Flights divert all the time due to disruptive passengers. What makes this situation unique is that we only know the details because the passenger who caused the diversion has gone public about it, and seems to think he didn’t do much wrong (thanks to reader Jacob for flagging this).
American flight returns to JFK following “waiter” comment
This incident happened on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, and involves American Airlines flight AA2557 from New York (JFK) to Georgetown, Guyana (GEO). The flight was operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, and was supposed to take about five hours, covering 2,500 miles. Unfortunately this ended up being a roughly 90 minute flight to nowhere, when the plane made a u-turn roughly 45 minutes after takeoff.
As American explained in a statement, the flight “returned to JFK due to a disruptive customer.” The airline went on to say that “safety and security are our top priorities, and we thank our customers for their understanding and our team members for their professionalism in managing a difficult situation.”
The disruptive customer behind this diversion is Joel Ghansham, described in media in Guyana as a “well-known Indian cultural activist.” He and one of the flight attendants just didn’t seem to see eye-to-eye, to put it mildly. A day after the flight, Ghansham shared his version of events.
Ghansham recently had surgery, and during boarding he requested that a flight attendant help him store his bag in the overhead bin. A flight attendant reportedly responded by saying that they’re not paid to perform such a task (which is technically accurate), and another flight attendant ended up helping him with lifting his bag.
After takeoff, when the flight attendant was taking drink orders, Ghansham reportedly objected to the manner in which the flight attendant leaned over and asked him if he wanted something to drink. So he responded to the flight attendant as “waiter.”
The flight attendant reportedly responded by saying that if his attitude continued, the plane could be turned around. The passenger’s response was to mock the flight attendant, and he said “you must be God, so do it.”
While the flight attendant isn’t God, the flight did return to New York. Police met the flight, though Ghansham was released, as being jerk isn’t a crime. The flight ended up being canceled.
My take on this American Airlines diversion
First and foremost, this passenger sounds like an entitled jerk:
- Like it or not, the flight attendant was technically correct, and American doesn’t require them to assist passengers with storing luggage
- This passenger was rude and disrespectful, and the crew doesn’t deserve to have people talking to them this way; he was intentionally trying to talk down to the crew, and that’s not cool
- Worst of all, this is his version of the events, and I imagine what really transpired might have been worse, since there are two sides to every story
You can tell this guy doesn’t think he did anything wrong, or else he wouldn’t be playing the victim card and putting his name out there related to this incident, because otherwise no one would have known who caused this.
All that being said, as I often say, US airline crews sometimes seem to be particularly bad at deescalating conflict. We don’t know if the passenger was actually threatening, or if he was just a jerk. If he threatened the crew or did anything that made the crew think he posed a risk to the safety of the flight, then they should absolutely divert.
But if this was just a case of a passenger having an attitude, it’s unfortunate that something like this would cause a diversion. I mean, the return flight had to be canceled as well, so potentially over 300 passengers were displaced, plus cargo.
Airlines perform essential functions in our society. There could have been people onboard going to see a relative who was about to die, or cargo that could save lives. And heck, even from American’s perspective, can you imagine how costly this diversion was? It probably cost the airline tens of thousands of dollars, and it may have just been because someone is an incredibly unpleasant person.
That’s not in any way to excuse someone being a jerk, but it’s just interesting how much more common disruptive passenger diversions are in the United States vs. other parts of the world.
Bottom line
A flight from New York to Georgetown diverted after a passenger and crew member got into a disagreement. Based on the passenger’s version of events, it sounds like he was a total jerk because he didn’t like that the flight attendant wouldn’t help with his bags. In turn, the flight attendant told the passenger that the flight would turn around if he was going to misbehave. He thought the crew was bluffing, and it didn’t end well.
What do you make of this diversion?
Should be put on a no fly list for good!
Yes, maybe the behavior of the passenger is rude, but as someone who has worked in the aviation industry for 23 years and made hundreds of flights, I can say that flight attendants are generally very arrogant people. Most of them think they are the pilot or the owner of the airplane. They have a cocky attitude under their polite behavior. In this case, due to one passenger's perhaps incorrect behavior (and I think the...
Yes, maybe the behavior of the passenger is rude, but as someone who has worked in the aviation industry for 23 years and made hundreds of flights, I can say that flight attendants are generally very arrogant people. Most of them think they are the pilot or the owner of the airplane. They have a cocky attitude under their polite behavior. In this case, due to one passenger's perhaps incorrect behavior (and I think the passenger was right), the cabin attendant is being very rude by disrupting all the plans of hundreds of passengers, wasting their time and causing thousands of dollars of damage to the airline. If I were the airline manager, I would immediately terminate her employment and file a lawsuit for compensation against that pilot. It should not be so easy to turn a plane, cancel a flight and victimize people.
