I realize that giving these kinds of people attention is part of the problem, but a few OMAAT readers have now flagged this (thanks to Konrad, Liam, and Jake), so let me share my (perhaps controversial?) take.
In this post:
Traveler “wakes up” shirtless in Emirates business class
An influencer with well over a million followers across social media platforms posted a video of himself flying Emirates business class, seemingly from New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP) on the Emirates Airbus A380.
The video shows him waking up shirtless (and for that matter, there’s no sign of pants either, but I’m assuming that’s just intentional camera angles). After waking up, he goes through is morning routine, with the following commentary:
“Here’s my business class morning routine flying Emirates. Blessed to be waking up horizontal. First I greeted the boys, then I headed to the bathroom to freshen up, outfitted myself, little brush of the pearls, popped on my lenses. I was ready for breakfast. I ordered the crepe and it was unbelievable. It was about an hour left in the flight, tossed on a movie, and enjoyed the rest of the trip. Peace.”
You shouldn’t sleep shirtless on a plane, but…
As you’d expect, the video is getting a ton of comments across platforms, with responses being overwhelmingly negative, and people telling the guy to put a shirt on.
Yes, you absolutely should wear a shirt at all times while on a plane. There are very limited exceptions. One would obviously be if showering in Emirates’ A380 first class, as it’s then perfectly acceptable to take your shirt off. 😉
Beyond that, I’d say there should be no objections to taking off your shirt if you’re flying in a first class suite offering full privacy, like Emirates’ “Game Changer” first class, or Air France’s La Premiere first class. It’s not that I think it’s actually “appropriate” to sleep without a shirt on a plane, but as I see it, if nobody knows about it, then it shouldn’t be anyone else’s concern.
But here’s where my take perhaps gets a bit more controversial. I imagine this guy wasn’t actually sleeping shirtless, but instead, just briefly took his shirt off to film this video, in order to make it more interesting (and it worked!).
So I’ll defend him to this extent — the guy didn’t harm anyone else by doing this, and at least he seems to have a positive vibe, based on the videos I’ve seen. Shortly before the above video, he posted the below video of himself walking into the Emirates Lounge JFK, excited to “demolish their buffet.”
Honestly, we live in an era where so many influencers try to negatively dramatize things, exploit others, or just generally espouse really negative and hateful beliefs. So if this guy wants to be positive and make people laugh or smile, then I hardly find this to be the most offensive thing I’ve seen.
What would offend me more than the actual shirtless part is if he had used any sort of a bright light to film this, since that would’ve certainly been more disruptive to other passengers. So yeah, I’m not trying to say I agree with what this guy did, but I’ve seen a lot worse, and this seems harmless enough…
Bottom line
An influencer posted a video of himself waking up shirtless in Emirates’ A380 business class. As you’d expect, the response was overwhelmingly negative, with most people telling him to put a shirt on.
Yes, you absolutely shouldn’t sleep shirtless on a plane (unless you have a suite where no one would know), but I view this as just being for humor or shock factor, and it’s not like anyone else was harmed in the filming of this. So on the scale of unacceptable influencer “stunts” pulled on planes, I’ll rank this pretty low, and I’d say he’s at least less obnoxious and not as harmful as a certain vlogger sharing his experiences on airlines…
What do you make of this shirtless Emirates business class influencer situation?
Good pic for his Scruff or Sniffies account. ;)
Slop content. Would expect this from the View from the Wing or Live & Let's Fly. Would rather not read any of this slop.
I'm with you. Seems like trashy, click bait fodder that should be beneath this educational site. Lazy route to gain engagement. Live and Let's fly immediately picked up the story though.
Aircraft is a public place unless you have a private plane. A plane is not a beach.
Therefore it is proper to be dressed on a flight. No excuses.
Eh - the airlines give you pajamas too, and you wouldn't typically wear those around. I think a few brief shirtless seconds in his seat for the video isn't harming anyone.
Flight safety is more important than titillating.
It is obvious that there are those who care little about inflight safety and a lot about homosexual titillation.
I’ll allow, with a body like that.
I wish we could un-invent “influencers”. They’re the embodiment of social media brainrot.
