PYOK flags a Reddit post by a flight attendant at a major US airline, which has since been deleted, presumably due to how overwhelmingly negative the responses from other flight attendants were.
Let me emphasize that this is of course an anonymous flight attendant, so I can’t personally confirm the accuracy of the story. However, I have a hard time imagining how one would even think to make something like this up. Furthermore, (unfortunately) the flight attendant seems genuinely confused as to how she has been punished for this.
In this post:
Flight attendant suspended over shocking behavior
A flight attendant at a major US airline claims to have been suspended, after being accused of assault and unlawful detention, for conducting a citizen’s arrest on a colleague who she suspected stole a snack box from the buy on board selection. You read that right. Before I get into the details, let me mention that we don’t know what airline the flight attendant worked for, so please don’t read too much into the pictures being used in the post.
The flight attendant claims she was working a three day trip, with “very difficult” colleagues, pointing out that her colleagues used to work for regional and ultra low cost carriers (which… is an interesting detail to provide). This flight attendant seems to be a bit of a control freak:
“I always fly lead, but I like to keep on top of everything that is happening in my cabin, so I went to the aft galley and inspected the carts and made sure everything was packed up and completed according to company policy. Thankfully, it was, which saved me needing to file an incident report, and I counted there were four snack boxes remaining.”
Despite everything looking okay, the flight attendant remembered how a colleague had mentioned that she didn’t pack enough food for her layover, and was hungry. For that reason, the lead flight attendant suspected that she might try to steal a snack box:
“So to ensure the security of company property, on the descent, I went to double-check the carts and found there were only three snack boxes left. I did not raise it with the crew member but immediately rang the Captain and requested a supervisor meet us at the gate. By the time all pax had disembarked, the supervisor had still not arrived, so I told the crew they were unable to leave and they were not under any circumstances to touch or move their baggage.”
The other flight attendant then reportedly grabbed her bag and tried to get off the plane. So the lead flight attendant took her colleague’s bag off her, and blocked the main cabin door with a service cart, so that no one could get off the plane, admitting:
“In the process of securing the evidence, I accidentally knocked the regional girl with her bag and made her stumble.”
Regional “girl?” I’m getting a very clear picture of what this flight attendant might be like. Based on the airline classism and speaking down to her colleague, I’m almost surprised that race isn’t brought up.
When a supervisor did finally arrive, no missing snack boxes or other service items were found. Several days later, the flight attendant got a call from the airline, informing her she was being suspended for assault, bullying, and unlawful detention.
On Reddit, the flight attendant asks other flight attendants for any tips in dealing with this situation, because she was just trying to look out for the company.
This behavior crosses the line and then some
In a way, I respect the passion that this lead flight attendant reportedly has in looking out for her company. She treats her company’s belongings as if they’re her own. But OMG, talk about taking things way, way too far.
First of all, keep in mind that at US airlines, lead flight attendants aren’t actually managers, like you’d find at some other foreign airlines, where they do performance evaluations of colleagues, have the ability to discipline, etc. Instead, they’re just paid a little extra to do paperwork, make announcements, and things along those lines.
Second of all, the level of micromanaging here just seems wild. This flight attendant has so much extra time that she can repeatedly go to the rear galley and count the number of snack boxes, based on hearing her colleague say that she might be hungry and forgot to pack food?
Lastly, how bad is this flight attendant’s judgment when it comes to escalating situations? If she really thought this was a huge issue, she could’ve filed a report, and left it at that. But to physically block a flight attendant from exiting the plane based on a suspicion of them taking a $10 snack box? I can’t even…
Perhaps the craziest part of this story is that this is the flight attendant’s own version of events. Like, if someone told this story from the perspective of the other flight attendant, most of us would probably say “there must be more to the story.” But this is the flight attendant’s own version of events, and she doesn’t see what’s wrong with her actions?!
Bottom line
A flight attendant shared a wild story on Reddit, about how she was reportedly suspended after performing a citizen’s arrest on a flight attendant, when she suspected that she had stolen a snack box. This is perhaps the least self aware story that I’ve ever read from a flight attendant…
What do you make of this wild flight attendant story?
Comedienne Pam-Ann would refer to this UberKaren as the flight's CSD - "***t standing at the door"
#snitchesgetstitches
Nice click bait, too bad the discussion quickly dissolve into race issues. Here's a suggestion, Caguamas before Dramas.
This sounds like a case of not only bad judgement, but also of some need by the flight attendant to control others. At the very least she had no real authority to block the exit of the other attendant who had intended to leave.
