A passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 502 from Austin to Los Angeles was grounded after the explosion left him repeatedly bumping his seat.
The incident, which took place on November 16, was captured on video and has since gone viral online.
The footage shows the man, dressed in a hoodie and sweatpants, standing on his reclining seat and violently kicking it as stunned passengers look on.
A fellow flyer Gino GallofaroThe man who captured the incident said he was awakened by the commotion less than an hour after the flight landed at LAX, the New York Post reported. Despite the disruptive behavior, initial attempts to intervene were few.
Gallofero, an addiction counselor based in San Diego, eventually joined two other passengers to stop the man. Using zip ties, they secured his arms and legs and secured him in his seat. Upon the plane’s arrival, the man was met by law enforcement.
A United Airlines spokesperson confirmed the incident, thanked the crew for their response and ensured the safety of those on board. The airline has banned the passenger from future flights.
Online reactions to the video ranged from shock to humor.
Reddit users joked about the man’s antics, with one quipping that he was “testing the new lie-flat seats in United Economy.”
Meanwhile, Gallofaro expressed a desire to contact the man’s family to offer help.