An American Airlines passenger has taken to social media to share a rather unfortunate incident that happened to him on a flight yesterday.
In this post:
Desmond Howard’s seatmate tries to get him kicked off
Former NFL star Desmond Howard posted on Twitter to recount an unfortunate incident that happened on an American Airlines flight yesterday. According to Howard, his seatmate tried to get him removed from the flight because he perceived Howard to be sick.
To justify this request, the seatmate allegedly told an airline supervisor that “I am sure my status is higher than his, so you should remove him.” Howard wasn’t removed, though after taking off, he filmed a video, which he posted to social media.
During the video he explains that:
- After Howard’s seatmate requested that he be removed from the plane for being sick, he responded with “I’m sorry, are you a doctor?”
- Howard said that his seatmate could leave the plane and take another flight if he was uncomfortable, because Howard claims he was just clearing his throat
- Howard then explained the “status” card his seatmate tried to pull, while pointing the camera in his seatmate’s direction
- Howard finished by saying “the caucasity of him, unbelievable”
- Following this video, Howard’s seatmate allegedly asked to move seats
My take on this situation
Let me start by acknowledging that we only have one side of the story here. With that in mind, a few thoughts:
- I’ve certainly noticed a lot of people coughing during my travels in the past few months, but that doesn’t entitle me to decide who should be kicked off; furthermore, many of the people with the loudest coughs might just have some lingering symptoms from something they had a long time ago, and they’re no longer contagious
- There’s an irony to the seatmate being really concerned about the wellness of other passengers while wearing a cloth mask; at least protect yourself as much as you reasonably can if you’re concerned
- Goodness gracious, it’s disgusting to even suggest that a decision should be made based on who has higher elite status, especially when race is an added factor here; airline elite status really gets to some peoples’ heads
- It’s kind of hilarious and savage to film a video recounting what happened while seated next to the person who allegedly acted out of line; Howard definitely got the last laugh here
- In fairness to Howard’s seatmate (who I don’t have much sympathy for), filming other passengers without their permission is a violation of American’s policy
I think the biggest takeaway from all this is that next time the seatmate should wear a proper mask and mind his own business.
Bottom line
Most of us don’t like to sit next to sick passengers, but unfortunately that’s a risk we take when flying commercial. In these situations, the best we can do is wear a mask that offers a high level of protection, or even ask to be reseated, even if it’s to a far inferior seat.
What we shouldn’t do is demand that others be kicked off the plane, and justify it by claiming that we probably have higher elite status. I’m guessing this guy learned his lesson, though.
What do you make of this incident?
People always try to put the flight attendants in a bad position to pick sides. As a NE Ohio girl I’m glad Desmond stood his ground. Can’t stand racism and hope people learn from this.
To the person who said ‘racism is as present as ever’ I remind you there was a time 60 years ago when Blacks were not allowed in first class. Things have changed. Now this man is free to fight back against his seatmate’s insensitivity. ‘Ah the Caucasity!’ I learned a new word. Thanks
It has happened to me on more than one occasion. One time on a flight from Japan to the US a seat mate asked a flight attendant to reseat me because I was too big. Another time, another passenger questioned my disability when I got up to board the plane with the disabled passengers. I am retired from the military and have a lot of issues I haven't had taken care of yet.
I am...
It has happened to me on more than one occasion. One time on a flight from Japan to the US a seat mate asked a flight attendant to reseat me because I was too big. Another time, another passenger questioned my disability when I got up to board the plane with the disabled passengers. I am retired from the military and have a lot of issues I haven't had taken care of yet.
I am white and do not think this was TOTALLY racially motivated. However, I do feel the passenger attempted to use his "STATUS" with the airline to his advantage. As we saw, it didn't work and Mr. Howard handled the situation well.
As long as planes have been in the sky, people have traveled, sick, smelly, of Bo urine and or feces. Alcohol, other drugs, dirty clothes, animals smell. And other unidentified odors. All before covid.