It seems as if there could have been a less confrontive means of resolving the situation. I would say this flight attendant, the confronting one, had way too much time...
This sounds like a case of not only bad judgement, but also of some need by the flight attendant to control others. At the very least she had no real authority to block the exit of the other attendant who had intended to leave.
It seems as if there could have been a less confrontive means of resolving the situation. I would say this flight attendant, the confronting one, had way too much time on her hands to individually count all the snack boxes. Was it not also possible for the flight attendant who needed food to have paid for a box as well?
Race? Are you kidding me Ben? That’s narcissism. She is trying to feel better about herself and this is how she does it. Writing a post on Reddit looking for support is also a sign. Ridiculous for you to suggest race as an issue. You should be ashamed.
Agree with everything. But did we need this "I’m almost surprised that race isn’t brought up"?
Abso- freaking -lutely. In fact, she very much tried to imply race by using "regional" and "low cost carriers". Not hard to see what she was hinting at.
THERE SHOULD BE AN INFLIGHT SUPERVISOR WHO WILL CONTROL AND GUIDE OTHER FA
HE IS PART OF THE MANAGEMENT CADRE AND HE CAN SUBMIT REPORT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT WHICH IS HEADED BY CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER OR COMMERCIAL MANAGER CUSTOMER SERVICE REPORTING TO COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
THIS IS HOW MY FORMER AIRLINE WAS RUNNING SMOOTHLY
"HE"?
Thats not how things are done here with US Airlines. Our culture doesn't stem from a hierarchal one with a King and Queen. We're a bit more relaxed.
This shows the problem with random scheduling and people working together whom usually have not worked together before.
This story is ridiculous and probably not true. All major domestic carriers provide food for their employees working a flight .
If any of it is true, the flight attendant deserves to be suspended, if not fired
Food is provided in limited circumstances, not always.
Me thinks the technical term for this behavior is "minor officialdom".
She should retire and find a nice HOA where she would have a larger population to harass.
This didn’t happen! Airline employees are very tight and we know the rigors and demands of the job no matter what department you’re in. We treat each other like family. End of story.
You sound like a FA union member
Perhaps she has proved herself to have the appropriate attitude for a CBP position?
Meh, perks of the job. Same as taking stationery or using printers for person items
She comes across as a little over-zealous. Having said that, employees shouldn’t be removing ANY company property from the aircraft they’re not specifically entitled to remove. It’s called stealing. Try having an Emirates or Qatar purser accuse you of stealing and see how long you get to keep your job. The senior could have dealt with the situation better, but they were in the right.
Hey there EK purser proponent. As even cutting off her hands is a bit extreme in the west, unlike in the glorious Middle East of which you seem to admire…
I propose required equipment for you Qatar purser types should be an assortment of whips so you may flog those dirty American female stewardesses into hungry submission.
Yeah no. This is America, move there if you want such control, and don’t bring your type of crazy here.
How were they in the right if they have no proof of theft nor who did it?
A flight attendant saying she is hungry is not proof of anything
I can't be the only person who feels that this story was made up...
Nah, this crap has always happened. Unfortunately social media means we all get to learn about it.
I agree. Fake. The crews have to be given breaks and for a 3 day schedule, there would be several times they flight crew would deplane and have an opportunity to get something to eat.
Sounds like the Captain Queeg in the Caine mutiny.
Those snack boxes are for sale and employees are prohibited from eating them. A left over meal is one thing but a snack box is theft . That is stealing profit from the shareholders .
Maybe a passenger got hungry and one of the other FAs sold a snack box?
She will always have the option of getting a "regional" position herself, especially if there's a carrier called "Karen-Air"
Maybe she sold the snack box? The lead had her bags checked, how about her sales device?
I was an fa for 31 years. Once the food is sold what's leftover can be used on the plane or the layover. There is no count done. The food is just thrown away, unless it's a non perishable. Most domestic multiple leg trips don't leave much time to get off and buy airport food in between flights. The lead was being overzealous in her efforts to "save the airline from theft" Also delaying crews from getting off the plane on a layover, shortens the layover.
This wasn’t left over food. It was an unopened box with a value of $10.
It is leftover food, the box contains food, can be sandwiches, salads or anything. You don’t know what this unopened box contains, and if it was a leftover perishable FOOD, it is gonna get thrown away, the value to the airline of that item is 0
Besides they investigated and did not find any missing item, so this event was a nonstarter to begin with
These power trip cabin crews are everywhere. Most of the time, us passengers are the victim.
Sounds like someone had a bag of chips on her shoulder!
I hope she is terminated. She can get a job at Walmart supervising the snack isle..
