Vir Das calls out flyer going barefoot mid-meal, internet takes sides
Vir Das sparked an online debate after calling out a flyer for going barefoot and scratching his feet during a flight meal service. While many backed the comedian over hygiene concerns, others felt such incidents should be handled privately instead of online.
Vir Das’ viral post sparks debate on travel etiquette.
New Delhi,UPDATED: May 18, 2026 10:05 IST
Comedian Vir Das triggered a social media debate after sharing a photo of a fellow passenger putting up his barefoot during meal service on a flight. The actor-comedian described the flyer scratching one foot with the other while passengers around him were eating, prompting divided reactions online over travel etiquette and public shaming.
Sharing the incident on X, Vir Das wrote, “Genuine question. You’re eating a meal. Dude next to you does this. Starts scratching one foot with the other. For like ten mins. What are you doing next? This was across from me on the flight. Aisle seat, poor chap tried to look away and concentrate on his meal. You?”
The post included an image showing a passenger’s barefoot resting against the wall near the aircraft window.
INTERNET DIVIDED OVER THE POST
Soon after the post went viral, social media users flooded the comments section with reactions, with many criticising the passenger’s behaviour and discussing hygiene standards in shared public spaces.
One user commented, "People like this only persist because they count on you to not break the social decorum and speak up. I'm my experience, as soon as they're confronted, they quietly back down (sic)."
Another wrote, "This is not allowed in US airlines. You can complain, its unhygienic and is strictly prohibited (sic)."
A third user commented, "I would have asked him to put his feet down. This is an airplane, a shared space not his living room. Uncivilised hain log ab kya hi Karen (Uncivilised people do exist, what to do) (sic)."
The incident triggered a wider online conversation about basic civic sense during travel, with several users sharing similar experiences from flights and other public spaces.
VIR DAS' RECENT WORKS
On the work front, Vir Das was last seen in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, which he also directed. Backed by Aamir Khan, the film featured Vir Das alongside Mithila Palkar, Mona Singh, Sharib Hashmi and Srushti Tawade.
The film also marked Imran Khan’s return to the screen after more than a decade with a special appearance. His last film release was Katti Batti in 2015.
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos released in theatres on January 16.
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