Yeah, boomer "road warriors" who fly primarily for the purpose of drinking Diet Coke in outdated "first class" cabins are definitely more beneficial to society.
Have you put on the pjs that they give you in these? They offer zero protection to bruises, cuts, burns. And also the socks and slippers that they offer in business class. I ain’t sleeping with shoes on a lie-flat seat
Where regulations are concerned, from what I gather, airlines use open-ended language like "properly clothed" or "appropriate attire," which opens the dress code to interpretations and unwritten rules being enforced, or not... If he was shirtless while sleeping, I don't think the FAS would have much to say...
Considering the ruckus "influencers" and "flight enthusiasts" may and do onboard, that seemed pretty low-impact...
Btw, it looks like something AI-made...
Agree with the comments about an emergency but would also add that the plane is public space.
Can't believe I'm about to side with an influencer, but I've been in too many HOT lie flat business class cabins. He likely did this for clicks, but honestly I've been so close to doing the same. On some of the flights I'm just uncomfortable, but on a few I've been actively sweating while sleeping. Doesn't matter that I'm on top of the blanket, have changed to breathable shorts and t-shirt, and bring my own...
Can't believe I'm about to side with an influencer, but I've been in too many HOT lie flat business class cabins. He likely did this for clicks, but honestly I've been so close to doing the same. On some of the flights I'm just uncomfortable, but on a few I've been actively sweating while sleeping. Doesn't matter that I'm on top of the blanket, have changed to breathable shorts and t-shirt, and bring my own small USB powered fan. I'm lean, so it's not like I have "extra insulation". I just run hot.
As long as airlines or plane manufacturers refuse to provide personal vents in many business cabins and crews insist on temps in the high 70's, shirtless/sockless/pantsless passengers are a risk. I never understand setting the cabin temp so high. People can ALWAYS put more layers on, while the opposite is not true.
Unsurprising that this is the sort of perverted behaviour on airplanes from people that are citizens of a country that protect Epstein, and criminals in the Epstein files, at all costs.
YA DA YA DA YA DA. BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH.
Be QUIET! What a bunch of nonsensical drivel.
Thanks Kath. You're quite correct. I apologize for the egregious and racist comment I made about the United States of America, but was merely seething was rage when I saw the picture. No harm intended.
it is unprofessional
how airline allowed him to sleep like this
he is lacking basic manners and decent attire
when he travels in business class
Shirtless and brainless..
My first concern in seeing that photo of him shirtless was that he looked like he was wearing an Alice band!
But you're the one posting a picture of it....not cool
Most influencers are twats. I’ve just been down a rabbit hole after being given a link watched one showing off how wealthy she is. I was away recently and a couple was filming in the middle of a busy area blocking people from walking passing. We just walked through as they assumed everyone would wait for them to finish.
Reminds me of the time I was flying long haul business in LOT Polish and struck up a good conversation with a German origin passenger sitting next to me. After having a good night sleep, I wake up and notice that this gentleman had taken off his jeans when he slept off. Thankfully he still had his underpants on while he slept.
Needless to say I didn't engage him during the rest of the journey.
Dang. If he was on my flight and shirtless, I'd grab my blanket and take my pants off and cuddle with him! Woof!!!!
It would only be Instagram-worthy if you were in first. Business class cheapens you.
It's only uncool when it's ugly people! ;)
Nobody needs to be shirtless on an airplane.
However Aaron, far too many can be found sh*t faced on an aeroplane …. :-)
really good point. I'd rather have 10 guys like this nude, and no alcohol (gummies OK) for anyone. Imagine howmuch Saudia saves on wine. Some is spent on food, which I'm told is really good on their longhaul J.
How about we have neither? Why does it have a stupid choice to begin with? One type of stupid behavior doesn’t excuse another type of less stupid behavior.
And alcohol isn’t the problem, it’s people who can’t control themselves when drinking.
What a Total Dumbass. He might as well rebrand to "Mr. Tony Tiny Nipples".
If I had been onboard and had some clamps, I would have been happy to asssit by applying said clamps to his nasty little nippers. That would certainly be a RUDE AWAKENING!