I like the word Caucasity, being Native American I’ll be sure to use that word, sorry for the white man once again being ignorant, you go Desmond Howard!
If you have a problem with someone it is your responsibility to remove yourself from that situation don't inconvenience someone else for your problem. They are not there to accommodate you. Isn't it easier to spread peace and love rather than hatred. We are all brothers and sisters under one God
While sometimes it's a bit funny to enjoy US wildlife comments, isn't there a nice mistake fare or at least a cute photo of dogs or kittens in a plane? Weirdos adventures on planes and flights don't provide much miles value.....
Much ado about nothing. One asshat does something stupid and second asshat responds just as stupidly.
Sounds like a COVID Karen. Morons that somehow think people don't sneeze, cough, hiccup or pass gas.
Some causes of coughs include common cold, Influenza (flu), and COVID-19, but also...
Inhaling an irritant (such as smoke, dust, chemicals or a foreign body)
Pneumonia
Whooping cough
Allergies
Asthma
Bronchitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Postnasal drip
Acute sinusitis
Bronchiectasis (a chronic lung condition in which abnormal widening of bronchial tubes inhibits mucus clearing)
Bronchiolitis
Choking: First aid (especially in children)
Chronic...
Some causes of coughs include common cold, Influenza (flu), and COVID-19, but also...
Inhaling an irritant (such as smoke, dust, chemicals or a foreign body)
Pneumonia
Whooping cough
Allergies
Asthma
Bronchitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Postnasal drip
Acute sinusitis
Bronchiectasis (a chronic lung condition in which abnormal widening of bronchial tubes inhibits mucus clearing)
Bronchiolitis
Choking: First aid (especially in children)
Chronic sinusitis
COPD
Croup (especially in young children)
Cystic fibrosis
Emphysema
Heart failure
Laryngitis
Lung cancer
Medications
Neuromuscular diseases
Pulmonary embolism
Sarcoidosis
Tuberculosis
Protect yourself from what ?
Sunviking your a lib cutie!!
If ever there was actually the opportunity to say "do you know who I am"
He's pretty relevant. For many years hes been the main commentator on the premiere college football preview show with millions of weekly viewers.
Caucasity = Caucasian Audacity. The audacity to pull your white privilege card on a brother. LOL. Hope this helps.
You have no idea what happened.
NFL player distorting the facts to make themselves relevant again? That is a normal weekday.
Nope White male try again . That is something that YOU DONT DEAL WITH ON THE DAILY. SO DONT SAY RHE NFL PLAYER IS DISTORTING THE FACTS.
Check your threat and go .
First card pulled. What if it was an Asian? Something tells me he wouldn't have commented like that.
Facts matter. With all the talk of racism, Trumpism, fat-ism, etc., the most egregious disregard for the truth is the one that nobody is talking about: Desmond Howard was most definitely not an NFL "star".
He was Super Bowl XXXI MVP. Not too shabby.
Gaslighting. You should be posting on Fox, not here.
@Leigh WTF? No I'm not going to post on Fox--I hate Fox. I love sports, though. And I know that though Desmond Howard was great in college, he pretty much sucked in the NFL. Them's the facts. But yeah, obviously my attempt at sarcastic humor was lost on you.
@Peking Duck.
I apologize. It’s too simple to make a summary judgement, which I did.
I’m huge into football, and will admit I’ve never heard of the guy.
Take care, with my regards,
Leigh
Howard is a TV star and was a college football legend. He had a mostly disappointing NFL career. He made one pro-bowl as a kick returner but was drafted to be a difference-maker on offense.
I'd sit next to a "coughing" Desmond Howard every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
I ask: Do you want to be an egotistical and arrogant seatmate or Desmond who according to One Mile At A Time broke airlines policy ? Odd that anyone here even mentions political party and deciding who is a Democrat or a Republican - sad really! To jump straight to "race" is also being a little sensitive when you really don't know. But yes I get it, racism is very real, but you don't know...