She would make a good retail loss prevention agent.
Would she though? Because they couldn't find any evidence of a missing snack box :)
I had to laugh, in a good way. Walmart stores are flooded with security cameras, and we rely on strict guidelines and good judgement, with only select people allowed to intervene in any theft circumstance. Our belief is simple - we can replace a tv even, but we can’t replace a persons life. This person would most definitely not be hired.
Wow but not overly surprised.
Some flight attendants in this
“oh they think they are so important talking over the public address system position”
can be absolutely nutso control freaks who obviously are not getting enough oxygen to their brain cause their damn noses are so up everyone else’s business and arses.
I have zero tolerance for theft too, “ so would encourage other “oh they think they are so important talking...
Wow but not overly surprised.
Some flight attendants in this
“oh they think they are so important talking over the public address system position”
can be absolutely nutso control freaks who obviously are not getting enough oxygen to their brain cause their damn noses are so up everyone else’s business and arses.
I have zero tolerance for theft too, “ so would encourage other “oh they think they are so important talking over the public address system position flight attendants, to just have faith your colleagues bought the damn picnic box pack. Good decision makers are those who choose their battles wisely.
File a report or take it too a professional
standards committee if theft is suspected, rather than being plain out off the wall bat crazy behavior like this. Amusing story all the same!
The mental illness craze taking over the Western world is now seeping into the aviation world. Who would arrest another flight attendant over a 7/11 reject snack box. Good god. At most report it to your supervisor.
I think we need a three season Netflix special for this crime mystery.
Sounds like an aviation Karen who needs to be fired.
Theres something wrong with these ppl that defend company property as if its their own.
But in this instance, she clearly got what she totally deserved.
I'm curious how this works out for giving statements does the junior FA get "immunity" for the removal of the snack box to allow them to describe the details without fear.
@ Brian G. -- Based on what we know, it sounds like the "ex-regional" flight attendant wasn't actually found to have the snack box on her, so...
Sounds like the theft ate the food on the plane. There were 4 snacks boxed, then 3 were counted. The missing box was never found. Maybe she ate it and tossed the box?
@Regis "Assault, unlawful detention... This warrants criminal charges."
Assault maybe, unlawful detention, doubtful.
At my airline when we sign our contracts of employment we agree to follow certain procedures in certain incidences. One of these (written in my contract which I have signed) is my agreement that in the case of a suspected theft of airline property an SOP will be put in place. ALL those operating the flight will be advised upon landing that...
@Regis "Assault, unlawful detention... This warrants criminal charges."
Assault maybe, unlawful detention, doubtful.
At my airline when we sign our contracts of employment we agree to follow certain procedures in certain incidences. One of these (written in my contract which I have signed) is my agreement that in the case of a suspected theft of airline property an SOP will be put in place. ALL those operating the flight will be advised upon landing that they must remain on the aircraft and have no contact with their hand baggage until the airline security staff arrive (whom in turn have the right to search our baggage). If the airline wishes to target one individual only, the police must also be present.
I do not know for sure whether it applies at the airline in this story but it is a fairly standard policy across the airline industry.
Sorry, for some reason I couldn't reply directly to the post.
Thank you for the clarification Duck Ling. The SOPs require the crew to remain on board until security arrives, but does the SOP gives the right for another crew member to physically block the aircraft's exit to enforce this requirement? Could it be the lead FA overstepped their authority in doing so?
Definitely overstepping their perceived authority.
I am actually surprised the Captain did not intervene.
At my airline, the Captain would take the lead in a similar situation.
If anyone chose to walk of the plane after being asked to wait for security I imagine it would be dealt with as an admission of guilt.
You're right the captain is suspiciously missing in all this, which makes me wonder if he/she wanted no part in this.
The captain was probably long gone to the hotel or in their car by then. So they probably weren’t even there. I do wonder how I’d handle it if I were there though. Or if the FA called and said they wanted a supervisor to meet the plane. I’d assume it would be for a passenger issue. I’d like to think I’d ask why.
or maybe was hungry, too....and ate the missing snack box. Hehehe
WTF: CLICKBAIT
Chill out, bro. Not every thread on this blog needs to be about credit card bonuses.
@ Tim -- Sorry, you're saying the post title is clickbait? My understanding is that clickbait is when a title is either misleading or sensationalized. In this case, I'd argue the title totally accurately reflects what happened, and if anything, undersells it. Just because the story is wild doesn't mean that the title is clickbait.
Assault, unlawful detention... This warrants criminal charges.
I’m pretty sure I had this flight attendant during COVID. My mask slipped off my nose while I was eating and she threatened to have me arrested.
