TikTok video of in-flight tuna salad preparation draws millions of views and widespread backlash
Atlanta, GA. (BN24) – A plane passenger preparing tuna salad at 30,000 feet has left social media users stunned — and sparked enough uproar to warrant a cheeky response from the Transportation Security Administration.
The incident, which unfolded on a June 10 flight from Nashville to Atlanta, was captured in a brief but widely shared TikTok video posted by a passenger named Katie. In the nine-second clip, a woman is seen methodically preparing tuna salad on her tray table using silverware, before the camera pans to Katie’s visibly disturbed expression. The video, set to the ROB49 track “WTHELLY,” has racked up over 1.3 million views, with many viewers calling the behavior “offensive” and “grounds for a no-fly list.”
“Tuna lover here: that’s an at-home food,” one commenter wrote, echoing a wave of disgusted reactions. Another simply declared: “Federal offense.” Some even joked the act deserved placement on a “no fly list.”
Speaking exclusively to People, Katie recalled the moment. “She pulled out her stuff and asked the flight attendant for silverware,” she said. “They told her they didn’t have any, so she put it all away, and I thought, ‘Thank God, that could’ve been wild.’” But minutes later, the passenger apparently obtained utensils elsewhere and proceeded to mix and eat the tuna salad — an act that reportedly took her 45 minutes.
“I was just thinking my friends aren’t going to believe this,” Katie said. “I got upgraded to comfort class and was so excited — then this happened.” Despite her visible discomfort, Katie added that she understood the woman’s possible dietary motivations. “I love tuna,” she said. “If you’ve ever dieted as a woman, you know it’s a solid protein with low calories.”
The viral moment even caught the attention of the TSA, which reposted the video to its official Instagram account on June 30 with a pun-filled caption. “Tuna be or not tuna be… Making tuna salad at 30,000 feet? That’s a reel bold move,” the post read. “Sure, your salad might be off the hook, but your seatmate’s face says, ‘I’m not reely loving this.’” The TSA ultimately confirmed that tuna salad is permitted on flights but gently advised travelers to consider their seatmates before diving into pungent snacks.
“Feel like a fish out of water?” the post continued. “Drop a line to AskTSA and they’ll tackle your travel questions, hook, line, and sinker.”
Though Katie’s video was meant to be shared with close friends and family, the unexpected viral fame brought a wave of humor — and divisiveness — over what is, essentially, a very fragrant inflight meal.
While there’s no official rule banning tuna at cruising altitude, many frequent flyers now agree: just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
people.com
