A Facebook video is going viral of a lady who was kicked off an Alaska Airlines flight from Baltimore to Seattle this past Saturday. Here’s how the guy who sat next to her (a Trump supporter, who was being attacked) describes the event on Facebook:
Just had the craziest experience ever on an airplane:
I’m boarding my flight from Baltimore to Seattle and approach my seat. I had an upgraded seat that I paid a little extra for because of the long 6 hour flight. As I approach my row I smile and motion to the husband and wife sitting in the aisle and middle seat that Imy seat was next to the window. I put my backpack in the overhead and the wife with a very stern voice says to me:
“Did you come here to cheer or to protest?”
“I came here to celebrate democracy ma’am”
… I knew this was going to be a long flight at this point. She then proceeded with: (somewhat paraphrased as my memory allows)
Her: “You put a crazed man in charge of the nuclear codes! You should be ashamed!”
Me: ‘Well we’re all entitled to our opinions here ma’am.”
Her: “And I’m entitled to get drunk and puke in your lap! I’m going to throw up right in your lap! You make me sick! Don’t talk to me! Don’t look at me! Don’t you dare even put your arm on that rest. You disgust me! You should be ashamed of yourself! You put a maniac’s finger on the button” (assuming she’s means nukes). You are a bigot. You should get off this plane!”
Me: “ma’am, by definition, bigotry is disparaging someone prior to knowing them simply by their beliefs and opinions. Thank you for being the very thing you preach against.”
She the proceeded with other various rantings such as my lack of critical thinking and other insults. Finally a flight attendant came over as you will see in the video followed by a supervisor informing that she would have to deboard the plane per captains orders.
After much fuss, airport police came and removed her from the plane. The lady across from me filmed that and was gracious to sent it to me. Many others around me defended me insisting the lady had caused all the commotion and was verbally assaulting not just me but others wearing various Trump apparel boarding the plane.
As the lady was removed I saw that I was surrounded by blacks, Latinos, Asians, and whites, all who had chimed in asking her to be removed and who had defended me. I was touched and moved knowing later that not all these people were trump supporters. The black man who took the seat next to me was a registered Democrat and he and I had a very good discussion about the beauty of free speech and coming together when people insult and commit acts of violence just for having differing views.
It truly was a great demonstration of AMERICA and its people coming together and standing up for one another. Hope you enjoy.
Here’s the video:
Regardless of where you stand politically, I think we can all hopefully agree that a plane isn’t the time and place to go on a political rant. This applies to both sides — recently a guy got banned permanently from Delta for going on an anti-Clinton rant.
Understandably a lot of people have strong feelings right now, and are emotional. Over the weekend we saw one of the biggest demonstrations in U.S. history. The right to express your opinions and protest the government in a respectful way is one of the greatest parts of living in a democracy. However, the way she approached it doesn’t seem especially respectful, and also isn’t the time and place to do it.
The dynamic with her husband is interesting. She keeps talking about how her husband’s mother died, though he seems mostly embarrassed by how she’s acting, as he remains quiet.
Based on what we know, it sure seems like Alaska handled the situation pretty well.
(Tip of the hat to Live and Let’s Fly)
I'm sick to death of this stuff! When I fly, shop, eat out or whatever, I expect to do so in peace. If someone won't treat me or my point of view with respect, then change the subject, shut your mouth or get away from me.
Move her to a different seat? You'd have to to check row 24's political affiliation beforehand and planes are just trying to leave on time (which she was delaying)....
I'm sick to death of this stuff! When I fly, shop, eat out or whatever, I expect to do so in peace. If someone won't treat me or my point of view with respect, then change the subject, shut your mouth or get away from me.
Move her to a different seat? You'd have to to check row 24's political affiliation beforehand and planes are just trying to leave on time (which she was delaying).
Feel sorry for her husband? Sure, because he lost a family member, but chances are he agrees with or got steamrolled by her years ago.
OK then, she's having a bad day, which will last a lot longer until she finds a less pushy way to express herself.
Protest and continue to fight for your beliefs, but don't think for a minute that others won't fight for their's. The offended was calm and in return it lead to her being removed from the plane. Good job, Alaska.
She looked to be about 90...
proof.