I ask: Do you want to be an egotistical and arrogant seatmate or Desmond who according to One Mile At A Time broke airlines policy ? Odd that anyone here even mentions political party and deciding who is a Democrat or a Republican - sad really! To jump straight to "race" is also being a little sensitive when you really don't know. But yes I get it, racism is very real, but you don't know what was in his heart or his egotistical mind. The comments I have read concern me almost as much as the whole exchange between the seatmate and Desmond. Why can't everybody just chill. Didn't Desmond know the FA was going to laugh at the guy's request and he should have known he would win. Caucasity ? Really ! When you don't really know why he was being so egotistical and arrogant. When I have someone act like the seatmate I wait and look forward to him being shot down by the person in the position of power that he/she thinks they are going to convince. Yes the guy was an egotistical arrogant dude. But for gosh sakes folks - chill and just try to get along.
True, white people should be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to what they're really thinking. Let's just all chill and try to get along, we can't criticize this innocent white guy. I mean in reality nobody can really be racist because we never know what anyone is thinking right, so because this guy didn't just straight up say "I'm saying this with racist intent" I guess we'll never know, and everyone...
True, white people should be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to what they're really thinking. Let's just all chill and try to get along, we can't criticize this innocent white guy. I mean in reality nobody can really be racist because we never know what anyone is thinking right, so because this guy didn't just straight up say "I'm saying this with racist intent" I guess we'll never know, and everyone should lay off him.
(And before anyone jumps to criticize me this is 100% sarcasm)
More importantly, he isnt just another NFL player - but a WOLVERINE !!! Go Blue. Was the complainer a stinkin Buckeye ?
That was my first thought
It’s not always racism. Some people are just assholes
Agreed! That's usually the case.
Just an ugly judgmental human being. The one that always looks down on others based on their race and the way they dress. Mask up if you are that afraid. I bet he's had Covid multiple times already.
Who in their right mind wants to be on a flight trapped next to a sick person? But the way the world works, you are limited in options. And attempting to have someone tossed off a flight isn’t one of them.
I was on a packed BA A380 from Miami to Heathrow in January where I swear every person within 25 rows of me had at least two coughing people and these were sick...
Who in their right mind wants to be on a flight trapped next to a sick person? But the way the world works, you are limited in options. And attempting to have someone tossed off a flight isn’t one of them.
I was on a packed BA A380 from Miami to Heathrow in January where I swear every person within 25 rows of me had at least two coughing people and these were sick (I am coughing now myself due to allergies). I am still marveling at how I didn’t get Covid (haven’t had it ever) or something else because the only two people who masked were seated next to me and not sick (wife worked at VA hospital).
Ultimately, and unfortunately, sick people are going to fly. Also, a cough does not necessarily mean a person has anything contagious. If it bothers you that much, then you have a choice to get off the plane or attempt to be moved. That’s it.
Look - all black frequent flyers know when someone is trying to pull rank or dismiss you because of race when you are in a first class cabin, lounge, or whatever. It happens - not as often as in the past, but it does happen. Has happened to me. And it can happen no matter if you are dressed in business attire, if you are a somewhat well known athlete, etc. Once you make your status, class of cabin, etc known, they tend to pipe down, but it is attempted.
It's racism, plain and simple!
People on here arguing about Republicans vs Democrats. No, both parties are the same. The same!.
This is what we have to put up with daily. The looks people give me when I'm in the First Class line, waiting for me to be told to join the others. Looks in First class lounges at times, or at Immigration in Europe, and honestly, you should really see how some of these...
It's racism, plain and simple!
People on here arguing about Republicans vs Democrats. No, both parties are the same. The same!.
This is what we have to put up with daily. The looks people give me when I'm in the First Class line, waiting for me to be told to join the others. Looks in First class lounges at times, or at Immigration in Europe, and honestly, you should really see how some of these American and European people look.
The truth is, racism is as strong and happy as ever.
The latest move they try to pull is the embarrassment card. They cannot believe that black people have money and status, so they do things like that fat guy tried to pull..