Everyone misses the forest for the trees. The passenger became a victim of rude discrimination when he was refused help over a surgery issue. A then polite and mature attendant helped him. He is a victim period. Stop blaming the victim. Avoid American at all opportunity. Many people I know have had issues with their attendants being jerks. The comments here are really telling of how intolerant of an "all in it for me" society...
Everyone misses the forest for the trees. The passenger became a victim of rude discrimination when he was refused help over a surgery issue. A then polite and mature attendant helped him. He is a victim period. Stop blaming the victim. Avoid American at all opportunity. Many people I know have had issues with their attendants being jerks. The comments here are really telling of how intolerant of an "all in it for me" society we are. Note that no passenger offered to help. In my boomer dinosaur era we actually bothered to help one another. Maybe that's why the boomers have all the money and the kids are all waiting for us to die so they can have their rude world of jerks.
airline should fire the flight attendant, for wasting company time and money. guy was on a power trip and proved it when plane turned around. how is it not there job to attend to the passenger's. you hundreds of dollars to fly and you have to deal with flight attendants who don't want to work. "I don't get paid to do that" get out of here your fired!
If this is really all there is to the story , where the passenger is a rude entitled person talking down to a crew member and no physical action / threats were issued then it is a massive overreaction on part of the crew . I hope they fired the crew member who seems to have put their ego above the loss to the airlines and disrupting hundreds of travellers .
I think the attendants should be trained to deescalate this kind of stuff and should help people suffering medical issues to the best of their ability. I would say the attendant is egocentric. Disrupting all these peoples plans over something like this is not good business.
Maybe so that the flight attendants are not paid or required to help passengers with stowing their luggage in overhead bins. But at the end of the day a little kindness goes a long way, since the passenger explained that he had a surgery on his spine.
How do you know how heavy the luggage was or if the flight attendant also had back problems from lifting bags. Not required nor is it covered by the company if they get hurt lifting a passengers bag.
He could have simply said so instead of the sarcastic "I'm not paid for that". Kindness!
If their back is hurt they need to get medical attention and talk to corporate. Sorry but you need to be medically healthy in the skies. What I'd there's an emergency? Is your back going to get in the way of helping passe gets evacuate?
If he really wasn't arsed to do the bag. He could have politely asked a colleague to.
Just the same if the passenger was disabled and needed help....
If their back is hurt they need to get medical attention and talk to corporate. Sorry but you need to be medically healthy in the skies. What I'd there's an emergency? Is your back going to get in the way of helping passe gets evacuate?
If he really wasn't arsed to do the bag. He could have politely asked a colleague to.
Just the same if the passenger was disabled and needed help.
At the end of the day it's still a customer service job. He just cost the airlines money. And the passenger time.
Omg! If I ever have surgery and need help from the freaking crew to give me that attitude, I would NEVER fly with them again. It is understood that it might not be part of their job, but really? Helping a human being every once in a while needs to be compensated or just don't do it? Dear God, the entitlement.
Then check your bag..
First of all, I would have liked to hear the airline employees version of the incident. If she made a big deal out of him just being a jerk and no threat to the airplane or other passengers then I don’t think it warranted a diversion back. I guess we will never know.
When passengers are able to litigate based on a passengers behavior this may stop. As to him being a well known person-he should know better (as we all should) and it may affect his business, it's already affected his reputation. As to flight attendants they deal with a lot of issues that most people never know. As everywhere, if a person is being difficult, demeaning or otherwise disruptive they would be refused service. Entitled, over...
When passengers are able to litigate based on a passengers behavior this may stop. As to him being a well known person-he should know better (as we all should) and it may affect his business, it's already affected his reputation. As to flight attendants they deal with a lot of issues that most people never know. As everywhere, if a person is being difficult, demeaning or otherwise disruptive they would be refused service. Entitled, over bearing, arrogant and bullying behavior shouldn't be acceptable. If a plane has to be diverted based on a passengers behavior it should automatically result in arrest. IMO
The pilot should have told her to avoid him a d grow up. The pilot is to blame for sucking up to one f.a. to the disservice of 300 people.
I am impressed by the measured responses. They vary but most are coherent balanced and logical. While he may have been a jerk he was not a threat. The decision cost the company and a lot of their customers a lot. I will not be flying American.
I try to avoid. AA as said ; Avoid
Assholes
I have experienced AA customer service. It is the worse in the airline industry.
