- An influencer allegedly faked an injury to secure a business class upgrade, sparking outrage online.
- The viral video, later deleted, drew criticism despite being labelled a “social experiment” by the creator.
- The incident has raised concerns over airline checks and the misuse of sympathy for personal gain.
A social media influencer has sparked widespread outrage after a video showing him allegedly faking an injury to get a business class upgrade on an Air India flight went viral online. The clip, originally shared on Instagram and now deleted, showed the creator arriving at the airport wearing a neck brace and arm sling before approaching airline staff and requesting an upgrade citing his “injury” - a request that was eventually granted.
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In the video, he is heard telling viewers that he wanted to test whether a “fake fracture” could help him get a free upgrade, positioning the stunt as a so-called “social experiment”. He is then seen interacting with airline staff at the counter, after which his ticket is upgraded and the clip goes on to show him experiencing business class comforts, including premium seating and onboard meals.
Captioning the video, he wrote, “Wait for end! Saw @airrack do this video so tried an Indian version! W @airindia for the hospitality - the kindest staff I have seen & damn the food was yummy. This was just a fun social experiment not meant for any wrong message or demeaning anyone!”
Watch the video below:
The video quickly went viral online, with several social media users slamming the influencer. Sharing his now-deleted video on X,
One user wrote, “fraud is fraud, after all. If people start doing this and still get rewarded with a business class upgrade, many others will do the same. Airline staff might stop trusting those genuine passengers who actually need help. First of all, Air India should file a case of fraud and scam against this so-called meaningful truth-teller. Air India should charge him for the upgrade and make it clear that this is not acceptable.”
Another user wrote, “From road transport to trains and now flights. He is Sarthak Sachdeva and because of his content look how he is exploiting the system #shameful”
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A third user commented, “Air India should take strict action against Sarthak Sachdeva the fraudster, the guy has made a mockery of the credibility of passengers who are genuinely ill”
“Air India should bill him for the difference and make an example out of this. If airlines start rewarding these stunts, genuine passengers with real injuries will suffer. Stop glorifying deception for views,” commented another user.
Another user wrote, “Air India should charge him for the upgrade and make it clear this is not okay.”
As of writing, neither Sarthak Sachdeva nor Air India has responded to the video and backlash.
