‘Now everyone’s looking at me’: Woman refuses passenger’s simple airport request and gets treated like a villain

A woman at Los Angeles International Airport, also known as LAX, recently went viral after she refused to watch a stranger’s bag. TikTok user Nikki (@notnikki.414) posted a video showing herself at the airport terminal. A man had asked her to keep an eye on his luggage while he stepped away, but she said no.

Nikki explained that she turned down the request because of the repeated security warnings heard over airport speakers. These announcements tell travelers not to leave bags unattended or accept items from strangers. She followed the rules, but it led to an uncomfortable moment.

After Nikki refused, someone else agreed to watch the man’s bag. Everyone nearby started staring at her “like im the a—hole,” she wrote in her TikTok video. According to BroBible, the situation made her feel awkward, but security experts say she made the right call.

Airport security professionals strongly advise against watching strangers’ bags

It’s normal to feel guilty when you say no to a simple request, especially when others step in to help. But airport announcements constantly warn passengers about unattended bags and accepting items from people they don’t know. Dr. Sheldon H. Jacobson, an airport security expert, spoke about this after a similar incident went viral in August 2025. A traveler had complained online after someone refused to watch her belongings. Dr. Jacobson said travelers should avoid doing this completely.

“The general rule is: Don’t take custody of anyone else’s bag,” Jacobson said. Since you didn’t pack the bag and don’t know what’s inside, you become involved if security flags it. “They’re going to ask you a lot of questions, and you can become, in some sense, part of the problem,” he explained.

The risks of watching a stranger’s bag range from small problems to serious trouble. At best, the person might take a long time to return, making you late for your own flight. If they never come back, security will take the bag away and you’ve wasted your time. Airport mix-ups can create incredibly stressful situations for travelers, especially during busy travel seasons.

At worst, the bag could contain something illegal or dangerous. You could end up in a long interrogation with airport security, trying to explain why you have someone else’s prohibited items. The U.S. government has also warned about bag-watching scams where criminals ask you to watch a bag, then return with someone pretending to be police.

Despite the stares Nikki got at LAX, most commenters on her video supported her choice. “You did the right thing. You never know what someone’s intentions are. Those warnings are there for a reason. Stay safe,” one user wrote. Another commenter shared their own stressful experience: “I unfortunately said yes then panicked and told airport security 😥.” One person joked, “nah becuase the one time I say yes, I will probably end up on the news.”

However, some disagreed, with one viewer saying “Watching someone’s bag and carrying their bag through security are very different things, they just wanted help, it’s hard solo traveling.” Travelers should also be careful about common items they bring through airport security to avoid fines. Being helpful is usually good, but airport security requires a different approach. Don’t risk getting into trouble just to avoid feeling awkward. Say no politely but firmly, and know you’re protecting yourself.