Australian model and wellness influencer Dominique Elissa has sparked an online debate after claiming that a male flight attendant refused to help her place her carry-on bag in an overhead locker despite her being nine months pregnant.
Speaking on the Big Small Talk podcast, Elissa said she was cautious about lifting luggage after experiencing pain around her baby bump during a previous flight. She described feeling a pulling sensation after placing her bag overhead, with the discomfort reportedly lasting around 48 hours.
Before her next flight, her husband advised her not to lift the bag herself. Elissa said she asked a male cabin crew member for assistance and explained her pregnancy and previous injury. According to her account, the crew member told her that if she could not lift the bag above her head, she would need to check it in.
Elissa said another passenger eventually noticed her situation and offered to lift the bag for her. The experience left her questioning whether pregnant travellers receive sufficient consideration when they need assistance onboard.
The airline involved has not been identified, so its specific baggage-assistance policy remains unknown. The incident has reignited debate over passenger support and cabin crew workplace safety, as lifting luggage can expose flight attendants to back and other musculoskeletal injuries.
While some travellers believe the crew member could have shown greater empathy, others argue that airline staff should not be expected to lift passengers’ luggage where company policies or safety considerations restrict the practice.