Ryanair flight from hell: Dropped oxygen masks & passenger rows leave everyone wondering if they will ever get to Crete

Holidaymakers flying from Vienna to Crete on a Ryanair jet endured a terrifying ordeal on Friday. Just 30 minutes into the journey, oxygen masks inexplicably dropped from the ceiling, prompting the pilot to immediately reverse course and return to Vienna Airport. Technical inspections followed, but the ordeal continued as passengers were stranded on board for over 4 hours.

A passenger video showed adhesive tape being used to fix the damaged area, though the sarcasm was evident. The ordeal took a new turn when a man asked for a free bottle of water, leading to an argument over whether it should be provided at no cost. Some witnesses claim the man even muttered an English insult, "bitch." Police were called, boarding the aircraft and ordering the man and his partner off.

The incident cost the flight another departure slot, pushing the new takeoff time to 4.30pm. During this lengthy delay, passengers were required to pay for food, drinks, and water. The flight's toilets were also out of service at times, adding to the travelers' frustration. Despite the chaos, one Viennese traveler vowed never to fly with Ryanair again, stating that planes are not law-free zones and clear rules apply once the doors close.

Legal expert Lucia Cegarra explains that travelers must understand crew powers, their own duties, and the legal limits that apply onboard. Intentional misconduct, such as threatening crew members, attacking passengers, or refusing safety instructions, can lead to severe consequences, even if the incident appears to be occurring in a bubble.

Territoriality plays a role, and the "law of the flag" comes into play for international flights, as the aircraft's registered state determines which legal system may apply. In this case, the Ryanair flight might carry an Irish or Maltese flag, adhering to the laws of those states. Several legal systems may become involved depending on the circumstances: the country whose airspace the plane is flying through, the state of registration, or the landing location.

The captain holds special powers to maintain order and safety, taking necessary steps if passengers or the aircraft are at risk. Passengers must follow crew instructions; refusal could lead to trouble and potential legal action upon landing. Turbulence, falls, or spills can result in injuries, and airlines may be liable in certain cases.

The Montreal Convention covers many international flights on this point. If an incident occurs, passengers should report it to the crew immediately and gather evidence, such as photos, witness names, and written confirmations. This information can help assess claims later based on the exact cause and circumstances.