A flight from Bangkok to Phuket turned into a scene from a thriller movie when a snake was discovered in an overhead bin.

The incident occurred as the flight, packed with holidaymakers, was beginning its descent into Phuket. AirAsia Airbus A320 flight was disrupted mid-air by a 2ft-long snake emerging from an overhead compartment. The atmosphere onboard shifted to panic as travelers scrambled away from the area.

One of the cabin crew members, demonstrating remarkable composure, used a plastic bottle and a bag to capture the reptile. Thankfully, the snake species, identified as a Blanford's bridle snake, turned out to be non-venomous.

Flight Attendant's Brave Act Saves the Day

The crew members' swift action prevented potential chaos and ensured everyone onboard's safety. This incident adds to a series of bizarre occurrences involving animals on flights. Previously, reports of a rat, an otter, and other exotic creatures disrupted flights.

Upon landing at Phuket International Airport, ground staff conducted a thorough search. They inspected passengers’ carry-on luggage to ensure no other unwelcome creatures were aboard. Thai Air Asia X, the airline in question, has been asked to comment on the incident but has yet to respond.

Tony Fernandes, the eccentric owner of Thai Air Asia X, is no stranger to controversies. Previously criticized for a controversial photo, he is known for his association with the QPR football club. This latest incident on one of his aircraft adds another chapter to his colorful public profile.

Shocking Discovery Mid-Air Stuns Passengers

The timeline of the event reveals that the snake was found mid-air during the plane’s descent. Past incidents on flights, including the escape of a rat and an otter last October and the smuggling of a prairie dog and otters in December, highlight ongoing concerns about wildlife on aircraft.

A British holidaymaker on the flight described the experience in vivid terms:

I was clenching my buttocks when I saw the snake. I don't like creepy crawlies at the best of times, let alone snakes above my head. I was pretty relieved when they took it away. The flight attendant was calm and professional. But I was twitching every time I felt something, thinking there might be another on the plane. I've watched the movie, but I never thought it would happen to me in real life. What a start to my beach trip.

A Real-Life Scenario Straight Out of a Movie

The woman who recorded the video, the owner of Wanna B Salon Phuket, commented, "Snakes can fly, too! This incident occurred right above my head when a snake was found on a plane. It took place as the plane was starting to descend for landing."

The airline is expected to review its safety and wildlife control measures as investigations continue. Such incidents raise questions about the effectiveness of current practices in preventing animals from entering aircraft. The involvement of a snake, a creature often associated with fear and danger, only adds to the urgency of these concerns.

The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of air travel, where unforeseen events can happen. It serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for quick thinking in crises.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

Despite the non-venomous nature of the snake, the incident holds several lessons. First, it highlights the need for constant vigilance in checking aircraft cabins for any stowaways, including wildlife.

Second, the swift and composed response of the cabin crew members serves as a model for managing emergencies. Keeping calm under pressure can prevent a situation from escalating.

Third, passengers should know their surroundings and report any unusual activity. Early detection can avert potential hazards.

Lastly, it’s crucial to remember that while we can take precautions, unexpected events can still occur. We should never blame victims for unpredictable situations such as this.

Why this story matters

This incident is significant as it sheds light on airlines' safety protocols. The presence of a snake on a plane raises serious concerns about the security checks and measures in place. It also emphasizes the need for quick and professional responses to unexpected situations.

Stories like this resonate beyond the immediate event. They act as catalysts for reviewing and improving safety standards in the airline industry. Furthermore, such incidents can have lasting psychological effects on passengers, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed care post-flight.

Finally, this story reminds us of our shared vulnerability in the face of nature's unpredictability. It shows that despite advanced technology and stringent security measures, the natural world can still surprise us unexpectedly.

• A snake was found on an AirAsia Airbus A320 flight from Bangkok to Phuket, causing panic among passengers.
• A cabin crew member captured the snake using a plastic bottle and bag.
• The snake was a non-venomous Blanford's bridle snake.
• Thai Air Asia X has been approached for a comment but has not yet responded.
• This incident adds to a series of bizarre occurrences involving animals on flights in the past.