Entitled Dog Owner Made the Airport Hell for Everyone – She Deserved What I Did at the Gate

At JFK, a woman in a red coat disrupted the terminal, letting her dog defecate on the floor, blasting music, and arguing with staff. She ignored cleanup requests, pushed through TSA, and demanded almond milk at a coffee kiosk despite only oat or soy being available. At Gate 22 for the Rome flight, her loud FaceTiming and barking dog irritated everyone. I sat beside her, smiling, and casually asked about her trip. When she confirmed Rome, I

lied, saying the gate changed to Paris, 14B. Confused, she stormed off, cursing the airport, her dog in tow. The gate fell silent, filled with relieved laughter and subtle applause from passengers. A mom thanked me, and a child hugged her bear happily. The Rome flight board never changed, and she didn’t return. My mom’s advice—outsmart bullies with a smile—worked. The gate’s peace was restored, proving sometimes a small, clever move can shift everything.