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Bed bugs surge in southern states as spring break travelers warned

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March 15, 2026

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Spring break travelers heading to popular destinations in the United States may want to be extra cautious about what they bring home.

Pest control reports indicate that bed bug infestations linked to travel appear to be increasing in several Southern states.

A recent report from Terminix in Atlanta ranked Georgia sixth nationwide for bed bug service requests among the 50 most affected U.S. cities.

POPULAR ACTOR EXPOSES MASSIVE INSECT SCARE AT CHEAP MOTEL DURING MEMORABLE GIG

Other southern states such as Florida, Texas and Tennessee have also reported growing concerns tied to travel-related infestations.

Spring break travelers should be cautious, as bed bug cases linked to travel are rising in some Southern states. (iStock)

New York-based travel expert Lee Abbamonte told Fox News Digital that travelers may face a higher risk of encountering bed bugs in certain types of accommodations.

“Bed bugs often arise in places frequented by younger, more budget-friendly tourists,” Abbamonte said. “Places like popular spring destinations for students or youth hostels.”

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These locations often experience frequent guest turnover and crowded rooms, which can make thorough cleaning more difficult, he said.

“Young people and students generally don’t care about the state of the room,” Abbamonte added. “They just want to be in the destination for as cheap as possible.”

Traveler packing clothes into a suitcase on a hotel bed.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter bed bugs in lower-cost accommodations popular with younger tourists, such as spring break spots. (iStock)

Bed bugs are small, flat insects that typically hide in dark cracks and crevices near where people sleep, according to the Terminix report.

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The pests are commonly found along mattress seams, behind headboards, inside furniture joints and near baseboards in hotel rooms and short-term rentals.

Fox News Digital previously reported that travel is one of the most common ways bed bugs spread from place to place.

A staffing shortage is leaving U.S. hotels dirtier

Hotels with frequent guest turnover and crowded rooms can make it easier for bed bugs to spread and harder to maintain thorough cleaning. (iStock)

Benjamin Hottel, a Georgia-based entomologist with Orkin, told Fox News Digital that the pests are skilled at “hitchhiking” on personal belongings.

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He noted that travelers can unknowingly carry bed bugs onto planes, into hotels and eventually back home.

Hottel recommends inspecting luggage and clothing after trips and placing travel clothes in a dryer on high heat for about 30 to 45 minutes if exposure is suspected, which can help eliminate the insects before they spread inside the home.

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Ashley DiMella of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.

Archaeologists discover lost medieval town Stolzenberg in Polish forest

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March 15, 2026

Texas archaeologists uncover ancient king’s tomb in Belize

Texas archaeologists Arlen Chase and Diane Chase recently uncovered the 4th-century tomb of Te’ K’ab Chaak, the earliest ruler of Caracol, a major Mayan city in Belize. (Source: Caracol Archaeological Project; University of Houston)

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Archaeologists have uncovered a lost medieval town nestled in a remote forest — and new evidence is revealing what the city looked like before its sudden decline.

Researchers uncovered the remains of Stolzenberg, a medieval town that appears to have collapsed in the 14th or 15th century, in a forest outside the modern-day Polish village of Sławoborze.

The city was founded on the border of Pomerania and Neumark, a historically contested border region between Germany and Poland.

FORBIDDEN PASSAGE? SECRET MEDIEVAL TUNNEL FOUND BENEATH ANCIENT PAGAN GRAVES, ARCHAEOLOGISTS SAY

Guided by historical sources, researchers first searched for Stolzenberg’s remains in present-day Sławoborze — but they ““found no features confirming the medieval town’s location.

In the forest, however, researchers found massive earthen ramparts and an 18-foot-deep moat, said archaeologist Marcin Krzepkowski of the Relicta Foundation.

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of the lost medieval town of Stolzenberg in a forest outside the modern-day Polish village of Sławoborze. (Fundacja Relicta)

Krzepkowski told Fox News Digital that a recent geophysical survey confirmed the site of the lost city after researchers had already gathered archaeological finds and cartographic data.

“The results of these surveys dispelled any remaining doubts,” he said.

ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEARTH REMNANTS OF FORGOTTEN CITY ‘MARKED BY CONFLICT’ BURIED BELOW BUSTLING HUB

“In the central part of the area surrounded by the moat, regular magnetic anomalies were revealed, indicating the existence of remains of buildings surrounding the rectangular market square, the city’s central square,” researchers noted.

