You have to feel for the plight of feet. It must be tough for them sitting in business class on a short haul flight with nothing to do. All that extra space from the larger seat and extra legroom is useless to them. Feet do have an option when it comes to the front row, apparently.

Sitting there, those pesky extremities can swing into action, utilising their wily charms to get their way. Mental strength and fortitude have to be used to stop those feet from leaping up onto the bulkhead of their own volition for some rest and relaxation. Seriously?

Why, Just Why?

I have never felt the urge to put my feet up on the bulkhead, up above another seat or, god forbid, in between the seats. What is the point? Surely comfort is not an issue on a flight of one hour and twenty five minutes. Is it a competition to see who can reach the overhead bin with a shod (or unshod, the horror!) foot?


The fact that it marks up a bulkhead and causes wear and tear seems not to cross the mind of the oblivious feet resting people. Basic etiquette would say not to do it. Plus, other passengers can see you and anyway, who puts their feet up on a wall at home? It’s pretty much the same thing.

Feet Frenzy!

After taking the photo at the top of this post, I continued enjoying my flight. Later on in the flight everyone was in for a treat as they went up again and this time they had a pair of friends in flip flops!


By now I was wondering if I had missed the memo. Perhaps bulkhead feet are now cool? Maybe I am being uncool and should have thrown mine up on the wall in solidarity with my fellow business class front row passengers.

Why No Notices?

Bulkheads on all airlines feature a number of notices, usually to do with your hand luggage being required to go overhead, along with your life jacket stowage information.


No airline has a notice that says, “Hey buddy, keep your feet off the bulkhead!” along with a picture with a “no” circle around it. People generally abide by notices on aircraft so I would have thought this would be the most simple solution.

Overall Thoughts

It irritates me somewhat to see people’s dirty shoes on the walls. My mother usually throws out the line, “Do you live in a tent?” if someone doesn’t close a door that should remain closed, so I should ask her for an appropriate question to use on board when it comes to feet.

The fact that people can contort in their economy class seat and happily put their feet in the air amazes me as well. It looks incredibly uncomfortable, everyone can see, and really, why? Manners are sorely lacking when flying sometimes. There is no need for it at all.

Have you ever experienced a passenger putting their feet where they shouldn’t? Did anyone say anything? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

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Feet on seats via Narcity.
Portrait shot via Reddit.