I don’t want to kink shame, but am I the only one who doesn’t have the sudden urge to urinate on a fellow airline passenger when I have a bit too much to drink?
In this post:
Air India passenger pees on man in front of him
This incident happened today (April 9, 2025), on Air India flight AI2336 from Delhi (DEL) to Bangkok (BKK), operated by an Airbus A320neo with the registration code VT-RTS. We have all the details of what happened, thanks to a crew incident report shared by Republic. According to the report:
- An Indian national seated in seat 2D (an aisle seat in business class) urinated on a Japanese national seated in 1D (who was sleeping at the time), immediately in front of him
- The crew quickly helped to offer wet towels to the man who was peed on, and he then changed his clothes
- The person seated across from the guy who was urinated on was upset with the man who was urinating, and demanded that the crew remove him from business class, because he didn’t feel comfortable being around him
- The man who was urinating became apologetic when the man who was urinated on emerged from the lavatory
- The crew asked if the man wanted to file a formal complaint, but he said he didn’t want to waste his time on the matter; the captain and authorities were still informed of the situation
- The man who was urinating felt guilty and was given a verbal warning, and he ultimately moved to a seat in economy
- All business class passengers were asked whether they wanted to file a complaint, but they all decided not to, at least at the time
Air India issued the following statement in regards to this incident:
“The crew followed all laid down procedures, and the matter has been reported to the authorities. In addition to warning the unruly passenger, our crew offered to assist an aggrieved passenger to take up a grievance with authorities in Bangkok, which was declined at the time. The standing Independent Committee will be convened to assess the incident and determine the action, if any, to be taken against the unruly passenger. Air India continues to follow the SOPs as laid out by DGCA in such matters.”
While that was the initial story, there’s an additional update. The man has ultimately filed a formal complaint with the airline, stating that he didn’t want to do so at the airport, because he was on a tight schedule. He questioned how a visibly intoxicated person was allowed to board the flight, and the lapse in pre-boarding screening and in-flight supervision.
The complaint reportedly includes four requests:
- Action being taken against the person responsible for the act
- A formal written apology from Air India
- Assurance and clarity on measures to prevent such incidents in the future
- Appropriate compensation for the distress, inconvenience, and humiliation, caused
The complaint also threatened escalation through diplomatic and legal channels, including the Japanese Embassy, international aviation regulators, and more, if the airline didn’t handle this properly.
I don’t understand how these incidents happen?
What’s kind of wild is that this isn’t even the first time that such an incident has happened on Air India. In early 2023, Air India made global headlines, when a man in business class urinated on his seat mate (a woman in her 70s) on a flight from New York to Delhi. As is the case here, he was reportedly intoxicated.
The questions being asked are right — are the gate agents and crews not monitoring alcohol consumption and intoxication? It’s interesting how both incidents are in business class, so one wonders if they’re just less strict in premium cabins, or what. Admittedly people metabolize alcohol differently, but still.
Second, I just don’t understand the logistics and intent here:
- Like, how do you pee on the person in front of you? Did he stand up, walk up to him, take his thing out, and start peeing, or how exactly does that work?
- Even if one is drunk, what’s the psychology of wanting to pee on others, unless it’s some sort of a kink?
I have so many questions…
Bottom line
An Air India business class passenger on a Delhi to Bangkok flight was urinated on by the man seated behind him. The man was reportedly intoxicated, and was ultimately moved to economy. While the passenger didn’t initially want to file a complaint, he ended up submitting one after the fact, and is demanding the airline take action.
What do you make of this pee-gate 2.0 saga?
Oh great, and there’s me having just booked a 1.5hr domestic flight on AI in business class next year!
How do we know that 'alcohol' is involved? This 'cause' is promoted in the posting.
I don't think you should be making fun of Air India.
You don't make fun of the Air France flight that diverted to Anchorage Alaska.
I'd call that Racism.
Ben you are always good and providing the information, for which you did, but your readers like to comment racist jokes.
