Woman Removed From Flight After Fanny Pack Standoff

A 28-year-old woman from Perth, Australia, was removed from a Virgin Australia flight and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting police after refusing a crew member’s request to remove her fanny pack before departure on June 21, 2025. The incident, which unfolded aboard flight 696 scheduled to depart Perth for Melbourne, began as a routine safety instruction and escalated into a confrontation requiring Australian Federal Police intervention. The flight departed nearly an hour behind schedule.

Crew Request and Initial Refusal

Crew members on Virgin Australia flight 696 asked the passenger to remove the fanny pack - referred to as a “bum bag” in Australia - before the aircraft taxied, citing evacuation safety protocols. The airline’s policy requires passengers to remove items strapped to their body to avoid impeding emergency procedures. The passenger refused.

The woman disputed the characterization of the crew’s request, shouting at a female flight attendant, according to video footage published by news.com.au and View From the Wing. The flight attendant responded by explaining the safety rationale for the request. A second crew member stepped in and informed the passenger that the Australian Federal Police would be contacted if she did not comply.

Police Intervention and Charges

AFP officers boarded the aircraft within minutes and removed the woman, who reportedly screamed and struggled as she was escorted off the plane. No injuries were reported during the removal. Authorities confirmed she was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting police, with a court appearance expected at a future date.

Travel writer Gary Leff, writing for View From the Wing, noted that questions persist about how fanny packs should be classified under airline policy - as worn clothing or as a separate item requiring stowage. Airlines including Virgin Australia generally instruct passengers to remove any body-worn accessory that is not safely secured in overhead storage or under the seat during takeoff and landing.

Legal Proceedings Pending

The passenger’s identity has not been publicly released. No additional charges had been announced as of initial reporting. The case is pending a future court date in Western Australia. Virgin Australia has not issued a public statement regarding the specific incident or any policy clarification prompted by it.

References: Cursing passenger kicked off plane before takeoff following argument with flight attendant - over fanny pack: video | ‘You’re Telling Me To Take My Clothes Off On A Plane?’ Woman Dragged Off Flight After Fanny Pack Meltdown | Female passenger booted from Melbourne-bound Virgin flight in Perth