When you board a plane, you might expect a bit of turbulence, perhaps a crying baby or two, or even the occasional snorer in the seat next to you. But for passengers on a Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas, Texas to Los Angeles, California, an unexpected and unwelcome guest turned their journey into a scene straight out of a creature feature.


Imagine settling into your seat, buckling up for takeoff, and then noticing something scurrying above you in the ceiling. That's exactly what happened to these flyers, who were shocked to spot what has been dubbed a 'super rat' running rampant above the overhead bins. The incident, which has since gone viral with around two million views on Instagram, has left the internet both horrified and fascinated.


The video, originally posted by @chuck_hustle817 and later shared by Dallas Texas TV, captures the moment the rodent's feet can be seen perched inside a cabin light – a place that houses essential electric wiring. As the camera zooms in, the silhouette of the animal is seen darting about, reminiscent of a chilling scene from a horror movie. 'It’s a super rat,' one passenger can be heard exclaiming in the background, adding a touch of dark humour to the bizarre situation.


The exact flight number remains a mystery, but with Spirit Airlines operating three daily flights between Dallas and Los Angeles, the possibilities are narrowed down. Some eagle-eyed users have speculated that the plane was an Airbus A320, which would point to either Flight NK363 or NK3709.

The New York Post, which reported on the incident, reached out to Spirit Airlines for further information, but at the time of writing, details remain scarce.

The reactions on social media ranged from humour to concern. One Instagram user commented, 'Somebody would have had to tell me what’s up there, we’re not about to just keep flying while something is crawling on top of my head.' Others made light of the situation with film references, such as 'New movie: Rats on the Plane and not talking about your ex,' and 'Ratatouille switched careers I see.'


However, the humour masks a genuine concern. Rodents on planes are not just a nuisance; they pose a real threat due to their penchant for gnawing on electrical wiring. Such behaviour could lead to malfunctions or even fires. This isn't mere speculation – just last month, a Scandinavian Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Denmark after a mouse was discovered on board, highlighting the seriousness of these furry stowaways.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story serves as a reminder that while air travel has become a routine part of modern life, it's still full of surprises. It's also a testament to the importance of maintaining aeroplanes and ensuring they are free of any potential hazards – even those of the rodent variety.
We'd love to hear from you in the comments below. Have you ever encountered wildlife on a flight? How do you think airlines should handle such situations to ensure passenger safety and comfort? Share your thoughts and experiences with us, and let's discuss the wilder side of air travel!