I'm sure all the branding efforts will make a huge difference when this is the regular type of thing that happens when flying with them. Like I said it's like polishing turd. Notice this never happens on any other airline including Vistara which has been merged in to Air India.
(also cue the swivel-eyed BJP fascist loons outraged at the truth in this comment)
It's bizarre to me. I understand being a sloppy version of your self when drunk, or not being in full control, but making the decision to go urinate on another passenger, which action requires SOME effort, is absolutely bizarre. Must be a kink being surfaced by extreme intoxication...
In India public urination and defecation are quite commonplace. I’ve even seen Indians bathing under a cow as it was urinating, claiming it was good for one’s health.
Combine that with the fact that in many places alcohol is difficult to come by (e.g., Gujurat). So when some Indians get access to alcohol they go overboard, and the next thing you know, their junk is out and they’re peeing everywhere.
I think anything related to air travel, regardless what airline and which air space, can be reported here for information. Even though we are not familiar with the culture, it is interesting to hear such stories. And I concurred with what Ben raised, how could a passenger pee on another passenger in front of him unless he stand up, walk next to him and pee on him. Even the case to the seat mate, how could this happen? I hope Ben can describe more vividly.
If one in 1 million people have a peeing on strangers kink, that means there is over 1400 people in India with that kink.
The famous "Golden Shower" service offered by AI in Maharaj class! Part of the Luxury experience.
I can only wonder what Long Haul First has on offer!
They should offer this on their Moscow flights. A certain US president might find that... titillating.
Nothing like Russian hooker urine to properly seal the deal selling the USA to the Russians.
ROFLMAO... Good one Barb... Good one :-)
The incident report is interesting.
Why would the operating crew NOT offer a lounge access pass to the Japanese passenger for immediate use on landing in BKK ? Whilst the Japanese passenger was lucky enough to have a complete change of dry clothes with him to change into, the *very* first thing I would immediately want to have upon landing is ... a shower.
Often, 'arrival lounge' privilege's are non-existent at many destinations. As a...
The incident report is interesting.
Why would the operating crew NOT offer a lounge access pass to the Japanese passenger for immediate use on landing in BKK ? Whilst the Japanese passenger was lucky enough to have a complete change of dry clothes with him to change into, the *very* first thing I would immediately want to have upon landing is ... a shower.
Often, 'arrival lounge' privilege's are non-existent at many destinations. As a pure, common courtesy, a lounge pass *should* have been automatically issued by the crew, in my view.
BKK and many airports around the world separate arrival and departure passengers. Hence why 'arrival lounge' privilege's are non-existent at many destinations.
Thank you .. and fully recognize that, Eskimo.
However, in *exceptional* circumstances (where someone has been pee'd upon (which presents its own finite health and safety issues). the Japanese passenger was directly connecting to another flight on arrival - if you read the article closely.
Air- India - NEVER
All kidding aside (and they're golden)
a friend of a friend who is a very well mannered stable non party, non drunk kind of guy committed this exact act on a plane. He had flying anxiety and the doctor put him on new meds. Well those meds made him kind of crazy. At the end of the flight he started to become aware of what happened and was so embarrassed.
I myself can attest...
All kidding aside (and they're golden)
a friend of a friend who is a very well mannered stable non party, non drunk kind of guy committed this exact act on a plane. He had flying anxiety and the doctor put him on new meds. Well those meds made him kind of crazy. At the end of the flight he started to become aware of what happened and was so embarrassed.
I myself can attest to the power of meds. There was a time I had sleep deprivation where I slept at most 3 hours /night over 6 weeks due to back issues. The doctor gave me some muscle relaxers (I had back pain that ultimately was caused by a tumor). Well that drug worked well and I slept. But it messed with me and in the middle of the night I was convinced that I heard someone in my room. Worse, I was convinced I was in a hotel room in Paris. I was freaking out because I thought someone was in my room looking to kill me. And then I said to myself "idiot, he probably can't understand English" so I started threatening my empty bedroom in French. Then I passed out and when I woke up I thought "what da hell happened last night"
“I’ll have what she’s having”
Our tried and true advice - Never try ambien for the first time on a plane. Or any other sleeping med or anxiolytic in an unfamiliar location. Find out how you react at home first!