Not exactly, but sooo many flight attendants are like this one and it doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Clearly the majority are great but the number of these type is too high and we can’t even complain about it for fear of being banned from the airline....
I’m pretty sure I had this flight attendant during COVID. My mask slipped off my nose while I was eating and she threatened to have me arrested.
Not exactly, but sooo many flight attendants are like this one and it doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Clearly the majority are great but the number of these type is too high and we can’t even complain about it for fear of being banned from the airline. Like in your post yesterday, the US union seniority model HAS to change to one of merit. I wish we frequent fliers would grow some backbone and really let the airlines know.
So the snitch is punished but not the thief?
Pilots are supposed to speak up and not let the captain mistakenly crash.
The snack box should be free but isn't. Jail Kirby. Or is it Ed?
"When a supervisor did finally arrive, no missing snack boxes or other service items were found."
There was no theft.
Read again. They didn't find the stolen 4th box. Theft or loss.
Innocent until proven guilty? Proof of loss (missing snack box) is not proof of theft.
You know, the only reason we think there were four is because that's what the FA said. Maybe she miscounted the inventory or something...because if there was one missing and they just couldn't find it, you'd think she would have mentioned it.
Could been AS. Alas, you didn't read the whole story because no theft was found.
OMAAT used to be a place for in-depth and up to date reviews of airline products. Unfortunately, there is now a lot more reliance on clickbait, hearsay, purported scandal, rumor, and mid credit card points offers.
@ david arps -- I appreciate the feedback, but if it's the latest review of premium products you're after, I think I'm still doing pretty well on that front, as I've been making a lot of effort into taking as many review trips as possible, and I've had a lot of reviews lately (and will continue to have them). I understand these types of posts don't appeal to everyone, but I do find this to be a fascinating story.
@david arps if you do not like it just don’t choose OMAAT for your reading pleasure or start your own blog.
Stanly, thank you for confirming a long held belief of mine ….
“There is no such thing as a stupid question …. only stupid answers”.
Don’t you just love it when you are proven right!
Now there’s a thing David.
I posted a question along similar lines to Ben, several hours ago ….
“Ben, slightly off topic, however, relevant to the site …. are you planning to visit the Paris Air Show by any chance? Can we expect some interesting flight reviews and maybe a running blog (vis-a-vis the New La Premiere Suite) from the Show perhaps?”
Well Ben?
@aerob13a. You are not HR and Ben is not your employee. He’s not under deposition and is not compelled to answer every question.
…. and who do you think you are rr?
Are you Ben’s PA? Personal and private secretary or blog-guard?
I do believe that you are nobody worth a second thought which you might like to keep to yourself Arps, thank you very much.
Shame you lack the ability to not click on things you don't want to read. Your victim mentality is exhausting
Ms. Fake Lawyer have created yet another profile.
These types of people are in pretty much every industry. I've worked with more than a few in my sales positions over the years. Absolutely insufferable.
Was United identified as the carrier? If not, I would use more generic photos as this is pure craziness they may want to be distanced from.
@ Gull Air ACK -- I included a United cabin and a Delta snack box, to be fair. We know it's not American, since the airline doesn't have snack boxes...
Aren’t they doing an Office reboot? Feels like guerrilla marketing teasing a “Dwight takes flight” plot line
Assistant TO the regional airline
The other question you’re forgetting is, how is this airline so freaking cheap that flight attendants can’t have a snack box that none of the passengers purchased?
@ Chris Zakielarz -- Hah, I hear you, though it's a pretty common industry policy, especially since the snack boxes are shelf stable, so can be reused on the next flight.
@Chris I totally get your point. I have seen on other carriers in Asia the flight attendants were able to eat the in flight meals, but I am guessing either they packed extra for the crew to be allowed to eat or whatever that is leftover and of course unspoiled and not touched by any anyone else.
With my experience working with BT, it was common to take leftover food items for dinner, mostly perishables like sandwiches and fruits. Most of these items are gonna get thrown away so always found it good to throw them into my stomach instead and save me some money, especially during layovers. It was also fairly common to get a bag full of snacks and chocolates post flight from the crew as gifts (if they liked you) even when operating for Swiss or Lufthansa
Generally speaking although policies vary by airline, flight attendants may consume any fresh/perishable food that is leftover. That is, meals that were prepared but not served or cheese plates not sold in the economy cabin as examples. Those are going in the bin at the end of the flight anyway. They are generally prohibited from consuming shelf stable products that can be offloaded and catered to another flight, unless they wish to pay for them.