Bottom I think AA should retrained his employees on how to handle a difficult situation, customer service and customer satisfaction.
It seems like a pattern in AA employees, some lie, ( big time) threaten, then execute. They need to learn how to deescalate not escalate. May be they get a prize when they report how they handle a frustrated...
I have experienced AA customer service. It is the worse in the airline industry.
Bottom I think AA should retrained his employees on how to handle a difficult situation, customer service and customer satisfaction.
It seems like a pattern in AA employees, some lie, ( big time) threaten, then execute. They need to learn how to deescalate not escalate. May be they get a prize when they report how they handle a frustrated customer by cancelling a flight or a plane ticket. Who knows ?? AA is trying to make the public know, they are though. People should behave like angels when they are on AA grounds as everyone autonatically forfeit all their rights once on American Airlines grounds.
Really? The passenger is not in the wrong, I have flied American before and they aren't the most friendly. One would expect someone in the service industry ( yes! They provide a service ) to be kind. Are the flight attendants God? You can't say your mind ? This man needs to sue them! The flight attendant needs to get fired! This is racism at its best. Guyana is a Caribbean country of mixed race...
Really? The passenger is not in the wrong, I have flied American before and they aren't the most friendly. One would expect someone in the service industry ( yes! They provide a service ) to be kind. Are the flight attendants God? You can't say your mind ? This man needs to sue them! The flight attendant needs to get fired! This is racism at its best. Guyana is a Caribbean country of mixed race people , something is fishy when you can't say anything on a flight.
I'm being called worse at work, do the folks get kicked out ? No, they don't!
The power trip and jerk is the flight attendant!
Really turn the plane around to show that this passenger was more important than the 100 other passengers. Toughen up and stay the course... deal with it upon landing. I'm glad I wasn't on the flight.
American Airlines has a history of hiring drama queens and failed to provide de-escalation training. As a matter fact, in some cases a plane is a prison in the sky. It's their way or the highway...do not expect to win one of the employees lies and the other two swears. Best advice put up with their shit and wait for the useless government to come up with a long over due bill if rights. The...
American Airlines has a history of hiring drama queens and failed to provide de-escalation training. As a matter fact, in some cases a plane is a prison in the sky. It's their way or the highway...do not expect to win one of the employees lies and the other two swears. Best advice put up with their shit and wait for the useless government to come up with a long over due bill if rights. The industry does what they do because they get away with it. Some day the airline staff should adhere to a higher standard instead and try providing service instead of creating altercations.
They turned a plane around, cancelled a flight, screwed hundreds of passengers.... Because a air waiter had their feelings hurt and got in a pissing match with an asshole over it.
Yes, the man was a total jerk... But as was pointed out, no crime, no charges, and it's the OTHER PASSENGERS that paid the price for an air waiters bruised ego.
Sorry, you ARE sky waiters and waitresses. I know, you have important safety...
They turned a plane around, cancelled a flight, screwed hundreds of passengers.... Because a air waiter had their feelings hurt and got in a pissing match with an asshole over it.
Yes, the man was a total jerk... But as was pointed out, no crime, no charges, and it's the OTHER PASSENGERS that paid the price for an air waiters bruised ego.
Sorry, you ARE sky waiters and waitresses. I know, you have important safety training too... But you are a server at the end of the day.
And every passenger on that flight was screwed because of the flight attendant's hurt feelings.
Sorry, the flight attendant was the bigger of the two assholes here. The asshole that started it was rude to one person. The asshole cancelling the flight and turning the plane around was an asshole to every passenger.
This is a story of two asshole. One was much bigger.
I can only hope that you should never experience any (medical) emergency while onboard a commercial airliner. Keep in mind that the first ones to run to your aid or risk their lives to save your sorry ass are the sky waiters and waitresses.
I recently witnessed both attendant rudeness to passengers as well as travelers who were unnecessarily rude to the attendants during international flight.
There are usually two sides to these stories and sounds like apologizing is needed from both.
Based on what I’m reading, not enough reason to turn that plane around. A whole lotta folks depending on that flight, plus the cargo. Hopefully AA includes this use case in professional development for its flight crews.
I was a flight attendant and helped passengers with their bags and if it was too heavy got help. In my opinion some flight attendants today do not care enough re treating passengers nicely. That being said there are Jerks
also. But to return the plane to point of origin was a little much - if that was the cause as stated.
After reading this article, I see it as both parties sharing the blame. If you need assistance while boarding, you asked for it at time of ticket purchase or while checking in at the gate. However, I am glad I no longer fly. Too many hoops to have to jpn to through just get on the plane, and then have stupid disrupt it.
