A United States-based baking influencer, Maria Baradell, recently faced widespread backlash after she attempted to bake bread while on a flight to Spain. The incident, which was captured on video and shared on Instagram, quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from social media users.
In-Flight Baking: An Unconventional Cooking Lesson
In the now-viral video, Baradell can be seen mixing salt, flour, and water in a bowl on her tray table, kneading the dough, and preparing it as though she were in her kitchen. The influencer described the act as an extension of her cooking lessons, aiming to make a sourdough loaf from scratch while traveling. She even teased viewers with, “Do you want to see the final results?”
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However, Baradell chose not to bake the bread on the plane. Instead, she waited until she arrived in Spain and was reunited with her sister to complete the baking process.
Social Media Reacts: “Not the Right Place”
Despite Baradell’s creative intentions, many social media users criticized the act, arguing that an airplane is not the appropriate place for such activities. Some commenters pointed out the unhygienic conditions on planes, with one flight crew member mentioning how tray tables are often used for less sanitary activities, such as trimming toenails or changing diapers.
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One user commented, “Imagine you settle into your seat and the person next to you sets up a camera, takes out bowls, and starts making bread.” Another added, “This is ridiculous! All for social media attention.”
Concerns were also raised about potential allergens, with one user highlighting the risks for passengers with wheat or gluten allergies. “If I was sat next to you, I would ask for a new seat immediately and a full refund because it would make me sick for several weeks to just inhale the flour.”
Influencer Responds: A Lesson Learned
Following the backlash, Baradell addressed the criticism in a follow-up video, acknowledging that her in-flight baking attempt was not well-received. She wrote in the caption, “#milehighsourdoughclub won’t be a thing. I was trying to be creative after I saw another creator making pasta in-flight, but thanks to your comments I learned this was not a great idea.”
She expressed gratitude to those who provided constructive feedback, stating that her intentions were good, but she now understands the concerns raised. Despite the controversy, Baradell shared that she and her sister enjoyed the bread for dinner the following day and that she is currently exploring Barcelona and visiting some of the city’s top bakeries.