By Soo KimShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA video showing a plane passenger stretching her legs up towards the ceiling during a long-haul flight has gone viral on TikTok, sparking debate about the discomfort many passengers face in economy class.
The clip was shared by McKailey Fast (@mckaileyfast), a 29-year-old Classical Pilates teacher in San Diego, California who owns a health coaching business. The clip has amassed 11 million views since it was posted on October 7.
In the video, Fast sits in her seat with both legs extended vertically against the wall above the window. Text overlaid on the video reads: “When 10+ hours in economy starts to feel like 10+ hours in economy.” Her caption adds: “Give me your hacks? my tailbone can’t take this.”
Fast told Newsweek that the video was filmed during a 12-hour flight from Paris, France to California in September. She said she lifted her legs “for a brief moment to stretch my legs and assist with lymphatic drainage as my tailbone was hurting me quite badly,” noting she did not have compression socks with her. She emphasized that she was sitting next to her husband and not disturbing another passenger, despite assumptions in the comments from other TikTok users. The stretch, she added, offered temporary relief from her discomfort.
Loading tiktok content...
The Pilates teacher said some viewers disapproved of her posture, but she wasn’t the only person on the flight to stretch this way. Fast told Newsweek: “The flight attendant actually noted it looked like a great idea. On other long-haul, flights I’ve actually seen others in similar positions. No one around me was bothered.”
Fast’s viral moment highlights the physical challenges of long-haul travel. A January 2019 study published in the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics found that the increasing size and changing proportions of passengers should be considered in the design of economy-class seating.
The study recommended increasing seat pitch, legroom, and seat width, and suggested that international regulations should establish minimum standards.
'How Did They Not Yell at You?'
The viral video triggered a wave of responses from viewers on TikTok, ranging from humorous to critical.
Daniel Garcia labeled the pose, “The lymphatic drainage seating position,” while user @zaina4eva24 questioned, “how did they not yell at you?”
Débora Melo joked about concerns over foot odor, saying: “I know other people want to say something about the foot smell.”
User mtngrldani highlighted the struggles of taller travelers, saying: “Try being 6’2” in this situation. it’s literal hell. i pray one day i can casually afford business/ first class for all flights.”
Others expressed confusion over the criticism, such as Kori who said: “Am I the only one who sees no problem with this???”
User @iinoemistar_0 defended Fast’s choice, pointing out: “Yall are unhappy that she's doing this in her own area, she payed for the seat and she's doing it in the seating area so I don't get the problem? And also I don't think it's much of a big deal to see somebody's feet just up in the air with SOCKS on...”
Despite the backlash from some viewers, Fast said the viral clip ended up being helpful, as many commenters offered useful suggestions. She said she received recommendations for tailbone pillows and purchased one ahead of a recent 17-hour flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia. According to Fast, the pillow “made a huge difference in comfort.”
...Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via [email protected], and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
TravelSuspect Held in Killing of American in Tobago3 min read
TravelCoffee Lover Boards Plane—No One Prepared for What He’s About To Do3 min read
TravelAmerican Out for Dinner in England When Realization About US Hits: ‘Fear’4 min read
TravelFlight Diverted in Texas for Hours—Passengers Not Prepared for What Arrives3 min read
NewsHow 2025 Thanksgiving Gas Prices Compare to 20244 min read
HealthHow a Winter Spa Visit Can Boost Your Cold Weather Wellness9 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
NewsTrump’s Reported Plan to Hand Russia Ukrainian Territories Sparks Outrage2 min read
NewsUncommon Knowledge: On Black Friday, Payday Lenders Are Now Armed With AI5 min read
NewsMap Shows Where Significant Snow Will Disrupt Post-Thanksgiving Travel3 min read
NewsTrump Announces Halt On Migration From ‘All Third World Countries’3 min read
NewsZelensky’s Chief of Staff Resigns After Anti-Corruption Raid4 min read
NewsTrump Admin ‘Looking at’ Deporting Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s Family4 min readTrending
New York8 Million Inflation Refund Checks Sent Out Ahead of Thanksgiving4 min read
WalmartWalmart Recall Update: Customers Warned ‘Immediately Stop’ Using Products4 min read
CatholicPope Leo Updates Marriage Rules for 1.4 Billion Catholics3 min read
WeatherWinter Storm Map Shows Where Up to 12 Inches of Snow Could Strike3 min readWeatherMap Shows Where Significant Snow Will Disrupt Post-Thanksgiving Travel3 min readOpinion
OpinionRedefining Professional Degrees Will Hurt Everyday Americans | Opinion5 min read
OpinionAI Is Coming for Our Most Intimate Communications. Congress Must Act | Opinion5 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: The Thanksgiving Tragedies Edition3 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: The Anti-Thanksgiving Edition3 min read
OpinionHow to Remain Grounded and Thankful Amid the Chaos5 min read
