment, the stewardess who had previously assisted Dave and Lia showed up. She looked at the pair and said, “Is there a problem here?”

Dave’s face became white. Lia’s “emergency” dance came to a sudden halt.

I took a backseat and left things to the experts. I couldn’t help but sound arrogant when I added, “I think these two were just leaving.”

With a severe frown, the original stewardess turned to face Dave and Lia. “I thought I made myself clear earlier. Back to your seats. Now.”

“But…” Lia began, her façade faltering.

“No buts,” interrupted the hostess. “Or would you prefer we discuss this with the air marshal?”

It was that. Deflated, Dave and Lia slunk back to their economy seats without saying another word.

I couldn’t help but feel satisfied as the jet started to descend into California. The remainder of the journey had been quite quiet, and I couldn’t wait to see my loved ones.

The captain’s voice spoke via the intercom: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re beginning our final approach to Los Angeles International Airport. Please ensure your seats are in the upright position and your seatbelts are fastened.”

Eager to get off the aircraft, I collected my belongings as we taxied to the gate. I was approached by the stewardess who had saved our bacon.

“Thank you for your patience today,” she replied, grinning sincerely. “We hope you had a comfortable flight despite the… earlier disturbances.”

I smiled in return. “Thanks to you, I did. You handled that situation perfectly.”

The praise made her smile. “Have a great day, sir!”

After the lengthy journey, I got to my feet and stretched. I saw Dave and Lia walking down the aisle, still avoiding eye contact with everyone.

I had a brief pang of pity. Being young, they were most likely simply too thrilled about their honeymoon. However, the pity vanished when I recalled their smug demeanor.

I couldn’t help but take one last farewell photo as I passed their row. “Hope you guys learned something today. Enjoy your honeymoon!”

Even though Dave’s cheeks became a striking shade of crimson, he remained silent. Well done.

I felt triumphant and eager to enjoy the remainder of my journey as I stepped off of the aircraft. I couldn’t help but laugh as I entered the terminal. Even though it had been a very difficult trip, common sense and a little amount of karma had ultimately prevailed.

My wife and child were waiting for me, and I could see the joy on their faces. All thoughts of Lia and Dave vanished. All that mattered was that I was home.

Another story: Mark came up with a memorable lesson for his fiancée after she spent their whole wedding money on a pricey gown. Some thought he had gone too far, which horrified him.

Although this work has been dramatized for artistic reasons, it is based on actual individuals and events. To preserve privacy and improve the story, names, characters, and specifics have been altered. Any likeness to real people—living or dead—or real events is entirely accidental and not the author’s intention.

The publisher and author disclaim all liability for any misunderstanding and offer no guarantees on the veracity of events or character portrayals. This tale is presented “as is,” and the opinions stated are those of the characters and do not represent the publisher’s or author’s.