Flight delays can be frustrating, so it’s understandable that passengers sometimes lose their patience. That’s why I think the actions of one American Airlines gate agent are particularly commendable.
American gate agent in Birmingham gives positive pep talk
An Instagram user shared a video of an American gate agent giving a little speech prior to a recent flight. Piecing together what we know, it appears that the flight in question was on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Specifically, it was AA5270, from Birmingham (BHM) to Charlotte (CLT), operated by an American Eagle CRJ-900.
The flight was severely delayed — it was initially supposed to depart at 8:17AM, but ended up taking off at 3:43PM. Obviously a delay like that is extremely frustrating. However, before the flight boarded, the gate agent walked into the gate area and gave a rather passionate speech to passengers:
“When you get on that aircraft, let me tell y’all something. Don’t get smart with my flight attendants. Be nice to them. They have a hard day just like we do. The same aircraft that’s coming out, the same people that are on that aircraft, it’s the same people that have been waiting as long as you wait, or maybe longer. So, please, y’all, please, I’m asking, do it for me, be nice to them.”
There’s a baby crawling on the floor during her speech, so she interrupts it to say the following:
“Hey, you on this floor. Nuh uh, now, where you going? Look, don’t be on that acting up, we know you’re gonna get all the attention.”
You can see the video for yourself below.
Huge kudos to this American gate agent!
This is honestly my favorite kind of gate agent to have working a flight, and she has such good vibes. So many gate agents are indifferent and seem like they don’t really care, while this woman obviously cares. Let’s be clear, what she’s doing here is totally selfless. It doesn’t directly impact her how passengers behave toward the crew, but she’s trying to pay it forward, and look out for others.
I also think she strikes the perfect tone. Like, if this were just some meek little talk, it wouldn’t work. This woman is basically telling people how they need to behave, or else. And good for her, because I think she got the message across.
Clearly I’m not alone in being a fan of this gate agent, because a flight attendant leaves the following comment on the video:
She is so dope! I love her!! I enjoy her working my flights out of Birmingham Alabama! Extremely personable and genuine!
Also, the moral of her story is correct. Yes, of course passengers are frustrated by delays. But flight attendants are the worst possible party you could be taking out your frustration on.
It’s possible they’re reserves who were just called in to work a flight, and had nothing to do with the initial delay. It’s also possible they suffered delays just as long as you did, and odds are good that they weren’t even being paid for much of that time, since they often don’t get paid extra during delays.
But of course they’re an easy punching bag for passengers, since they’re the face of the airline.
Bottom line
An American Airlines gate agent working a delayed flight begged passengers to be nice to flight attendants, pointing out that they’ve been delayed as long as the crew has. All too often passengers take out their frustration on crew members, so I really appreciate the way in which she looks out for her colleagues. It’s nice to see people who care about their jobs, and others, as much as she does.
Has anyone had the pleasure of being on a flight this American gate agent in Birmingham was working?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.