Don’t dress, smell and act like a hobo if you want to be taken seriously in premium travel classes…
It’s not about race.
I guess you don't travel much. Your s***** comment is idiotic as the seat mate pax request.
@Max What about the way Desmond was suggests he looked like a "hobo"? Frankly this just sounds like (very thinly) disguised racism.
Could it be as simple as the seatmate thought he was sick? No racism at all.
Could it be the seatmate is just an entitled a-hole? No racism at all.
Could it be Jordan your racist tendances are coming out in your post?
Or maybe you are just an entitled a-hole?
Caucasity!!!!
We've got your back! As more and more of these self rightous assholes pop up, we slam them down. The numbers against the losers like trump, mtg, disantis, etc. . . are growing. We've got your back my friends and looks like AA does too!
Cannot wait till whities are all gone for good. Useless wastes of air.
I guess the picture is more clear, Mm is actually the Trumper trying to false flag and make liberals look like the racists.
;-)
Found the racist POS.
There are way too many people coughing on planes. They should cover their mouths with face masks at least. I think the seatmate could have handled the situation better because if he is wearing a mask he should be fine. Regardless, the status card lol thats just funny, especially since none of them are Concierge Key!
The science is neither clear nor pertinent since most people do not use masks properly. Having stated the above, masks are better at protecting others when a sick person is masked.
It is not in any way a skin color issue but sometimes people have a Upper respiratory infection regardless of race, color or creed.
"Goodness gracious!" clutching pearls :)
You weren’t there. You don’t know the full story. Always two sides
There are absolutely not always two sides to a story. This is a fallacy that fuels disinfo, conspiracies and Fox News. Sometimes the truth is in the middle, but sometimes it's firmly on one side, as well. Case in point--did the Charlottesville protests feature very fine people on both sides? Should they have met in the middle? Or should the country, very rightly as liberals did, denounce in the strongest possible terms, neo-Nazis???
Why is your profile pic a vagina?
Americans ( and others) love playing the race card though.
@YInDaoYan, to be fair there are always are two sides to a story. It's just that one side is often delusional, wrong, and/or for lack of a better word "bad"
The complaining passenger certainly has a higher BMI than the so- called sick fellow. Doesn’t that count for something?
Nope! Please don't bring up people's private medical situations. When you do, you're simply revealing your own ill manners.
He's a useless fat , science denying maga Trumper like the rest of threm, who cares
I’m sure Desmond Howard is a Republican. Look at the way he carried himself. He’s successful in life and knows that Trump is a winner. A loser liberal socialist would’ve whined and made a scene.
first pres to lose reelection since the '80s lol
And sleepy Joe will be the 2nd lmao
You might not gloat when you consider the cooperation of the Press and Federal employees in manipulating public information. The behavior and results would make Pravda proud.
What's "caucasity"? If it refers to someone being white, then I'm not sure how that's better than seeing a person commit a crime and describing it as "blackness".
Yes, his seatmate is a DYKWIA asshole, and would've been hilarious if Howard had Concierge Key and asked his seatmate "what status is higher than CK?", but fighting racism with more racism ain't it.
@David
Yeah we know. White people hate other white people especially on the left out of cowardice.
Correct, and Lucky is supporting this racist language by not condemning it.
Oh please. You know if Howard was a white guy, this guy wouldn’t have just assumed he had higher status.
@Anna
Actually, I don't know, and neither do you.
Caucasity is NOT racist language. Educate yourself on what racism means. There is important historical context, namely that Caucasians were the oppressors and Blacks were the oppressed.
That is one heavily slanted definition of racism pushed by far-left groups and universities. Historical context is irrelevant to whether something is racist or not. It may play into how offensive something is perceived, but what he said is categorically racist.
99 percent of all racism is white against African Americans and this is a fact. Get a clue and educate yourself on the true trouble makers of this country.