If it's ok for this guy can sleep shirtless, then why does everyone freak out I walk around barefoot in the economy lavatory?
Is that you, RFK, Jr.?
Seems to me he is compensating for something... shall we say... tiny?
You seem to have an obsession with penises, "Dick Cocksmith".
Spend a little time trying to grow up.
Right. Bet he's hung like a squirrel.
I'm just in favour of his content, because abs.
Hey Dick, I get it. You have a large one and you want us all to know. I'm not disputing that as a fact, I'm just observing its importance to you, in dialog with total strangers. And the additional observation (just an observation) that you deliver this important news by belittling another.
I'll take abs over a whopper any day of the week, but You do...
I'm just in favour of his content, because abs.
Hey Dick, I get it. You have a large one and you want us all to know. I'm not disputing that as a fact, I'm just observing its importance to you, in dialog with total strangers. And the additional observation (just an observation) that you deliver this important news by belittling another.
I'll take abs over a whopper any day of the week, but You do You.
People who target others with jokes about small ones are sometimes racist, usually unattractive.
People who complain that others are insufficiently covered are usually less fit than the "insufficiently covered" offender.
It's not easy for a twenty-something to make a career in the "social" internet world. If, like me, you're over 40, we had it easier. Ben will confirm it's not a cakewalk.
Yes, the guy's content is frippery which won't materially make world a better place, but neither will our OMAAT deep-dives into First Class Lounge etiquette and airline IFE.
If you joke wasn't racist at all and was based entirely on his shorts, as seen in the pics, then I hereby apologize 10%.
Had nothing to do with race, and likewise, wasn't racist. Interesting to me how you make the connection right away, maybe projection? (RACIST?) Give me ONE example of what was "racist". Hint.
NOTHING.
Now never mind that, let's move on. None of your long-winded, disanalytical, and irreverent spiel made Any Sense and only serves as a blight on intellectual integrity! DO better!I also found "Whopper" to be interesting (I assume you're not talking...
Had nothing to do with race, and likewise, wasn't racist. Interesting to me how you make the connection right away, maybe projection? (RACIST?) Give me ONE example of what was "racist". Hint.
NOTHING.
Now never mind that, let's move on. None of your long-winded, disanalytical, and irreverent spiel made Any Sense and only serves as a blight on intellectual integrity! DO better!I also found "Whopper" to be interesting (I assume you're not talking about disgusting Wendy's fast "food"?) - you lose put whne you perceve "RACISM" but have,no probably shaming the fatties? Very interesting. Again projection?
Appreictae your input, Nutty Den "Little B" B.
Lol Den B, I usually enjoy your comments, but this one had me checking if it was another person writing.... I imagined he was just making a silly joke
The breakfast crepe was unbelievable? Really?
Unbelievably bad?
Who follows these people and more to the point why? Are young people so devoid of any sense of self actualization they have to live vicariously through some moron going shirtless on a flight?
We all wasted time in our youth. Were you reading classics in your most hormonal years?
Brady Bunch
Leave it to Beaver
...
harmless and nice to look at. bring it on.
He is pretty hot. Just sayin
If I had a body like that I’d be shirtless a lot more than I am. Not on a plane, but in general for sure.
I need to sleep naked on Turkish. It's time you write an article on how HOT they keep their cabins. Honestly I love the airline but I can stand the temperature.
Parnel, if true, you are insane and a flight safety risk.
Your inability to spot sarcasm/humor is concerning.
To whom are you referring BigT?
If it is AeroB13a, then it is you who has failed to understand the “Sarcasm and humour”. Please note the correct spelling of humour, yes?
Honestly after witnessing a middle age European guy changing in and out of his pajama - yes both top and bottom on an EVA Air non-enclosed business class 787 suite on a recent flight, this guy does not offend me at all. At least he is ripped.
Of course with that body, I am certainly more forgiving, but seriously, it is hard for F/A to enforce all kind of rules. it is clear that...
Honestly after witnessing a middle age European guy changing in and out of his pajama - yes both top and bottom on an EVA Air non-enclosed business class 787 suite on a recent flight, this guy does not offend me at all. At least he is ripped.
