Flying in the U.S. has gotten significantly more expensive over the past year.
According to data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), airline fares increased 22.4% between September 2025 and September 2026.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) now estimates an average of $445 per domestic fare. In the third quarter of 2025, that number was $381, just for comparison.
Keeping this in mind, it’s natural that passengers want to keep costs as low as possible. One of the first perks to go would be checked bags, which often cost passengers an extra $50 each way.
Even with the most basic fares, passengers usually get a free personal item they can bring with them on the plane.
One United Airlines passenger, however, has a complaint about how much space she was actually given to store hers. According to her, the space the airline offered her just wasn’t enough.
What was wrong with this United flight?
In a TikTok post with over 299,800 views, creator Arden (@the_forest_of_arden) showed a backpack sitting in front of her seat.
“Dear @UnitedAirlines, I am happy to put my backpack under the seat, but please maybe don’t block most of the space with a box,” she wrote over the photo. “I am aware it’s probably life vests, but maybe this is something to work on???”
She added another unfavorable detail in the video’s title.
“I’m already in the middle seat. Why are you making my life worse?” Arden wrote.
Arden added in the caption that her bag may have been large, but should have fit. “For context: yes this is a large backpack, but I had a window seat on on my flight 2 days ago with this and it fit just fine.”
Why wouldn’t her backpack fit under the United Airlines seat?
The airline currently lists the maximum personal item size as 9 inches by 10 inches by 17 inches. One would be within their right to assume that because their personal item fits those specifications, it would also fit under the seat in front of them.
If your bag doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you, tell a flight attendant. They’ll likely find a solution, since an unstowed bag may not comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines.
Has the flight experience gotten worse?
In the comments, other travelers said they’ve noticed the space under airplane seats getting tighter, too. Others said the quality of service is poorer in general.
“I used to be able to fit a full duffel bag under these seats,” one commenter wrote. “Now I’m lucky if my purse fits, plus we’re squeezed in so tightly I need that space under the seat in front of me for my feet.”
Another viewer had a theory about what it could be.
“It’s the new entertainment system equipment. It’s always under the middle seat (insult meet injury lol),” they wrote. “If you feel uncomfortable placing your second item up, show the flight attendant and say something like ‘hi I’m sorry but I tried to put this under the seat but I can’t get it to fit with the equipment under there’ and they’ll tell you to put it up in front of everyone else so it isn’t awkward for you lol.”
Arden explained that wasn’t so simple.
“See i had the basic ticket type where they only allow a ‘personal item’ and no carry-on for overhead,” she replied. “Also the overhead bins were full and they were making everyone check their bags lol.”
Others said flying has become much less enjoyable overall.
“I’m a firm believer that flying is no longer fun,” one commenter wrote. “I’m miserable every time I’m on a plane. Bring back better accommodations and experiences!!!!”
“It’s such a chore now,” Arden agreed.
Subplot News has reached out to United Airlines via email and Arden via direct messages for comment.