I hope they give the victim repeerations.
They prefer heavier games PP Party sort
Air India may want to consider umbrellas in their amenities kit.
I'd be pis$ed
OMG the comments are hysterical ! thanks everyone for a much needed giggle !
Urine has a very "Special Place" in Indian Culture. Cow urine (Gao Mutar) is sprayed on Indian sweets,Foods and Drank before stores start selling their products. It is also sold in Bottles in India.
Great Idea, Air India could make a Fortune if they Market the Human Urine the Right way by having Donation Type Bottles being passed around!
It’s time to introduce terms such as “the pee-er” and “the peed” for a friendly reading
LOL ! good idea !
Wow, the racist comments from bigots…
Ben, considering that posters are notified that you must approve most comments before they’re posted, this section is not a good look for you.
@ Disappointed -- Most comments don't have to be manually approved, and are posted automatically. One comment has been reported, and that has been deleted and dealt with. I'm not on my computer all the time to moderate comments, so sometimes it takes me some time. If you see a comment you have an issue with, please report it.
@Ben Yes, I am sure people do report inappropriate or offensive comments to you but is it really dealt with properly? It seems that you may ignore them more often than not as those shameful comments are still up there even after the fact. I get that you are busy but even after days or more than a week it is still not handled. Would it be possible to also be allowed a message box...
@Ben Yes, I am sure people do report inappropriate or offensive comments to you but is it really dealt with properly? It seems that you may ignore them more often than not as those shameful comments are still up there even after the fact. I get that you are busy but even after days or more than a week it is still not handled. Would it be possible to also be allowed a message box to give you reasons as to why they are they are inappropriate or offensive. Thank you Ben, the best travel blogger ever.
Hi Ben,
Love the blog. But there are too many racist comments here. Where is the report button?
Eskimoo is on fire today. Look at how many times she's responding. I guess the subject of pee is highly stimulating and titillating to her? Hey, whatever floats your boat. gurl...
Ahh the secret alter ego.
Did I steal your MOJO, or should I say your pee?
When people need to pee they go to you John.
Is that why you're jealous? I'm taking pee gate away from John.
Do you also have another alter ego account by the name loo or potty or lavatory?
Or some snowflake would call me out if I share your real name initials, W.C.
More and more airlines are offering in-flight showers lately it seems.
Lol..... 'golden' ones at that ! Emirates better step up its game !!
@Rochester
ROFL :-) :-)
Thanks for the laugh.
If I remember correctly the last time I flew Air India business class, one of the bundled options you could chose (if you wanted to pay extra) was the ability to urinate on any customer in your class of service. In this case, doing it in business class was ok, but the customer could not choose someone in economy.
Can't speak to this exact incident but a gate agent has what 2 seconds to observe an individual when boarding. Sometimes they get lucky before boarding and see someone in the gate area acting strange. But is that two second enough to make an evaluation? Do you want gate agents pulling people off that might just be tired or feeling run down? There's no easy answer.
TSA might be better equipped but many people...
Can't speak to this exact incident but a gate agent has what 2 seconds to observe an individual when boarding. Sometimes they get lucky before boarding and see someone in the gate area acting strange. But is that two second enough to make an evaluation? Do you want gate agents pulling people off that might just be tired or feeling run down? There's no easy answer.
TSA might be better equipped but many people get drunk afterward entering the sterile area. The answer would be a two drink minimum but good luck with that one.
Disgusting airline - disgusting people - you deserve what you get flying that abomination
What ARE you thinking, publishing this without redacting names? One of the stupidest mistakes you’ve made over the years.
Check my comments. I’ve seen stupid things but this …what if someone releases Ben’s personal details on another blog considering the number of airlines he’s flown.