She was probably emboldened by the fact that more Americans agree with/and support her perspective than his, but still, as a Trump hater, I wouldn't get into the topic with someone I didn't know unless they brought it up first and she was a bit much. That sort of behavior only gives the Trumpistas the upper hand, which they absolutely don't deserve.
If being attacked by a crazy liberal, you better film it or biased msm will spin the story to blame the trump person.
So I'm a Republican, but as a member of the military I've served all the Presidents with my full support during my career. If I can risk my life on the orders of the constitutionally accepted President (and yes that is Trump now FACT) you can sit on an airplane and be respectful regardless of the political beliefs of the person next to you. If you watch the interviews with this man he seems like...
So I'm a Republican, but as a member of the military I've served all the Presidents with my full support during my career. If I can risk my life on the orders of the constitutionally accepted President (and yes that is Trump now FACT) you can sit on an airplane and be respectful regardless of the political beliefs of the person next to you. If you watch the interviews with this man he seems like a respectable guy who doesn't desperage the lady. In fact when asked he said he would not pursue legal measures against her and that 'she might have just been having a bad day'. Don't judge other people's hearts. I will say IMHO he did not pretend to take the moral high ground he had it. And Kudos to Alaska Air for there professional actions.
So I'm a Republican, but as a member of the military I've served all the Presidents with my full support during my career. If I can risk my life on the orders of the constitutionally accepted President (and yes that is Trump now FACT) you can sit on an airplane and be respectful regardless of the political beliefs of the person next to you. If you watch the interviews with this man he seems like...
So I'm a Republican, but as a member of the military I've served all the Presidents with my full support during my career. If I can risk my life on the orders of the constitutionally accepted President (and yes that is Trump now FACT) you can sit on an airplane and be respectful regardless of the political beliefs of the person next to you. If you watch the interviews with this man he seems like a respectable guy who doesn't desperage the lady. In fact when asked he said he would not pursue legal measures against her and that 'she might have just been having a bad day'. Don't judge other people's hearts. I will say IMHO he did take pretend to take the moral high ground he had it. And Kudos to Alaska Air for there professional actions.
The lady is clearly a very angry and unhappy person and obviously not representative of either side of any debate, whether it's politics, global warming, or how to save your marriage. However, she's very lucky I wan't sitting next to here when she said, in air quotes, that gravity is a "theory." I would have responded, " Well, lady, I thought terminal a**holeism was just a theory until you sat down next to me!" I...
The lady is clearly a very angry and unhappy person and obviously not representative of either side of any debate, whether it's politics, global warming, or how to save your marriage. However, she's very lucky I wan't sitting next to here when she said, in air quotes, that gravity is a "theory." I would have responded, " Well, lady, I thought terminal a**holeism was just a theory until you sat down next to me!" I feel sorry for her and worse for her husband. I hope they can find some way out of their dark place.
To Charlie McMllan, he wasn't wearing any Trump gear, but even if he was, that loose cannon had no right to do that. It's his right to be proud of the man he voted for. He showed a lot more restraint than I could have. I feel bad for her kids and grandkids.
Steve, they would not "regret it" because it is entirely legal to film people in a public place. You have no reasonable expectation of privacy in public and anyone can film you.
Or did you mean that they would "regret it" because you would behave like this woman did, get all antsy and then get thrown off the plane?
She's a wackadoodle, and Alaska handled it beautifully.
But I have to be honest - I want to punch this guy in the face. If anyone surreptitiously filmed me, without my permission, they'd regret it. And furthermore he was very quick to make the rounds of the news programs last night for the obligatory Skype interview.
He certainly shouldn't be subjected to this. But he has no more right to film it than she does to spout off. Not cool.
I'm the proletariat in your analogy, dude.
@Natalie: Body-shaming someone because they don't agree with you? I thought you people were opposed to that sort of thing.
And if knowing that someone sat in premium economy is your "ultimate revenge"... well... that's just sad. The proletariat must know where they "belong", eh comrade?
As the Aerosmith song says, "Dude looks like a lady." Wait that is supposed to be a woman isn't it. hahahaha
While flying ORD-WAW last week, I noticed that the fat slob who cut in front of me as I was about to board the plane was wearing a Trump hae. I felt more compelled to throw up than to say something, but the ultimate revenge is that he was back in premium economy, where he belongs—behind me.
