A San Diego man is suing American Airlines after he was allegedly banned from the airline over an incident that happened a few years ago. Let’s cover the details, and then I’ll share my take.
Continue reading: Bizarre Lawsuit: American Airlines Bans Passenger For Reclining Seat?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
So they take a reservation, and wait until you're at the airport to tell Klein he is banned? Hmm. And Klein is guessing the ban was from the 2019 incident, but cannot be sure because he hasn't flown since 2019? That would indicate his losses from the ban are marginal at best and his lawsuit is frivolous. Way too much missing information in this story to be understood.
If he sued in federal court instead of state court, we could easily see the papers online.
I recently saw a case in federal court where a 30 year old ex-prostitute sued the post office because they wouldn't let her not work overtime. She said she was disabled and couldn't work overtime. Another search shows that she is not fat and looks around 25-30, not 40.
If he was banned without notice and allowed to purchase a ticket, especially if his frequent flier number was attached, and denied boarding at the airport he is due compensation. Regarding future flights, AA should have the right to ban him for any reason, except for those that are protected (gender, race, etc.).
Regarding his story, if true, I completely agree. FA’s should be required to verbally request a passenger put their chair up before reaching into their space. This has happened to me twice during the same taxi because my chair was broken - the second time I did gently swat away the FA’s hand. It’s a gross violation of space, and my hip is an in appropriate place for someone to place their hands without consent.
“It’s a gross violation of space, and my hip is an in appropriate place for someone to place their hands without consent.”
*Someone* is s snowflake.
Did your hip break when the f/a’s hand brushed it?
Are you healed now?
It’s inappropriate and unprofessional. I’m not your child. Perhaps you’re okay with physical touching on any part of your body or a child’s body as long as it doesn’t cause any *physical* harm. Do you work for Ballenciaga by chance?
Double standard much? I can be sued into oblivion for accidentally brushing a flight attendant but the same can't go the other way around?
He should celebrate he has been banned from AA. There are many other better airlines he can fly out of LAX.
Whatever the back story is here it is obvious this guy is looking for a payday, nothing else. I hope AA do not cave and if it gets to a hearing is dismissed with costs against this opportunist.
Follow crew instructions. Kleinberg bought this upon himself. I’m glad he didn’t go to the Cayman Islands the 60th birthday party was probably better without him.
Regardless of 2019 situation, either you notify and ban him and his FF account and block ticket booking or you dont,
I totally believe this passenger. I witnessed a similar "incident" where a passenger was escorted off the plane for asking the FA not to touch him. Airline will always side with FA most likely for liability reasons. It's much harder to fight FAs suit than that from a passenger. All FA and airline have to say is that they perceived a passenger to be a threat to the safety. No court in this country will side with passenger.
No one should be reclining seats. It is an infringement on your space. As it you have very little room on most flights. I fly for leisure about 5 times a year. Recently I have paid more $ to have better comfort. I think it is for the best that seats do not recline. They are jamming more and more into planes these days without someone taking a few inches of your space.
It is quite common for FAs to help passengers with putting their seatback upright especially when they are in a rush before takeoff. If what he says happened is true there was no need for him to move her arm or hand - he could have told her he would do it himself. Question is why did he not leave the seat up after the first time she passed through the aisle. I wonder what other details are missing because it sounds like an incomplete story, but this is the US - people will sue for about anything.
I have noticed a lot of cranky flight attendants in the last few years. I get it, I work with people every day, and a lot of people suck. BUT PEOPLE are the reason that you have a job. Don’t feel like dealing with another asshole? It might be time for a little breaky-poo. Take a day off, hit the beach, get some rest. Come back when you’re ready. Can’t afford to take a break? Suck it up buttercup or get a job in a cubicle with little or no human interaction. Remember, your role is to provide a HIGH STANDARD OF CUSTOMER CARE. Yes, you are also responsible for ensuring that all the passengers are safe and secure before, during and after a flight, that may require asking a customer to comply a second or third time.
Side note: if someone unexpectedly reached across my body, I would grab their arm as well. He is a grown man, not a child, it was inappropriate on her part to try to adjust his seat for him unless he requested help.
I have noticed that not only flight attendants its the boarding crew etc seem to have this Power grab over customers flying. I don't want fly anymore because of this new style of managing flights. Now the othersides customers hhave been rude and crude maybe we need to have more air Marshall's on these flights. I agree they need to get rid of middle seats make flights comfortable