Credit: @50kdiary/Tiktok & Photo by Pascal Meier on Unsplash
Air travel can feel especially hazardous, even if you’re a frequent flier. But some people can be put off by things other than claustrophobic seating and being 35,000 feet in the air.
One woman took a plane ride that ended up making her feel uncomfortable even before takeoff. That’s because she noticed a giant “Team USA” on the side of the plane, a new livery that she hadn’t noticed on other flights with that particular airline.
TikToker Naya Ariel (@50kdiary) pointed out the new plane detailing, which was somewhat off-putting to her because she felt it made her and other passengers “a target.”
Commenters joked that they were “going to Iran” to fight in the war or that the passengers were “elite employees” for the United States.
The post now has over 5.3 million viewers, with many expressing at least some discontent with the aircraft. Others just just made jokes.
What Airline Does This Plane Fly For?
While most viewers didn’t know exactly what carrier the aircraft was from, others quickly identified it. Delta Air Lines has three aircrafts for the Olympics that are currently flying. All of these aircrafts have Team USA detailing on them, matching Naya Ariel’s description in her video.
In particular, the plane that Naya Ariel was on was team USA’s Milan 2026 Olympics aircraft, which sports a premium cabin design and the hard-to-miss “Team USA” on its side. Delta Air Lines slated the aircraft for commercial travel later in 2026, which is how Ariel ended up on it.
Delta has a longstanding relationship with the USA Olympics, which started with the company’s sponsorship of the 1996 Centennial Olympic and Paralympic Games in Atlanta and continued in 2002 with the Salt Lake City games.
Currently, the airline holds a multi-year partnership with the USA Olympic team, which includes the Los Angeles games in 2028.
Why Did People Fear Flying On The ‘Team USA’ Plane?
It’s clear that many commenters were joking about the aircraft, but there was a general, albeit humorous, consensus that it would be somewhat anxiety-inducing to fly in a plane that says “Team USA.”
That’s because many viewers who weren’t thinking about the Olympics thought that the airline was either supporting the U.S. or were potentially assisting with military travel.
Viewers joked that Ariel not answering her TikTok comments or posting again was a sign that she got “snatched up.”
“Pookie you good? Been 23 hours now,” one wrote.
Others felt genuine concern about the aircraft, especially considering current world events, particularly the war in Iran. “On God I would’ve been nervous too,” another person said. “My mind wanders a lot on the plane. That’s why I just go to sleep.”
Someone else agreed, “Oh nahhh bby I would’ve cancelled.”
There’s no evidence that a plane that says “Team USA” is actually less safe than other aircrafts.
BoardingArea reached out to Naya Ariel via TikTok direct message and comment. We’ve also sent a message to Delta Air Lines via their press portal for more information. We’ll let you know if either party responds.
Rachel Joy Thomas is a music journalist, freelance writer, and hopeful author who resides in Los Angeles, CA.
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One thought on “‘Making Us A Target’: Woman Gets On Plane. Then She Realizes What The Plane Looks Like”
Why? Is this TMC?
Isn’t an airplane with livery from a US Airline enough to make you a target? Do you think terrorists assume an Olympic team is always on the plane even if there are no Olympics going on (either due to the date or the city)?
A slightly off-center look at travel, points, miles, ways to save, funny stories & more, from a husband & wife team where he collects miles & points & she enjoys the fruits of his hobby.
Why? Is this TMC?
Isn’t an airplane with livery from a US Airline enough to make you a target? Do you think terrorists assume an Olympic team is always on the plane even if there are no Olympics going on (either due to the date or the city)?