1. A woman of her age should have known better. Seriously she's old enough to be a grandmother.
2. What is up with the husband? He sat there as she raged and didn't intervene. Then when cops asked them to leave he went through the motions and rolled his eyes as if 'here we go again'. His passive aggressiveness was hilarious, I bet she has done this before.
3. This woman must live in some...
1. A woman of her age should have known better. Seriously she's old enough to be a grandmother.
2. What is up with the husband? He sat there as she raged and didn't intervene. Then when cops asked them to leave he went through the motions and rolled his eyes as if 'here we go again'. His passive aggressiveness was hilarious, I bet she has done this before.
3. This woman must live in some sort of self imposed bubble. Her initial anger is probably derived from the shock of actually seeing, and then sitting next to one of 'them'. She needs to get out more.
The passenger was having a bad day, perhaps. In a prior situation the agent asked me to move to a different seat and I moved to a different seat. The agent can then address the situation independent of the dynamics of the two passengers. Ideally deescalate the situation. Removing passengers should be the last resort. I find little value to the story beyond grandstanding for the site.
What a disgusting hag. I'm glad she was kicked off the plane. I only wish she were also permanently banned from travelling on the airline.
Airline staff could have asked someone in the back of the plane if they would switch seats with this couple.
On Qatar Airways I recently switched seats in order to avoid confrontation with a fully-veiled older woman who was clearly uncomfortable sitting next to a foreign man. The flight attendants were Very Helpful, and found me an even better seat.
Similarly, two people sitting in the way-back would likely appreciate the chance to...
Airline staff could have asked someone in the back of the plane if they would switch seats with this couple.
On Qatar Airways I recently switched seats in order to avoid confrontation with a fully-veiled older woman who was clearly uncomfortable sitting next to a foreign man. The flight attendants were Very Helpful, and found me an even better seat.
Similarly, two people sitting in the way-back would likely appreciate the chance to move forward.
Also, agree with the enemy-football-team analogy: in a confined space, why goad the opposing team's fans?
Two thumbs up to Alaska Airline who handled the situation nicely! Yes, freedom of expression is valuable, but only in a peaceful way. The demonstration on Saturday showed that people do not understand the true meaning of freedom of expression.
Dont care who said what and who got removed from the plane, the thing i liked best about this story is Alaska airline courteous behavior.
Thumbs up alaska
I just want to say "USA" is not "AMERICA".
I agree that Trump is a deranged lunatic. That said, the woman on the plane was at least temporarily a deranged lunatic and properly thrown off the plane. Too bad we are stuck with Benito Trump on "our plane."
He is entitled to his opinion.
She is entitled to hers.
History *may* ultimately show that she was right to protest.... but then she has to realize the consequences of causing a disruption, disobeying the flight crew and being a threat to safety in the air.
Breaking federal laws when the FAA and Justice department is now run by Trump as well as causing a threat to for all people on the plane is probably not the smartest battleground for a protest...
Just looking at the comments you can see how some people intolerant of opposing viewpoints. Some people are just assuming this guy is basically a white supremacist based on who he voted for. Talk about being intolerant. I can't stand Trump and think he is very dangerous to democracy. That being said people have a right to vote for who they want and it does not give liberals the right to harass them. Glad she got tossed off the plane.
I feel sorry for her husband,everyone said he sat there just looking sad. The guy has put up with that crap for years,always wishing he was somewhere else.
Sorry I can't see the video, but did her husband deplane with her together? Thanks Ben.
Wonder if she'll think twice before going on a rant in a plane again?
Not a Trump supporter but admire how the guy handled it. Not sure I would have been as non-reactive in that situation.
Have pity for the poor husband . Guaranteed that he's heard many more rants with more to come . ( You asked for it buddy )
It doesn't matter who you are being rude or mean to , you are still a rude person .
Ted, people want lower fares more than they want more space and amenities. The airlines are just giving us what we want.
Not that it excuses this woman - her husband seemed very passive so I'm guessing he lets her get away with a lot.
Too bad they didn't throw her off after the plane reached cruising altitude.
Airlines really do bear some responsibility for all of this.
The smaller the seats, the less the leg-room, the more the crowding, crowding, crowding...well, the more the rats are likely to chew each other's legs off.
Yes, yes, yes, I know, it is not this guy's fault, the FAs do the best they can, it is neither the time nor the place, courtesy is important to us all. BUT few people or institutions...