“This layout is typical of medieval towns founded under German law. Traces of buildings can also be seen along the street leading to the expected city gate.”

LiDAR map of site next to coins found

Archaeologists combined historical sources, cartographic data and field surveys to pinpoint the lost city’s location. (Fundacja Relicta)

Metal detectorists also unearthed over 400 artifacts, some of them as old as the Bronze Age and a few — including containers filled with meat products and butter — dating as recently as World War II.

‘ARCHAEOLOGICAL SENSATION’ DISCOVERED AT ANCIENT ROMAN MILITARY CAMPS

“The most valuable artifacts for us were medieval, confirming that the site was in use at the time,” Krzepkowski said.

“These included silver coins, metal belt elements and coat clasps typical of medieval bourgeois costume.”

“Strange as it may seem, cities were sometimes relocated to new, more convenient locations, even as far as a dozen or so kilometers.”

Archaeologists also found tools like knives and iron padlocks — but the most significant discovery, Krzepkowski said, was fragments of cannon grenades and lead rifle bullets.

“We linked [these artifacts] to a battle that took place in this area in 1761 between Russian and Prussian forces, [during] the Seven Years’ War,” he said.

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“All these artifacts testify to the rich and complex past of this site, which is not limited to the late Middle Ages, when the town of Stolzenberg existed.”

Experts are unsure why Stolzenberg was abandoned — and Krzepkowski said there were likely multiple factors behind its decline.

Split image of surveyor, artifacts at site

Containers filled with meat products and butter dating to World War II, seen at right, were also uncovered, among hundreds of recovered items. (Fundacja Relicta)

“Strange as it may seem, cities were sometimes relocated to new, more convenient locations, even as far as a dozen or so kilometers,” he remarked.

“This could be due, for example, to proximity to a river and the threat of flooding, or to the search for a location that would allow for faster development. … Sometimes, a town’s decline was caused by shifting trade routes or competition from other nearby towns.”

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Krzepkowski noted that the Relicta Foundation specializes in lost medieval cities, and in the case of Stolzenberg, it’s “difficult to pinpoint the time and cause of its decline.”

“We’ve only discovered a few artifacts that can be dated to the 16th or 17th century,” said Krzepkowski. “This suggests that the town was already gone by that time. … The decline may have occurred in the 14th or 15th century.”

“This site is a true time capsule, harboring many mysteries.”

He added, “The topic of vanished medieval towns in Europe is incredibly fascinating, both at the identification stage and during further research. Their search is incredibly fascinating because they typically existed for a short time, and therefore very little historical data has survived.”

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Interestingly, archaeologists uncovered proof that some urban plots appeared undeveloped — which Krzepkowski said indicates “that the town fell at a relatively early stage, and its entire planned area was not developed.”

Looking ahead, researchers will now try to confirm the location of Stolzenberg’s town hall and church, as well as learn more about the city’s layout.

Artifacts at Stolzenberg site

“All these artifacts testify to the rich and complex past of this site,” said Krzepkowski. (Fundacja Relicta)

The Relicta Foundation is hopeful that bioarchaeological analyses can even reveal the health status of the town’s former inhabitants and their diets.

Krzepkowski said that, though the research has taken years, his team is “still at the beginning of the journey.”

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“This site is a true time capsule, harboring many mysteries,” he said.

“Unraveling them will help us better understand the settlement and city-forming processes in this part of Europe.”

Data brokers hid opt-out pages from Google after Senate probe

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March 14, 2026

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If you have ever tried to opt out of a data broker site, you know the drill. You search. You scroll. You click through layers of legal jargon. Then you wonder if they even want you to find the exit door. Now we know the answer.

A U.S. Senate investigation found that several major data brokers placed code on their opt-out pages that blocked search engines from indexing them. In practical terms, that meant you could not easily find the page where you ask them to stop selling your data.

After pressure from Sen. Maggie Hassan, four companies have now removed that code.

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Which data brokers hid their opt-out pages?

The companies named in the report include:

Comscore
IQVIA Digital
Telesign
6sense Insights

These firms collect and sell personal information for marketing, analytics or identity verification. That data can include browsing behavior, device details, location history and in some cases highly sensitive identifiers.

