Paula Abdul is a sweetie on “American Idol” — but some folks claim she’s not so sweet when she’s an airline passenger.

Abdul was a diva during a recent flight, demanding — but not getting — special treatment, sources tell Star.

“She pulled a major diva trip,” one “eyewitness” told the tab. “The other passengers were not amused.”

The television show judge was booked on a sold-out Southwest Airlines flight from San Jose to Burbank, California, and reportedly demanded first-class treatment — even though there’s no first-class section on the airline.

“She asked to be let on the plane and seated first,” an “eyewitness” told the Star. When Abdul was told that only young children, people with disabilities and the elderly were allowed to board early, she reportedly declared, “But I’m famous! I need to go on first!”

A number of fellow passengers heard the exchange, and one shouted at her: “You’re no Sanjaya! You have to board like everyone else.” That, according to the source, prompted a round of laughter from the others — except Abdul.

Once boarding began, Abdul pushed her way in front of the rest of the passengers so that she did get on first, and tried to keep the seat next to her empty, telling others it was taken. Finally, a flight attendant told her she had to give up the seat because the flight was full. Abdul kept her head bowed and reportedly was “twitchy” during much of the trip.

When contacted by The Scoop about the story, Abdul’s rep chose not to comment.