Of course with that body, I am certainly more forgiving, but seriously, it is hard for F/A to enforce all kind of rules. it is clear that this guy is just doing it briefly for the clicks and I am sure some F/As will say something they notice that he sleeps shirtless. On a dark cabin, I don't think anyone will notice it.
Those "camera angles" are deliberate. Those + shirtless = #thirsttraps
There is a safety issue here for this dude. In the thankfully unlikely event of a fire or evacuation, exposed skin offers zero protection from cuts, burns, etc. This is why I always wear long pants and "real" shoes with socks (no sandals) even if I'm flying somewhere tropical. If he's actually sleeping shirtless, had to be woken up during an emergency, and had to put a shirt on, that's precious time wasted.
And yes,...
There is a safety issue here for this dude. In the thankfully unlikely event of a fire or evacuation, exposed skin offers zero protection from cuts, burns, etc. This is why I always wear long pants and "real" shoes with socks (no sandals) even if I'm flying somewhere tropical. If he's actually sleeping shirtless, had to be woken up during an emergency, and had to put a shirt on, that's precious time wasted.
And yes, it makes a difference that he's nice to look at. It makes the discussion more abstract (should this be permitted/condoned) and less personal (look at that slob).
Finally, one commentator gets it …. Flight Safety!
Only experienced aviators or ex-military personnel appreciate inflight safety regulations.
Guess you haven't seen the OF models getting naked in the first class suites yet.
Would your opinion be different if he wasn't ripped
@ chris w -- Absolutely not. Maybe he was trying to thirst trap, but to me this was about humor, and that doesn't come down to whether someone is "eye candy" or not.
This lmao
A million followers ? but how many neurons ?
@McCaron - a few neurons short of an earthworm segmental ganglion.
'Beyond that, I’d say there should be no objections to taking off your shirt if you’re flying in a first class suite offering full privacy...if nobody knows about it, then it shouldn’t be anyone else’s concern.'
How far would you go? Would you have any objections with someone sleeping fully nude?
@ ChampagneSocialist -- It's a totally fair question, and sometimes it's hard to figure out where to draw the line. My point is to say that personally I don't care what anyone else chooses to do, as long as they're not harming others.
So if someone sleeps in the nude and no one sees them, then it doesn't really matter to me. After all, bedding is washed and changed between each passenger.
That being said,...
@ ChampagneSocialist -- It's a totally fair question, and sometimes it's hard to figure out where to draw the line. My point is to say that personally I don't care what anyone else chooses to do, as long as they're not harming others.
So if someone sleeps in the nude and no one sees them, then it doesn't really matter to me. After all, bedding is washed and changed between each passenger.
That being said, I'd say that probably crosses the line, because there are situations where the crew might have to check on someone, because the seatbelt sign goes on, or whatever.
In most parts of society, a man being shirtless isn't considered offensive, in the sense that you'll see that at a beach or a pool. Meanwhile nudity is viewed differently.
Again, personally I'd never take my shirt off on a plane (other than in a shower), but I'm just respecting the principle of thinking that if you're not harming or inconveniencing others, it doesn't matter.
Simon Wilson who usually sleeps with his shirt off, left his shirt on in The Residence in his latest video! lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RuZ4MBcxiw
Yeah but he’s a scouser.
An idiot followed by a million other idiots. What a surprise.
100000000000000000000000 percent true! Tony.....You seem to be the only sane person here
"unless you have a suite where no one would know" is the correct answer.
Maybe he was just hiding his flat as$, otherwise a nice body jk
That “I” word again …. Influencer, more self seeking numpties looking for website clicks.
Sorry to say this, but Ben is promoting him as well
Pepe, you are of course absolutely correct, however, in Ben’s defence …. his clicks equals points. Points make flights and flights lead to reviews. Most of us really appreciate Ben’s flight reviews and are willing to indulge his promotional activities to enjoy his reviews.
Don't call me Pepe, you creep.
Lepe, you imbecile …. I actually typed in “Lepe”, however, Mr Apple’s AI changed word to Pepe! A very common name in the U.S. one understands.
I did however fail to spot that change, therefore, my mistake Mr Apple’s fault. I hope that my explanation ‘Pepe’s’ you up Leper.