One woman’s mid-flight bathroom trip turned into an unintentional comedy show—and the entire plane was in on it.
In a now-viral TikTok with over 5.7 million views, user @naes.baes shared a hilarious travel moment involving her friend and, unexpectedly, a ball of yarn.
The clip begins innocently enough: the friend, a knitter, heads to the back of the plane to use the restroom. What she doesn’t realize? She’s still attached to her knitting project—which is very much still at the front of the plane.
As she walks, a long trail of yarn unspools behind her, weaving its way through the aisle like Hansel and Gretel’s breadcrumb trail. The video pans down the cabin to show confused (but smiling) passengers watching the yarn drama unfold, with some visibly amused by the unintended entertainment.
The final shot? A half-finished knit project resting on the plane floor—left behind, presumably, when she realized what had happened.
“Imagine getting out of the bathroom after that,” one commenter joked.
Another added: “She just wanted to know her way back to her seat, that’s all.”
But the best part? The smiles. TikTok viewers pointed out the delight on passengers’ faces.
“The way everyone is smiling,” one commenter wrote.
“Silly little moments like this are what make life fun,” added another.
The original poster captioned the video with the perfect summary:
“Throwback to the time my friend unknowingly took her knitting to the airplane bathroom with her.”
So… Can You Actually Bring Knitting Needles on a Plane?
Yes! According to the TSA, knitting needles are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. They can be made of metal, plastic, or bamboo, though it’s a good idea to sheath them or wrap them securely if you’re packing them in checked luggage.
Scissors are allowed too—as long as they’re less than 4 inches from the pivot point. Yarn cutters that are TSA-compliant are also a good choice.
That said, TSA officers have the final say, so it’s always smart to check with your airline or airport in advance—especially if you’re flying internationally, as rules may vary in other countries.
The Surprising Benefits of Knitting (Even at 30,000 Feet)
While this incident was funny, it also highlights why knitting is such a beloved hobby—especially on long flights.
A global survey published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy found that knitting helps people feel calmer, happier, and more focused. Many participants said the act of knitting helped ease anxiety and even boosted their mental clarity.
Knitting in public—or with others—was also linked to better social connection and an improved sense of well-being.
So while the knitter’s bathroom yarn trail might have caused a few giggles, it probably also made her flight a little more peaceful (until that moment, of course).
Moral of the story? If you’re knitting on a plane… maybe double-check what you’re still attached to before heading down the aisle.