He doesn't seem sick in the video. I did get sick from my seatmate recently though and got everyone in my family sick as the result. I didn't do anything even though he was coughing and sneezing really bad as I didn't think there is anything I could have done. I put on my mask, wash my hands and hope for the best. I only realized it during the flight so kicking myself off the...
He doesn't seem sick in the video. I did get sick from my seatmate recently though and got everyone in my family sick as the result. I didn't do anything even though he was coughing and sneezing really bad as I didn't think there is anything I could have done. I put on my mask, wash my hands and hope for the best. I only realized it during the flight so kicking myself off the plane was not an option either. I guess suffering through it was the only thing to do, because I myself chose to fly on that day.
In addition to violating their policy on filming other passengers, passengers are to “Behave appropriately and respectfully with other passengers, crew or any American Airlines team member.”
Howard clearly violated this when using a racial slur to describe the actions of the other passenger. I’d want to move too (not defending the other passenger, he seems to be a piece of work).
Racism is never okay Lucky and should always be condemned, even if...
In addition to violating their policy on filming other passengers, passengers are to “Behave appropriately and respectfully with other passengers, crew or any American Airlines team member.”
Howard clearly violated this when using a racial slur to describe the actions of the other passenger. I’d want to move too (not defending the other passenger, he seems to be a piece of work).
Racism is never okay Lucky and should always be condemned, even if it fits into the narrative of your political views.
While it may definitionally fit the bill - calling caucasity a racial slur is a bit of a stretch. It's not comparable to the dehumanizing nature of origin of the n-word or slurs like the f-word. And unless race is clearly at play (I wouldn't say it is clearly part of what incited the issue) it shouldn't be invoked but I don't think it is particularly problematic here.
Agree that filming and posting the interaction...
While it may definitionally fit the bill - calling caucasity a racial slur is a bit of a stretch. It's not comparable to the dehumanizing nature of origin of the n-word or slurs like the f-word. And unless race is clearly at play (I wouldn't say it is clearly part of what incited the issue) it shouldn't be invoked but I don't think it is particularly problematic here.
Agree that filming and posting the interaction was not great as the issue did not escalate into something worse and public shaming / cancellation in situations like this (where no further punishment is needed) is both unproductive at best and further radicalizes people at worst.
Its blatantly a racist term. Its negative and specificly about whites.
Racism is never okay. The term "Caucasity" is NOT racist. Please educate yourself on what racism means before you start flying White/All Lives Matter banners across your home and automobiles.
Nazis defend their anti-Semitic quips as well.
Typical hypocritical gook. Yes, caucasity is racist. Shouldn't you be looking for a job, mooch?
Sick people (i.e. persons with communicable respiratory illnesses) should try to avoid flying and if they cannot, they should stayed masked out, all out of consideration for others.
WHY
are you a doctor and policymaker?
I can’t wait to get sick again to buy a mileage run ticket and hopefully ill rin into you too!
Chill, theres WAY more ways to catch a respiratory illness than flying commercial maskless. And if you’re that frail, you probably should stay home for ypur good. Flying ain’t that fun anyways
There are other ways to catch an upper respiratory illness but being seatmates in the same row is proven by many studies. If you are sick in this day and age of Covid, do not travel.
Oh look, more fat white republicans destroying our country while decent, hard working democrats try to live their lives. Being a Trumper should be a sin and arrestable at this stage. I'm over it and their bigoted, free loading useless ways
I mean, I loathe Trumpers as much as the next guy, but attitudes like this give them a sliver of credibility.
We don't arrest people for "being" anything, we arrest them for unlawful actions.
Bye bye fat trumplican! You losers don't realize that 98 percent of all crime and destruction are committed by your science denying, jobless, bigoted pos lives. We are fighting back and your population is slowly dwindling and I love it!
Reading comprehension isn't your strong suit, is it.
Also, you sound miserable. Go outside, maybe?
I thought it's good when the kids call something "sick" ???
If you watch the video, you'll clearly see this hefty loaf of MAGA wonderbread is not a kid...