‘Type B’ friend stresses out Spirit Airlines passenger after using trash bag for carry-on. Is it allowed?: ‘Nah this type Z’
There are few things as stressful these days as flying. And it only seems to be getting worse.
From aircraft malfunctions to deranged passengers, air travel has one some level, become synonymous with chaos. So it would make sense for people to do everything they can to make it a smoother experience, right?
Well, not necessarily. Some true agents of anarchy decide to throw caution thoroughly to the wind. One such person is going viral for really, really stressing their friend out with a bit of unhinged flight protocol.
What did she use as a carry-on?
In a video first posted on Feb. 20, which has since accumulated over 3.3 million views, Caitlin Herzog (@caitherzog on TikTok) filmed her friend doing the unfathomable: Using a trash bag as a carry-on.
That’s right: Herzog’s friend was fully and unironically caught in 4K, hauling a pink trash bag—like the kind you’d toss your garbage in—onto her flight. Just a big ol’ plastic bag full of her personal belongings.
The video shows several snapshots of Herzog’s friend, ft. her trash bag, in rapid succession. The whole thing is overlaid with the text, “My type B friend who uses a trash bag instead of a carry on.”
Herzog’s first bit of footage features her friend hastily tying the top of her trash bag, securing it shut as it fits snugly in an overhead compartment on the plane. The second snapshot is a photo of her standing in line at the airport, passport in hand and trash bag in tow. The third is a picture of said trash bag chilling in the backseat of a car. More photos of the friend and her unorthodox carry-on follow.
And, unsurprisingly, people cannot believe their eyes.
‘Capitalism wants you to buy a suitcase’
Viewers borderline rioted in Herzog’s comments section, with many self-identified “type B” folks chiming in. They maintained that this is a step too far for the type B community.
“I’m also type b but this would PMO,” one viewer commented. “Just buy a suitcase at the airport.”
“Girl im type b, i have a [suit] case,” another wrote. “I just pack it the night before but i have one.”
“Must be two different type Bs bc I would never,” a third echoed.
Most people just could not wrap their heads around this level of devil-may-care energy. They couldn’t fathom the chaos.
“Don’t even travel with me I’m so serious,” wrote a viewer.
“The stress I’m feeling watching this as a type A,” commented another.
Then again, other viewers pointed out that maybe Herzog’s friend is playing chess, not checkers. Maybe she’s sticking it to capitalism—or is otherwise an unappreciated visionary.
“I mean…who’s gonna try and steal a trash bag,” a commenter pointed out. “She might be onto something.”
Can you actually use a trash bag as a carry-on?
Herzog’s friend has obviously caused quite a stir thanks to her chaotic travel choice. But is it even allowed to use a trash bag as a carry-on in the first place?
The short answer is: Well, yes, technically, if that trash bag meets the other specifications of carry-on. For example, nearly all airlines have specific size requirements for carry-ons, so as to ensure they can fit in the overhead bins on the plane. If your trash bag fits those size requirements, then theoretically, you should be good.
However, flight personnel can absolutely make one-off calls against allowing your trash bag gimmick to fly—especially if they think it’s in any way unsafe. So if your trash bag isn’t properly secured, or thick enough, or in any way seems like it might result in a major spillage, be prepared to have it turned away.
Moreover, there’s the safety of your items to think about: Is a trash bag the most secure way to secure your personal belongings? Are you using a bag that will definitely stay closed, won’t rip, and won’t result in any other problems? It might be worth investing in an even remotely more robust option—even if that’s a slightly more promising plastic bag.
@caitherzog on occasion will rip open in the aisle
♬ sonido original – Palali Music
All this to say: If you want to be the “type B” friend, that’s absolutely your prerogative. But be prepared for all the chaos that may well ensue.
The Mary Sue has reached out to Herzog via TikTok comment and DM.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