A U.S. Senate investigation found major data brokers used no index code to hide opt-out pages from Google, making it harder for people to stop the sale of their personal data. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

An earlier investigation by The Markup and CalMatters found that dozens of brokers used “no index” code to hide opt-out instructions from Google search results. Some removed the code after reporters reached out. However, Sen. Hassan’s office later found that the four companies above still had opt-out pages blocked from search engines. They have since removed the code.

MAKE 2026 YOUR MOST PRIVATE YEAR YET BY REMOVING BROKER DATA

One more company, Findem, has not removed the no-index code from its “Do not sell or share my personal information” page, according to the report. The company later said an email from the senator’s office did not reach its CEO due to spam filtering and that its privacy channels are actively monitored. The Committee report noted this lack of action raises serious concerns about responsiveness to privacy requests and about whether opt-out rights are being made truly accessible.

We reached out to all five companies for comment. A spokesperson for 6sense provided the following statement:

“6sense takes privacy transparency seriously and has always fully indexed our Privacy Center, where individuals may exercise their opt-out rights in compliance with applicable laws. For a period of time, we included a “no index” directive on the Privacy Policy page to reduce spam volume to privacy request email aliases and protect the integrity of request handling systems. Once the issue was raised by the Committee, that code was immediately removed. Our Privacy Center opt-out page has remained indexed, and our Privacy Policy has always been accessible and prominently visible on our web properties, as well as directly linked in our publicly available data broker registrations. We regularly review our security and privacy practices to meet evolving regulatory requirements, and our commitment has been independently validated annually through ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO/IEC 42001:2023, and SOC 2, Type II certifications.”

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Woman on computer doing brain training session

6sense said it takes privacy transparency “seriously.” (iStock)

Why hidden data broker opt-out pages matter for your privacy

Opt-out pages are not a courtesy. In many states, they are required by law. When companies hide those pages from search engines, they make it harder for you to take control of your own information. And that matters. The more complicated the process feels, the more likely people are to give up halfway through. Meanwhile, data broker breaches have been expensive and damaging. Committee calculations estimate that identity theft tied to four major data broker breaches cost U.S. consumers more than $20 billion. That is not a minor privacy slip. That is real money, real consequences and real stress for families trying to clean up the mess.

Why scammers care about your data

When detailed personal information falls into the wrong hands, it fuels scams that feel alarmingly real. Criminal networks can use data like Social Security numbers, home addresses and phone numbers to create highly customized emails, texts and phone calls. The more accurate the details, the more convincing the scam. That is one reason data broker breaches are not just a privacy issue. They are a consumer protection issue.

Sen. Maggie Hassan’s investigation is part of her broader effort to combat scams, which now account for nearly half a trillion dollars in losses annually and have grown into one of the world’s largest illicit industries. She has also opened inquiries into the roles that satellite internet providers, online dating platforms, AI companies and federal agencies play in preventing fraud.

Maggie Hassan runs for reelection

The investigation was led by Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire. (Sen. Maggie Hassan reelection campaign)

What this means for your personal data and privacy

Here is the uncomfortable truth. Your personal data likely sits in dozens, maybe hundreds of databases you have never heard of. You did not sign up. You did not click agree. But your information still travels through a vast marketplace. Even when opt-out forms exist, finding and completing them can feel like a part-time job. And since the U.S. still lacks a comprehensive federal privacy law like Europe’s GDPR, rules vary by state. So yes, the opt-out pages are now easier to find for these companies. But the bigger system remains largely intact.

How to opt out of data brokers and protect your information

You cannot erase yourself from the internet overnight. However, you can reduce your exposure.

1) Search your name regularly

Type your full name and city into Google. Look for data broker listings. Many include an opt-out link buried in the privacy policy.

2) Use state privacy tools if available

California residents can use a free state-run tool called DROP at privacy.ca.gov/drop/ to request deletion from more than 500 registered brokers. Other states are rolling out similar systems.

3) Submit opt-out requests directly

Visit the privacy or “Do not sell my information” page on broker sites. Follow instructions carefully and keep confirmation emails.