Airlines really do bear some responsibility for all of this.
The smaller the seats, the less the leg-room, the more the crowding, crowding, crowding...well, the more the rats are likely to chew each other's legs off.
Yes, yes, yes, I know, it is not this guy's fault, the FAs do the best they can, it is neither the time nor the place, courtesy is important to us all. BUT few people or institutions are calling out the airlines on their treatment of passengers. And passengers are left to cope with nearly intolerable conditions.
As a New Zealander i find it so interesting that during your election process everyone in the media and those like Tom Hanks etc said that Trump was never going to win . When he did win everyone is saying that its not right or fair . Isnt this how your Democratic process works? You nominated a Republican and Democratic candidate and you voted based on the Electoral college system . The one with the...
As a New Zealander i find it so interesting that during your election process everyone in the media and those like Tom Hanks etc said that Trump was never going to win . When he did win everyone is saying that its not right or fair . Isnt this how your Democratic process works? You nominated a Republican and Democratic candidate and you voted based on the Electoral college system . The one with the most Electoral college votes wins.
Where's the problem America he's your President ?
1) Big lefty here and a self styled comedian (apologies in advance)
2) HATE this type of thing from any side. There's a place for ranting at people stuck next to you for hours and it's your Thanksgiving table. Or Twitter.
3) Mr #MAGA missed a golden opportunity. The correct response to this animated woman's behaviour was "Excuse me, Sir? Would you please control your wife? She's having a fit of hysterics."
@Alex "He read and posted on breitbart nearly the entire flight..." Sounds like your wife should mind her own business.
He certainly has the KKK on his side
Well the man surely has every White Supremacist agreeing with him
I marched this Saturday in D.C. Granted, it was so crowded, I couldn't witness everyone's behavior. But the thousands of Marchers I did encounter were polite and courteous. We were near the Westboro Baptist protest protesters and people seemed fine with them expressing their views, too. Even the cops were cheerful and chanting along with us.
We talked with people at the hotel (on points, of course) who were there for the inauguration. It was...
I marched this Saturday in D.C. Granted, it was so crowded, I couldn't witness everyone's behavior. But the thousands of Marchers I did encounter were polite and courteous. We were near the Westboro Baptist protest protesters and people seemed fine with them expressing their views, too. Even the cops were cheerful and chanting along with us.
We talked with people at the hotel (on points, of course) who were there for the inauguration. It was all fine. Two women Trump supporters at the hotel WERE a little miffed it took them forever to get to The Capitol Steps show on Saturday because of the The March. But, they laughed about it.
One crazy person is certainly not representative of either side.
Bigots come in all types. This woman is old enough to understand how our system of democracy works. Obviously these liberals think it's their God given rights to tramp on everyone who does not agree with her. Lock her up!
Great post and commentary from you!
The man she attacked wasn't doing anything to warrant her idiotic response and she wanted HIM to be moved. Talk about entitled. I don't know what has happened to the USA but it's getting close to anarchy and no one does their cause by behaving like this. Bravo to the flight attendants and Alaska for dealing with this irrational woman as she deserved. And Pafunco, I couldn't agree with you more. This is not about who you voted for, it's about being civilized.
what a typical entitled, elitist, liberal scum bitch.
Will she be ban for life ?
@Pafunco Hear! Hear! I wholeheartily agree.
@Charlie McMillan based on your logic, if women are not covered head to toe in a sheet then they should expect some sexual impropriety?
Oh boy do I feel sorry for that poor husband, having to be married to that train wreck...and I am no Trump supporter, I checked out of the red/blue game along time and woke up the evils of both parties.
That's what happens to climate change hoaxsters. Get kicked off the plane so she can walk home and save the earth!
@Credit "Frankly a large part of me wants people to suffer under trump"
At least you are totally honest about your despicable hopes. But if that's what you want, I'm betting you are going to be really disappointed. ;)
What a truly terrible state the United States finds itself in at this point in time. There isn't one party in this sorry situation who deserves any praise, credit, or respect.
I hate to say it, because of free speech and all, but if you got on a plane this past weekend wearing Trump gear, you were just asking for trouble. Kind of like wearing Atlanta Falcons gear on a flight to Boston this week.
