Passenger’s mid-flight stomach emergency forces messy plane scene
- Replies 0
Air travel can already feel like a juggling act of schedules, security checks, and cramped seats—but throw in a sudden stomach disaster at 30,000 feet, and the whole trip can quickly turn into a story you’ll never forget.
For one passenger, what started as a routine journey ended in embarrassment, a canceled flight, and millions watching her ordeal unfold online.
The incident left fellow travelers stranded, cleaning crews scrambling, and the airline facing an unexpected mess to handle.
As videos and eyewitness accounts spread, the story sparked a wave of sympathy, curiosity, and travel horror stories from people around the world.
If you’ve ever worried about getting sick mid-flight, this real-life account may give you pause—and a few travel tips to tuck away for next time.
Meghan Reinertsen, a frequent flyer and self-described “not a monster,” was flying home from Portugal to the US for a film premiere.
The night before, she had eaten a hamburger that didn’t quite agree with her.
By the time she boarded her connecting flight out of Indianapolis, her stomach was making it clear that something was very wrong.
“I single-handedly got a flight out of Indianapolis cancelled,” she admitted on social media, where her story has now been viewed more than 20 million times.
“If that flight cancellation changed the trajectory of your life in a really negative way, I’m so sorry. But it wasn’t without pain and suffering.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, food poisoning is rarely life-threatening, but the symptoms—nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—can be physically draining and incredibly uncomfortable, especially in a confined airplane cabin.
Meghan said the stomach cramps hit hard, leaving her sweaty, crying, and desperate to make it to the lavatory before disaster struck.
She did make it—but the relief was temporary.
“For the next 20 minutes, I have more diarrhea than any human should have in their life,” she recalled.
Vomiting soon followed, and flight attendants rushed to assist her.
Unfortunately, the bathroom was put out of service, and the aircraft’s next scheduled flight had to be canceled so a hazmat team could thoroughly clean and disinfect the area.
While Meghan’s case was extreme, she’s not alone.
Other flights have made news for similar reasons.
One Etihad Airways passenger had to be removed in a wheelchair after a “smelly” in-flight meal triggered severe vomiting. In another case, a Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam was diverted to New York after multiple passengers fell ill from spoiled food.
Airlines prepare for many kinds of emergencies, but large-scale gastrointestinal events create unique challenges.
When a passenger becomes what Meghan jokingly called a “biohazard,” it means delays, diversions, and major inconvenience for everyone on board.
Source: TikTok / @meghanreinertsen
If an illness is severe enough to contaminate a cabin or lavatory, the affected area is sealed off and the plane taken out of service for hazmat cleaning.
This step is not only about passenger comfort—it’s about public health, especially when dealing with international travel.
Meghan was eventually wheeled off the plane, spent time recovering at baggage claim, and endured another round of illness in her hotel room.
“They canceled that flight because of me,” she said.
“The hazmat team had to come in and clean it, because they didn’t know if I’d brought a disease back from Portugal. I am a biohazard. I am patient zero.”
While Meghan’s ordeal is memorable, it’s also a useful reminder that travel can take a toll on our bodies—especially for older adults.
Here are a few ways to help protect yourself before your next trip:
Meghan’s decision to share her story with humor helped turn an uncomfortable situation into a relatable moment for travelers everywhere.
Her honesty shows that even the worst travel mishaps can eventually become stories worth sharing.
We’ve all had moments that didn’t go as planned—and sometimes the best thing you can do is prepare, take care of yourself, and laugh about it later.
Read next: Flight attendants' secret greeting strategy unveiled—find out why they never miss saying "hello"
Have you ever experienced a travel mishap that still makes you cringe—or laugh—today? What’s your go-to tip for staying healthy on long flights? Let us know in the comments below!
For one passenger, what started as a routine journey ended in embarrassment, a canceled flight, and millions watching her ordeal unfold online.
The incident left fellow travelers stranded, cleaning crews scrambling, and the airline facing an unexpected mess to handle.
As videos and eyewitness accounts spread, the story sparked a wave of sympathy, curiosity, and travel horror stories from people around the world.
If you’ve ever worried about getting sick mid-flight, this real-life account may give you pause—and a few travel tips to tuck away for next time.
A flight delay no one saw coming left passengers with a story they won’t soon forget. Image Source: Pexels / Raf Jabri.