4) Consider a data removal service

Data removal services can automate opt-out requests across dozens of brokers. They are not perfect, but they save time. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

5) Lock down core accounts

Use strong, unique passwords stored in a password manager. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com. Also, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for financial email and social accounts. That way, even if your data circulates, criminals have a harder time breaking in.

The larger problem with the data broker industry

The data broker industry is legal. It operates in plain sight. Yet most people have no idea how many companies trade in their information. Until Congress passes a national privacy law, oversight will remain patchwork. That leaves you to chase down your own records one company at a time. Transparency should not require a Senate investigation.

Kurt’s key takeaways

This story is about more than hidden code. It is about control. When companies quietly block search engines from indexing opt-out pages, they tilt the playing field. After public scrutiny, those pages are easier to find. That is a step forward. Still, your data continues to move through an ecosystem designed to profit from it. So the real question is not whether opt-out pages appear on Google.

How much of your personal life are you comfortable leaving in the hands of companies you have never heard of? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Viking Ocean Cruises tops list of cleanest cruise ships revealed in new study

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Reporters News Wire

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March 14, 2026

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The cleanest cruise ships have been revealed in a new study — and some of the findings may surprise cruise lovers.

The study, which compiled data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) annual health and hygiene inspections, ranked a number of popular cruise lines as the most sanitary.

“The data shows that independent brands tend to score higher than large conglomerates, and, surprisingly, the age of the ship doesn’t appear to influence a cruise line’s ability to achieve a perfect score,” according to the study by Florida-based Squaremouth Travel Insurance.

OUTRAGED CRUISE PASSENGERS BLAST COMPANY’S ‘IDIOTIC’ NEW DRESS CODE CRACKDOWN

Cruise ships were graded on a 100-point scale. To pass inspection, ships must score 86 or above.

The Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd., Viking Expedition Operations and Crystal Cruises were tied as the cleanest cruise lines, according to the study. Each cruise line scored a 99 out of 100.

“Surprisingly, the age of the ship doesn’t appear to influence a cruise line’s ability to achieve a perfect score,” a new study said. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group)

“The federal government’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), established in 1975 to work with the cruise industry to protect travelers’ health, is critical for the health and safety of passengers, staff and the locations that cruise ships visit,” Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, an infection prevention expert and epidemiologist, told Fox News Digital.

Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Japan Grace, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International completed the top 10 cleanest cruise line list.

DINERS RANK THE 10 ‘DIRTIEST’ STATES FOR RESTAURANTS — SEE IF YOURS MADE THE LIST

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas ship, which premiered in 2001, ranked high in the CDC’s list — proving that age is not necessarily linked to cleanliness.

All the ships in the top 10 scored higher than 97.12.

“Ships participating in the VSP can expect two unannounced inspections every year, with a focus on medical facilities, potable water systems, swimming pools and whirlpool baths, galleys and dining rooms, child activity centers, cabins, ventilation systems and common areas,” Macgregor-Skinner said.

Clean cruise ships in 2026

Cruise ships were graded on a 100-point scale. Ships must score 86 or above to pass inspection. (Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group)

Viking, Virgin and Norwegian were the corporations that ranked the highest, with sanitation scores of 98.75, 97.67 and 97.39 respectively, according to the study.

“Without strong cleaning and hygiene practices, germs can spread quickly.”

Disney was No. 4 in the list of corporations — averaging a 97.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival had average sanitation scores of 96.74 and 94.82 respectively.

DREAM VACATION BECOMES NIGHTMARE AS DOZENS FALL ILL IN SUSPECTED NOROVIRUS OUTBREAK ON CRUISE SHIP

Viruses can spread quickly on a cruise ship.

But the CDC implements strict cleaning protocols for all vessels.

Cleanest Ships

All the ships in the top 10 list of cleanest cruises scored higher than 97.12. (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis)

“Cruise ships are shared environments where thousands of people touch the same surfaces every day,” Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications at the American Cleaning Institute in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital.

“Without strong cleaning and hygiene practices, germs can spread quickly, increasing the risk of illness among passengers and crew,” he continued.

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Surprisingly, the study found no link between viruses and the lack of cleanliness.

Cruise ships are often ravaged by norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses. In 2025, the CDC reported 23 onboard outbreaks, according to the study.