You and Air India are breaching privacy and GDPR ( as they operate in Europe ) by publishing an internal document without redacting names.
He could have Alzheimer’s
Stop being center of the world snowflake.
News are even reporting who is Mr. TYIRE.
Twat.
The only way Ben was made aware of this was that someone in Air India contacted him and forwards him an internal confidential document. Whatever happened, it’s entirely inappropriate to do this and publish the names. The alleged assailant now has the right to take legal action against Air India for this infraction.
Moreover that person can easily be traced by Air India given the limited number of people who have access to these documents....
The only way Ben was made aware of this was that someone in Air India contacted him and forwards him an internal confidential document. Whatever happened, it’s entirely inappropriate to do this and publish the names. The alleged assailant now has the right to take legal action against Air India for this infraction.
Moreover that person can easily be traced by Air India given the limited number of people who have access to these documents. They will also be able to verify who any emails were forwarded to.
You just typed paragraphs of snowflake idea of 'reality'.
And that's why you're a snowflake.
Icarus is back with this hypocrisy and anti-American eugenics.
I was pointing out the legality and breach of GDPR posting an internal document which has clearly been passed to Ben illegally, and he apparently has no qualms about publishing it.
Anyhow, I have many relatives in the US and did visit frequently, however that country has unfortunately lost all respect thanks to a bunch of fascist psychopaths and their followers running it. That’s not just my opinion. Read the room as they say.
The locals were thinking the same thing about Europeans.
Now they are confined to tribal lands.
Wait till Asians put you in a reservation.
The funniest part of this is Mr. Hiroshi turning into Mr. Hiroshima midway through the official report.
@Lucky you’ve never tried even in the shower?
You'd go 'nuclear' too, if you were involuntarily peed upon ! ..lol
Air India, the stain of Star Alliance.
Why on earth would any of us care about this? I stopped going to viewfromthewing largely because there was too much nonsense and specifically non-stop peeing articles. Plus you don't need to give your readers any extra reason to be racist.
"Plus you don't need to give your readers any extra reason to be racist."
This is like SFPD refusing to release video footage of crimes in order not to exacerbate racial bias lol
Indians have to be one of the least civilized in the world. This is just pathetic. The passenger should have been banned by all Indian airlines. This is beyond embarrassing but not surprised.
#Ole, what mind-boggling ignorance! I am surprised you can read and write. Just because one cretin did something stupid is no reason to condemn one of the world's oldest and most accomplished civilizations. When did your ancestors emerge from the caves? And, no, despite my handle, I am not Indian.
Dude ... don't judge a billion people by 1 person, you don't want all US people could be judged by the world because of the felon your country elected as president ...
@Felix and @Indopithecus as one of those 1.4B that grace this world, I can attest to that statement to be a fact. I am not saying all of us but a majority (if not vast), are uncivilized and it has nothing to do with education/money/status. I have seen Indians behaving like that in India, US and all of my travels worldwide.
Maybe that passenger onboard VT-RTS saw VT-CIE passing by on the ground and have been inspired to "visualise yourself peeing on a Japanese squat toilet or bidets or something of that kind! ;)" by peeing on a Japanese man.
Very unfortunate for Mr. Hiroshi.
People who've ever been to India, not the westernized part, will understand you don't need the Proximanova bullying you to visualize.
They will literally pee anywhere.
….. and anyone who tries to tell you that a pee is a vegetable is a lier, ask Eskimo, because of his age he will tell you that it is a relief.
Cmon, do better than that AeroB13a Dunn.
Interesting to see Air India competing against Emirates F for in flight showers.
In all seriousness, who in their right mind urinates on someone else. Even tribal members in the most remote island wouldn’t do such a thing (maybe take a shower in cow urine but that’s different).
At the same time, I also feel somewhat bad for Air India. They have been trying to get themselves together and re-brand, but stuff like this happens.
The only thing you can top EK is with gold.
So golden shower it is.
