Airplane meals often get a bad rap, but one traveler decided to take matters into her own hands — literally. Katie, a pasta influencer, went viral after preparing fresh gnocchi during a flight. Her TikTok video, which has now crossed 5 million views, shows her mixing, rolling, and shaping pasta right from her seat.
Viral Fame Meets Backlash
While some admired her creativity, others were horrified. Commenters flooded her post with criticism, calling the stunt “gross,” “unsanitary,” and “inconsiderate.” Flight attendants and frequent flyers reminded viewers that airplane surfaces — from tray tables to seat belts — are known to harbor germs, making them far from ideal food-prep stations.
What the Critics Say
Social media reactions highlighted just how divided people were:
“I have celiac [disease], and if the person next to me starts making fresh pasta I’m going to lose it,” wrote an onlooker with gluten intolerance.
“As someone who cleaned airplanes, the street floor in Los Angeles is cleaner than ANYTHING you touch on that PLANE,” warned a concerned commenter.
Not the First Mid-Air Chef
Katie isn’t the only passenger to turn a flight into a cooking session. Others have gone viral for preparing tuna salads, boiled eggs, and even a shrimp dish inside an airplane bathroom — much to the dismay of fellow travelers.
The Final Word
Despite the backlash, Katie seems unfazed, writing: “You hate airplane food, so you make it yourself.” Whether seen as creative or careless, her sky-high pasta experiment has reignited the debate over airplane etiquette and hygiene.
“Would you be okay with someone cooking fresh pasta next to you on a flight — or would you find it gross? Share your thoughts in the comments!”
