Passengers on a five-hour flight were left astonished after witnessing a mother establish an impromptu delicatessen at 30,000 feet to ensure her adult children did not go hungry. Shelly Murphy, a 71-year-old resident of Morgan, Utah, took matters into her own hands, concerned that her offspring, Ilesha DePasquale, 48, and Ned Murphy, 44, might face hunger during their journey home.
A Mid-Air Culinary Operation
Murphy transformed the aircraft's tray tables into a sandwich assembly line, laying out five sub buns and generously loading them with a variety of ingredients. The makeshift deli menu featured meat, cheese, onions, pickles, lettuce, and mayonnaise, creating a substantial meal for her family members. According to a video shared by her daughter last week, she then distributed the freshly made sandwiches to her loved ones, who gratefully accepted the offerings.
"Thank you, mom," DePasquale expressed affectionately as she received her sandwich half. The woman seated across the aisle observed the process with amazement, while Murphy's son, Ned, described the meal as "very good." Donny, her daughter's husband, echoed this positive sentiment, appreciating the thoughtful gesture.
Mixed Reactions from Observers
While many perceived Murphy's actions as a sweet and caring maternal instinct, the incident provoked a wide range of reactions from online commenters and fellow travellers. Some individuals praised her dedication to family welfare, with one social media user exclaiming, "Dude, it's a mom that cares about her children, people need to CHILL. I ADORE HER." Another simply admired the sandwiches, stating, "The sandwiches look amazing!" to which DePasquale responded, "They were amazing! She's the best!"
However, not all feedback was favourable. Concerns regarding sanitation and food safety were prominently raised, with one commenter noting, "The bacteria in the air is throwing me." Others criticised the potential disturbance to fellow passengers, with remarks such as, "With all the germs and closeness of people jammed into a tiny tube... Yeah, I'm not making sandwiches," and "Onions on a plane is diabolical." Some suggested alternative methods, like preparing sandwiches at home without perishable condiments.
Regulatory Context and Permissibility
From a regulatory standpoint, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits most food items to be carried through security in hand luggage, with specific restrictions on liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces. Sandwich components such as bread, cheese, and dry ingredients are generally allowed, enabling passengers to bring personal meals onboard. This policy supports the legality of Murphy's actions, though it does not address the etiquette of preparing food in the confined space of an aircraft cabin.
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about in-flight dining etiquette, parental care, and the boundaries of acceptable behaviour during air travel. As the story circulates, it highlights the diverse perspectives on what constitutes considerate conduct in shared public spaces. The Daily Mail has contacted the family for further comment, but responses are pending at this time.
