Plane passenger who put earring spike through sleeve in armrest row speaks out

A Delta flight dispute between Kadia Tubman and a fellow passenger escalated after Tubman says repeated attempts to gain space on the shared armrest were unsuccessful.

Tubman describes settling into the aisle seat with the neighbour using the armrest for his laptop, and she initially left her own arm off the armrest. She says she repeatedly asked him to move over, but he did not stay on his side.

According to Tubman, the tension culminated when she pushed an earring spike through her sleeve and toward the neighbour, claiming she needed a boundary as turbulence continued and his arm encroached on her space.

The neighbour, Otto, posted a photo of the earring protruding from Tubman’s sleeve and described the incident as starting before take-off and becoming more problematic during turbulence. He characterized the situation as him being told to move and questioned the legality of Tubman’s actions.

Both accounts indicate cabin crew became involved, but their versions of what was said to staff differ. Tubman says she offered to discuss the incident with staff at the gate, while Otto says he reported it upon landing but left to go to work.

Tubman says she waited for a discussion with Otto and airline staff at the gate but he walked past and she ultimately left after waiting for the captain.