Cleanest cruises

Overall, the cruise industry is cleaner than other travel sectors, an expert said. (Jens Büttner)

However, “the data shows no correlation between the number of onboard viral outbreaks and sanitation scores, proving that viral illness can easily spread on the cleanest of ships,” the study said.

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Macgregor-Skinner said cruise lines are the only part of the travel sector that routinely report illnesses to the federal government.

“It is very important not to confuse the wider availability of cruise health data with a higher incidence rate on cruise ships compared to settings like restaurants, hotels and planes,” Macgregor-Skinner said.

Clean Cruise Ships

Viruses can spread quickly on a cruise ship. But the CDC enforces strict cleaning protocols. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service)

Overall, the cruise industry is actually cleaner than other travel sectors, he said.

Nevertheless, Sansoni asserted, “Inadequate cleaning can allow viruses and bacteria to linger on high‑touch surfaces like railings, elevator buttons and bathroom fixtures. When cleaning protocols break down, those germs can spread rapidly in close quarters.”

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Per the study, here are the top 10 cleanest cruise lines.

Top 10 list

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Expedition Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Oceania Cruises

P&O Cruises

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Japan Grace

Virgin Voyages

Norwegian Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Jessica Mekles is an editor on the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.

American travelers to Europe face fingerprint scans starting in April with full enforcement

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Reporters News Wire

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March 13, 2026

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European vacation destinations will begin requiring all travelers to have prints of their fingers taken, as well as photos, upon arrival in a new screening process.

France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom and 25 other countries began implementing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) on Oct. 12 — and come April 10, it will be fully enforced.

The program will be introduced “in phases,” officials say.

AIRPORTS SET UP DONATION DRIVES FOR UNPAID TSA OFFICERS DURING DHS FUNDING CRISIS

“These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints,” the European Union’s (EU) website notes.

“This means that biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and [travelers’] personal information may not be registered in the system,” it continued.

Europe’s new biometric border system will be fully enforced on April 10 and will require fingerprints and facial scans for all visitors. (Jaimi Joy/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Manual passport stamping is being replaced by automatic digital registration.

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“As passport stamping will no longer exist once the EES is operational, carriers must use an online interface to perform these checks instead,” reads the EU site.

passports with papers on table

Manual passport stamping is being replaced by automatic digital registration. (iStock)

It’s anticipated that the new policy will help modernize border management across Europe, including security improvements to combat fraud and terrorism.

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The system will be able to track if visitors overstay their welcome in the Schengen Area, which is a zone of 29 European countries that allow movement.

europe travel fingerprint and photo requirements

In March 2025, nearly 1.6 million Americans traveled to Europe. (Jaimi Joy/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A self-service system is offered for those with a biometric passport, which contains a “chip” of the personal biometric information collected.

This time last year — in March 2025 — nearly 1.6 million Americans traveled to Europe, according to the International Trade Administration.

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Roughly 16 to 18 million Americans traveled to Europe in all of 2025, according to industry estimates.

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The U.S. is one of Europe’s biggest tourism markets, per the World Tourism Guide.

Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

Fetterman praises former opponent Dr Oz for rooting out Medicaid fraud

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Reporters News Wire

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March 13, 2026

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Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman praised his former political opponent, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, during a Wednesday interview, for Oz’s efforts to root out fraud.

Fetterman offered a positive review of Oz’s job performance at CMS when asked by CBS News journalist Major Garrett, “Is he doing a good job in the administration, Dr. Oz?”

“I think it’s entirely appropriate. I mean, it’s — what we’re discovering. There was a lot of fraud in Medicaid, and now let’s root that out!” Fetterman said.

“That’s the same thing about immigration, root out all of the criminals and deport them. And now I’m very supportive of Medicaid, obviously, but now root out all of the kinds of fraud,” Fetterman said. “So it seems like that’s what he’s zeroing in on and, as long as he continues, yes, absolutely.”

DR OZ HELPS OLDER WOMAN WHO COLLAPSED DURING TRUMP’S SPEECH AT KENTUCKY EVENT

Sen. John Fetterman participates in a debate, June 2, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

Fetterman defeated Oz in Pennsylvania’s closely watched 2022 Senate race, a contest that became one of the most high-profile and contentious battles of that year’s midterms. Fetterman leaned into a populist, working-class message and frequently mocked Oz as an out-of-touch celebrity from another state.