I never liked Obama. I was quiet for 8 years. I did not like Hillary. I did not like Sanders. I DO NOT like Trump. I was quiet before the election. I am quiet after the election. You know what I am doing? I am working!!!! I am one of many Americans that are doing their job. Working and helping people to produce and get a job. I don't get out ranting at people because...
I never liked Obama. I was quiet for 8 years. I did not like Hillary. I did not like Sanders. I DO NOT like Trump. I was quiet before the election. I am quiet after the election. You know what I am doing? I am working!!!! I am one of many Americans that are doing their job. Working and helping people to produce and get a job. I don't get out ranting at people because they have a different view than mine. I don't hide myself behind a computer keyboard to flood the social media with whining comments. You know what scares me the most? People laughed when Trump said he would run for president. I was concerned. People thought he was a joke. I was not. Now we have the "joke" sitting on the White House. And guess what? Americans just keep whining. Instead, they should look back and see that all people running for president were not up to the job. They should be concerned that when trying to elect the next president of the US we only had the poor options we had. Thus, instead of keep whining they should find a solution. How about start looking forward? Who will we have as options to vote in 4 years? More of the same???
Trump supporters are delusional but they are passionate.
Blacks want equal civil rights (and which is of course their right) but can't be bothered to show up to vote. They want things on a silver platter handed to them. They want others to march for them. Women are marching now, did they all show up to to vote. And the nepotic DNC and incompetent Obama. They all trying to sweep all the shit under...
Trump supporters are delusional but they are passionate.
Blacks want equal civil rights (and which is of course their right) but can't be bothered to show up to vote. They want things on a silver platter handed to them. They want others to march for them. Women are marching now, did they all show up to to vote. And the nepotic DNC and incompetent Obama. They all trying to sweep all the shit under the rug line it's not their fault. They got the popular vote but lost all the elections. The people delivered, the Democrats dropped the ball.
Frankly a large part of me wants people to suffer under trump. The miserable sorry asses that get most of their medical care under medicaid but who voted for Trump or the morons who didn't show up to vote. Eff those people first real hard, before I would care about putting the country back together. I hope the Republicans choke in the filthy air their politicians will soon bring to America.
This weekend I flew on an airline and sat next to a rather big trump supporter who was on their way to the ceremony in Washington.
We had a conversation, am I trump fan, not really. Did I say anything to them for being, not really.
There is a time and place for these discussions and no matter who you support, just keep it to yourself.
I just can't understand, its the same over and over, politics and Religion.
Thanks Ben I could not agree with you more. While not a fan of Trump her obnoxious small minded berating rant against a fellow traveler -- she richly deserved being thrown off the plane.
I dislike trump too but Trump supporters have a right to fly in peace. If you can't accept that people disagree with your views it's going to be a long 4 years.
My wife flew this morning and sat next to a trump supporter. He read and posted on breitbart nearly the entire flight. She ignored him, did a little work herself, took a nap and went along her way.
@fhscott LMAO
"Me: “ma’am, by definition, bigotry is disparaging someone prior to knowing them simply by their beliefs and opinions. Thank you for being the very thing you preach against.” Yes, indeed....
Surprised the plane did not erupt into chants of:
"Lock her up"
"Lock her up"
This is totally unacceptable. Only supreme leader trump's deplorables should be allowed to have their rants - that's why we should only fly Delta.
I recently got rid of an e-mail I've had for a decade+ because I have to go through a news feed to get to it. It took me weeks to change associated accounts. I've unfollowed dozens of FB Friends because of their political talk/rant. I've drastically cut my news intake.
But I can't avoid it coming here. I quit TPG with their new layout (needed an excuse), and now I must bid you adieu...
I recently got rid of an e-mail I've had for a decade+ because I have to go through a news feed to get to it. It took me weeks to change associated accounts. I've unfollowed dozens of FB Friends because of their political talk/rant. I've drastically cut my news intake.
But I can't avoid it coming here. I quit TPG with their new layout (needed an excuse), and now I must bid you adieu as well. Best of luck in your new journalism career.
Don't worry, I won't let the door hit me on the way out.
On a serious note, thanks for your advice and help these last couple years. I got a lot out of it.
Airplane is the last place I want to engage in any type of conversation with people that I don't know. That is why they invented noise cancelling headsets.