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Real-life events of snakes appearing aboard flights have been documented, evoking memories of the 2006 film "Snakes on a Plane." Though not as theatrical as depicted in the movie, these incidents have caused concern among travelers and airline staff. Snakes have been discovered from overhead compartments to cargo holds, illustrating the complexities airlines face in thwarting such unexpected reptilian visitors.
A well-publicized incident involved a United Airlines Boeing 737 flight to Newark Liberty International Airport. On October 17, 2022, passengers were astonished when a snake appeared onboard after the plane landed. The aircraft, arriving from Tampa International Airport and registered as N27252, had the snake meandering from business to the economy class, causing an outcry and prompting nearby seated passengers to elevate their feet. Crew members informed airport authorities in Newark, who removed the snake after the plane reached its gate. Although flights continued without much disruption, the unexpected event unnerved passengers.
In another case from January 13, 2024, a snake was found in an overhead bin during an AirAsia Thailand flight from Bangkok to Phuket. Passengers recorded the snake dangling from the compartment, which quickly gained viral attention online. Phol Poompuang, Head of Corporate Safety of AirAsia Thailand, commented, “Flight attendants were notified before landing in Phuket after a passenger noticed a small snake in the overhead luggage compartment." Crew members responded by repositioning passengers as a precaution and performing a deep clean and fumigation afterward.