A flight to remember (for all the wrong reasons)
Meghan Reinertsen, a frequent flyer and self-described “not a monster,” was flying home from Portugal to the US for a film premiere.
The night before, she had eaten a hamburger that didn’t quite agree with her.
By the time she boarded her connecting flight out of Indianapolis, her stomach was making it clear that something was very wrong.
“I single-handedly got a flight out of Indianapolis cancelled,” she admitted on social media, where her story has now been viewed more than 20 million times.
“If that flight cancellation changed the trajectory of your life in a really negative way, I’m so sorry. But it wasn’t without pain and suffering.”
Also read: Mid-flight chaos: Couple arrested after disturbing behavior on Florida-bound flight
When food poisoning strikes mid-air
According to the Cleveland Clinic, food poisoning is rarely life-threatening, but the symptoms—nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—can be physically draining and incredibly uncomfortable, especially in a confined airplane cabin.
Meghan said the stomach cramps hit hard, leaving her sweaty, crying, and desperate to make it to the lavatory before disaster struck.
She did make it—but the relief was temporary.
“For the next 20 minutes, I have more diarrhea than any human should have in their life,” she recalled.
Vomiting soon followed, and flight attendants rushed to assist her.
Unfortunately, the bathroom was put out of service, and the aircraft’s next scheduled flight had to be canceled so a hazmat team could thoroughly clean and disinfect the area.
Also read: Grandma’s quick action helps avert disaster mid-flight
Not the only one: When airborne illness makes headlines
While Meghan’s case was extreme, she’s not alone.
Other flights have made news for similar reasons.
One Etihad Airways passenger had to be removed in a wheelchair after a “smelly” in-flight meal triggered severe vomiting. In another case, a Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam was diverted to New York after multiple passengers fell ill from spoiled food.
Airlines prepare for many kinds of emergencies, but large-scale gastrointestinal events create unique challenges.
When a passenger becomes what Meghan jokingly called a “biohazard,” it means delays, diversions, and major inconvenience for everyone on board.
Source: TikTok / @meghanreinertsen
Also read: Why did a Tokyo-to-Houston flight make an emergency stop in Seattle? It wasn’t turbulence!
What happens when a plane becomes a biohazard
If an illness is severe enough to contaminate a cabin or lavatory, the affected area is sealed off and the plane taken out of service for hazmat cleaning.
This step is not only about passenger comfort—it’s about public health, especially when dealing with international travel.
Meghan was eventually wheeled off the plane, spent time recovering at baggage claim, and endured another round of illness in her hotel room.
“They canceled that flight because of me,” she said.
“The hazmat team had to come in and clean it, because they didn’t know if I’d brought a disease back from Portugal. I am a biohazard. I am patient zero.”
A sudden stomachache can turn any trip into an unexpected challenge. Image Source: Pexels / cottonbro studio.
Also read: Stunned passengers watch crew wrestle first-class passenger in mid-flight meltdown
How to avoid a travel tummy disaster
While Meghan’s ordeal is memorable, it’s also a useful reminder that travel can take a toll on our bodies—especially for older adults.
Here are a few ways to help protect yourself before your next trip:
- Choose safe meals before flying. In the 24 hours before boarding, stick to well-cooked foods and avoid raw meat, unpasteurized dairy, or anything that looks questionable.
- Hydrate wisely. Drink enough water to stay healthy but avoid overhydrating right before takeoff to reduce unnecessary trips to the lavatory.
- Carry a small travel health kit. Include anti-diarrheal medicine, ginger chews, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
- Alert the crew early. If you feel unwell, let flight attendants know immediately—they can help you get to a restroom quickly or offer supplies.
- Consider travel insurance. It can cover last-minute changes or medical costs if illness strikes while away from home.
Meghan’s decision to share her story with humor helped turn an uncomfortable situation into a relatable moment for travelers everywhere.
Her honesty shows that even the worst travel mishaps can eventually become stories worth sharing.
We’ve all had moments that didn’t go as planned—and sometimes the best thing you can do is prepare, take care of yourself, and laugh about it later.
Read next: Flight attendants' secret greeting strategy unveiled—find out why they never miss saying "hello"
Have you ever experienced a travel mishap that still makes you cringe—or laugh—today? What’s your go-to tip for staying healthy on long flights? Let us know in the comments below!
