An airport sign asking travellers a simple question has been dubbed the "most anxiety-inducing" notice in existence, sparking holiday anxiety among passengers who admit it sent their stress levels soaring.
The sign, an advert for Notre Dame Federal Credit Union (FCU), was spotted suspended above passengers as they navigated through an airport. It reads: "Did you leave your oven on? Sorry, have a nice trip!"
Travellers share their reactions
The sign was posted on Reddit, where it resonated with travellers who know all too well the dread of forgetting to turn an appliance off. One user commented: "As someone with OCD this would absolutely ruin my day." Another said: "That's diabolical."
While some Reddit users found the sign amusing, others confessed it instantly sent their anxiety levels through the roof as they began questioning themselves.
Strategies and memories triggered
A third person revealed they've developed their own strategy for preventing post-departure anxiety. They wrote: "And this is why I take a picture of my stove...every...damn...time....like a weirdo. I routinely go back and clear those photos out." They added: "Thanks mum for giving me this fear (though for her it was the garage door)."
For another traveller, the sign triggered memories of a particularly unforgettable incident involving an iron. One user recounted how they'd ironed a shirt before an international flight, wanting to make a good impression upon arrival. As a single man who seldom irons, he opted to do it on his coffee table.
However, a fortnight later upon returning home, he made a shocking discovery – the iron was still switched on. He explained it had been left on its highest temperature setting, lying sideways on the carpet beside the coffee table. The carpet sustained a deep permanent scorch mark, though fortunately the house hadn't gone up in flames.
He said the incident had left him "much more paranoid", prompting him to thoroughly check everything before departing home.
Marketing success
Not everyone found the sign distressing, however. Some users commended Notre Dame FCU for creating such an effective marketing campaign, noting that the message had clearly resonated with travellers.