During the 2022 Senate campaign against Oz, Fetterman overcame a stroke to win the race, helping Democrats hold the Senate majority that year.

DEPUTY AG TODD BLANCHE SHEDS LIGHT ON NEW DOJ FRAUD DIVISION TO ADDRESS ‘INSANE’ PROBLEM

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and President Donald Trump

Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman offered some praise for the work of the Trump administration, calling for them to “root out all of the criminals and deport them.” (AP/Alex Brandon and Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

New York state’s Medicaid program is being thoroughly examined by CMS, with Oz claiming there is evidence of widespread fraud.

In a letter to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier this month, Oz asked state officials 50 questions about the program and gave Hochul and her team 30 days to get the requested information to the Trump administration.

A spokesperson for Hochul told Fox News Digital that she was leading efforts to get rid of waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid before President Donald Trump‘s return to the White House. The spokesperson also said that Hochul’s office would work with the administration to “identify bad actors.” However, the spokesperson also classified CMS’s probe as politically motivated.

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Mehmet Oz speaks at a Department of Justice press conference, behind him is an American flag.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz attends a press conference at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., on June 30. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

“Well before the Trump administration even took office, Governor Hochul was leading efforts to root out waste, fraud and abuse — including sweeping CDPAP reforms that shut down hundreds of wasteful Medicaid middlemen and saved over $2 billion for state and federal taxpayers while protecting home care for those who need it,” the spokesperson said.

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“But let’s be clear about the real goal for Donald Trump and Washington Republicans: eliminating programs that support our most vulnerable and ripping away healthcare from everyday New Yorkers,” the spokesperson added.

Fox News’ Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.

Alexander Hall is an associate editor for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Alexander.hall@fox.com.

Flight passenger took viral TikTok video of her seat being shoved as she reclined

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Reporters News Wire

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March 13, 2026

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A traveler’s decision to recline her seat during a recent flight turned into a viral confrontation after the passenger behind her reacted aggressively.

A woman documented what she called the “worst plane ride” — sharing a video of herself as her seat was repeatedly shoved forward after she reclined it.

The clip on TikTok shows the seat jerking abruptly, apparently from forceful pushes by the person seated behind her.

PASSENGERS REFUSING TO WEAR HEADPHONES ON FLIGHTS COULD BE KICKED OFF AIRCRAFT: ‘IT’S ABOUT TIME’

In the comments section, the traveler said the behavior continued throughout the flight and that she sought assistance from flight attendants.

Some who commented said the aggressive response seen in the clip went too far.

A woman who shared her story on social media (not pictured) decided to recline her seat during a plane trip — which led to an aggressive reaction from the passenger behind her. (iStock)

“I’m an airline pilot and this is not acceptable,” one user wrote, urging the passenger to notify cabin crew.

Others sided with the passenger in the back.

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“I have no sympathy for people that recline their seats,” one person said, echoing a common frustration among travelers.

Another person added, “If I paid for the seat, then I’m gonna get the full experience” — suggesting that passengers are entitled to use their seats as designed.

Viral debate about reclining a seat on a plane

A huge debate erupted online about whether it’s OK to recline a plane seat. A woman (not pictured) was reportedly shoved by another passenger after leaning back during a flight. (iStock)

Florida-based etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant, told Fox News Digital that reclining is permitted but should be done thoughtfully.

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“Every passenger has the right to recline,” she said. But she advised travelers to check behind them before adjusting their seats.

“Always glance back before you recline to ensure you don’t hit someone’s knees or damage their laptop,” she said.

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Whitmore also recommended reclining gradually instead of suddenly.

“Recline slowly instead of abruptly,” she told Fox News Digital.

Airplane passenger with long legs sitting cramped in economy class seat behind another traveler.

An etiquette expert said passengers are entitled to recline their seats, but they should avoid bumping someone’s knees or damaging a laptop. (iStock)

She added that seats should be returned upright during meals and for takeoff and landing.

Not all seats are designed to recline, particularly those near exit rows.

If a passenger’s seat does not recline and the person wishes to move locations, Whitmore suggested speaking with a flight attendant about available options.

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“Just because the seat reclines does not mean it should be used without consideration,” she said.

“A little awareness of the person behind you goes a long way in making the flight more pleasant for everyone.”

Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.

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