Passenger finds 'genius' way to turn their economy seat into a VIP without moving

Everyone likes a bit of VIP treatment, but it often comes at a price.

For a business class flight from New York to San Francisco, you're looking at around $1,000 and, I'm not sure about you, but I don't have that kinda cash just lying around.

However, for those of you who want a bit of quiet luxury without forking out a small fortune, one savvy flyer has created a 'genius' hack that can give you that bit of that VIP treatment we all want.

The industrious idea has now made its rounds on TikTok but has since seemed to have split the internet right down the middle with half hailing it as 'awesome'.

Some people were concerned the hack wouldn't be allowed. (Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Stock)

Others expressed their concerns over the legitimacy of it, though.

The short clip was captioned: "When you take social distancing to the next level at 30,000 feet."

It shows a passenger who has seemingly fashioned a private little cubicle on the flight by fastening a blanket from the overheard cabin storage to the aisle-side armrest.

The narrated voice can be heard saying: "Caught my neighbour turning economy class into a VIP section. Has anyone else experienced this on their flight?"

Check it out:

The TikTok video has since clocked up over half a million views with dozens upon dozens of comments from people eager to share their reactions to the slightly bizarre but nonetheless creative plane hack.

Many were amazed by the forward-thinking, with one TikTok user writing: "Omg that’s actually genius!"

"What a great idea!" wrote a second, while a third echoed: "You can make a tent? I love it!"

A fourth added: "If that’s allowed that is awesome."

"I’ve worn my hoodie backwards and made my own VIP," joked a fifth.

Another TikTok user pointed out the idea was all dandy 'except when the drinks trolly comes'.

"You're right!" replied the original TikTok creator. "They need a 'Do Not Disturb' sign and a snack hole. Problem solved!"

The idea was hailed as 'genius'. (@vashak27/TikTok)

Others, however, were far more concerned if the passenger's hack was actually permitted onboard.

One wrote: "For security reasons I can’t imagine this is allowed."

Another claimed: "I saw a woman do this and she was taken off the plane."

"This is not allowed," declared a third. "I bet a flight attendant made them take it down."

A fourth chimed in: "Stewardess is going to take it down. They need to check if you're wearing your seatbelt when required."

Putting the issue to rest, a self-professed flight attendant confirmed: "Flight attendant here. We won’t allow it."

Topics: Travel, TikTok, Viral

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

@niamhshackleton