Mother Forced To Sit On Plane Floor With Infant On Sold-Out Flight, Sparks Online Debate

Last Updated:January 13, 2026, 21:05 IST

Mely Skoglund went viral after sharing a photo of herself sitting on a Delta Airlines plane floor during a sold-out international flight with her infant.

Skoglund, a mother of four, did not say where she was flying from or whether she had bought tickets for all her children.

A mother has sparked a heated online debate after sharing a photo of herself sitting on the floor of a Delta Airlines plane while travelling with her infant on a sold-out international flight.

The mother, Mely Skoglund, posted the image on Threads, showing herself crouched on the floor in front of two economy seats as her young children slept.

“12 hours Flying Delta airlines back to US was sold out, so we have no extra room. This is our situation," she wrote. The post quickly went viral, drawing reactions from many users on the platform.

Skoglund, a mother of four from Minnesota, did not say where she was flying from or whether she had bought tickets for all her children. Online users noted that while she appeared to have purchased a seat for her older child, her infant may have been travelling under Delta’s “lap child" policy.

Under this policy, infants under the age of two can travel on an adult’s lap for free on domestic flights or at a reduced fare on international flights. However, the policy does not guarantee a separate seat unless one is purchased.

Many social media users criticised Skoglund, saying the situation was the result of poor planning rather than airline fault. Some argued that parents who want a seat for an infant should buy one in advance and bring an approved car seat.

“I’m so glad I was raised by a mother who bought the correct number of seats for the number of travelers and didn’t expect a free seat," a user wrote on her post.

Others questioned why she expected an empty seat on a fully booked flight. “If you want a seat for the baby… you buy a seat for the baby…? I don’t understand how this is the airline’s fault. Your lack of planning does not constitute a problem for the airline," one user wrote.

Some users were more sympathetic to the mother, with one writing: “I’m so glad , countless flights have been delayed this week overseas, thousands on stand by after overselling tickets or not having the room. Some People stuck with the only money they have on them and no way to access funds. But you’re worried about a seat and she’s just happy she’s finally able to make it home. Here you are judging without knowledge."

Delta Airlines said it could not confirm the authenticity of the photo but stressed that safety is its top priority.

A spokesperson from the airline told Daily Mail that customers travelling with lap-held infants must follow airline policy and remain seated with seatbelts fastened unless movement is necessary.

“We strongly insist that they remain in their seats with their seatbelts fastened, unless they have a specific need that requires movement about the aircraft," the spokesperson said.

News world Mother Forced To Sit On Plane Floor With Infant On Sold-Out Flight, Sparks Online Debate

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