The crew may have followed the SOP, but why did they not take the basic decision to have the urinating man arrested upon arrival. I find the à la carte menu they offered to the urinated man a bit bizarre, and also put additional pressure on him to make a decision.
I would understand if a drunkard pees himself, but if you decide to pee on somebody else you have serious issues. Why does this only happen on Air India Business Class?!
You should try their new product tho. I was reasonably impressed by their short haul international biz just last week. Laurent Perrier and 4 meal choices. And a lovely crew.
Regarding your remark about intoxicated boarding: in my experience you can get...
I would understand if a drunkard pees himself, but if you decide to pee on somebody else you have serious issues. Why does this only happen on Air India Business Class?!
You should try their new product tho. I was reasonably impressed by their short haul international biz just last week. Laurent Perrier and 4 meal choices. And a lovely crew.
Regarding your remark about intoxicated boarding: in my experience you can get away with a lot as long as you are respectful to everybody. Having lounge access in my early twenties lead to a few pre-gaming rounds in airports to fly to another city and go out there that night. Nobody ever said a thing. Albeit a United crew once gave me a very stern talking once before a long-haul. That was my first time lounge hopping at Heathrow ;)
With regards to pee-ing on planes (outside lavatory, that is), it certainly is not restricted to Air India business. A quick google search shows incidents on Delta / United / American airlines - All 3 within the last year. They weren't covered by this blog though.
Maybe what’s not being "covered" is hypocrisy then.
Just maybe. And just thoughts.
"Drip. Drip. Drip."
Just another watered down travel story?
"Only thing will make my life complete
Is when I turn your face into a toilet seat"
Ben, with respect, I don’t believe this type of content is befitting of your dignified blog. It’s irrelevant to the nature of travel with miles and points, and it doesn’t involve an American airline, airspace, or passengers. This incident is something that happened in some other part of the world to some people whose cultures are unfamiliar to us. Yeah the peeing is strange but we don’t have any insight to contribute.
I’d prefer if...
Ben, with respect, I don’t believe this type of content is befitting of your dignified blog. It’s irrelevant to the nature of travel with miles and points, and it doesn’t involve an American airline, airspace, or passengers. This incident is something that happened in some other part of the world to some people whose cultures are unfamiliar to us. Yeah the peeing is strange but we don’t have any insight to contribute.
I’d prefer if this content were limited to View From The Wing, the trash rag penned by a micro-penised baiter of bigots. As the commenter UA-NYC has noted, despite the vitriol we may face in the comments section of One Mile at a Time, overt bigotry is absent.
One has to agree with you DP, it really is a p1** poor subject for those with a delicate disposition to digest.
Feel free to leave and never return.
Nothing wrong with my disposition Esk, if one can ‘stomach’ you then one can tolerate anything old bean.
At least Davis Polk never returned.
OMAAT was never a website exclusively convering America-related aviation news. It just seems like you're not happy with this article because this could give a negative impression of India.
This is Ben's blog and he can write about whatever he wants. I for one appreciate knowing what's going on in the world of air travel, as crazy as it may be.
I'm also not sure if the content belongs here, but as a non-American who reads this blog regularly, I don't understand why Ben's blog posts must involve an American airline, airspace, or passengers? Sure, Ben is American (and German, too?) and writes from an American perspective, but I do not recall ever seeing this blog is only for American content.
"and it doesn’t involve an American airline, airspace, or passengers"
This may surprise you Davis but many of the readers of this blog live in countries that aren't America and are therefore interested in events that happen outside of America. I know that this is a revelation to some Americans who believe that America is the centre of the universe. I also think it's fair to say that peeing on strangers is not acceptable in any culture.
More than a revelation - it's inconceivable.
I asked 4 final candidates for a senior financial analysis job in America at a company which does export, a question which included estimating the population of Canada.
Answers were 1, 1, 150, 200 million !
What was 2D’s excuse? The only Biz Class lav was occupied? Couldn’t have asked for an empty bottle if absolutely urgent?
Wells Fargo probably have some clients in Bangkok too.