A plane going to Guyana probably had a lot of Black people on board,. Inconvenienceing black people is at the heart of racism. The word American is synonymous with the word racist. This man clearly had a disability. American Airlines can not refuse to assist someone who is disabled. After they discriminated against the man, he refused to give them any respect. The man didn't want to kiss their asses, so American Airlines took the...
A plane going to Guyana probably had a lot of Black people on board,. Inconvenienceing black people is at the heart of racism. The word American is synonymous with the word racist. This man clearly had a disability. American Airlines can not refuse to assist someone who is disabled. After they discriminated against the man, he refused to give them any respect. The man didn't want to kiss their asses, so American Airlines took the petty racist route. Use this nigga to set an example.
Even though the attendant could have been more accommodating, there is no racism here. I am familiar with your kind!
That is a RUDE comment! There are 3 sides to every story his, hers, and thr truth! You were not there and you are assuming. If passengers can't handle their baggage then they should check it!
Typical woke, stuck in 1865, PETTY response from Ms./Mr "Petty-waytogo"
"Inconvenienceing (sic) black people is at the heart of racism."
ROTFLMAO!
Im with him.
It used to ben to travel. Now its a pain and to top it all the waitresses are rude.
Mostly because they get paid shitty and they pass the anger along to passengers.
It is my belief that the Captain should have told the stewardess to relax and ignore this indivudual. While he was rude and offensive his actions did not necessitate the expense and inconvenience of turning the flight around. I find all three principles in this at fault. The passenger for being rude and offensive. The stewardess for being too easily offended. The Captain for not telling the stewardess to suck in up and ignore the...
It is my belief that the Captain should have told the stewardess to relax and ignore this indivudual. While he was rude and offensive his actions did not necessitate the expense and inconvenience of turning the flight around. I find all three principles in this at fault. The passenger for being rude and offensive. The stewardess for being too easily offended. The Captain for not telling the stewardess to suck in up and ignore the offensive passenger. This incident did not justify the inconvenience and expense. Ultimately I would find the Captain as the primary responsible person, he it the primary one in charge of the flight and for him to honor the stewardess request to return was unwarranted.
Exactly
I believe that if the flight attendant didn't start off by saying we don't get paid to do that things would have been different. That sounds like a smart a-- remark to me. She should have said due to rules and regulations I am unable to help you with that so sorry. This sounds much better.
I agree. The flight should not have been diverted. It wasnt a safety issue. Guy was definitely a jerk, but that doesnt justify what the flight attendant did
They turned a plane around, cancelled a flight, screwed hundreds of passengers.... Because a air waiter had their feelings hurt and got in a pissing match with an asshole over it.
Yes, the man was a total jerk... But as was pointed out, no crime, no charges, and it's the OTHER PASSENGERS that paid the price for an air waiters bruised ego.
Sorry, you ARE sky waiters and waitresses. I know, you have important safety...
They turned a plane around, cancelled a flight, screwed hundreds of passengers.... Because a air waiter had their feelings hurt and got in a pissing match with an asshole over it.
Yes, the man was a total jerk... But as was pointed out, no crime, no charges, and it's the OTHER PASSENGERS that paid the price for an air waiters bruised ego.
Sorry, you ARE sky waiters and waitresses. I know, you have important safety training too... But you are a server at the end of the day.
And every passenger on that flight was screwed because of the flight attendant's hurt feelings.
Sorry, the flight attendant was the bigger of the two assholes here. The asshole that started it was rude to one person. The asshole cancelling the flight and turning the plane around was an asshole to every passenger.
This is a story of two asshole. One was much bigger.
If this passenger knew he would not be able to manhandle his bag into the overhead bin (and how could he not know as he is a self-described person of importance who is well traveled) then he should have checked his bag and let the baggage handlers do their job. All of this could have been avoided, even the later confrontation which probably arose from the earlier bad feelings.
Excuse me but turning the plane just for a comment is a little overreacted in my opinion. Imagine if they did that for every entitled fool, it'd be chaos.
Correction: If they did this for every entitled fool it would stop happening really fast. Most likely avoid way more delays/cancelations in the long run.
Sounds like the pilot forgot to switch off of Dad mode - if you two back there can't behave, I'm going to turn right around and we'll just go home!
Both FA and passenger were wrong. Definitely no reason to cancel a flight already in the air. Have we not cancel enough flights already. Now, we have
to worry about petty issues also?
How about ...let me see if I can get someone to assist you sir. Rudeness and crass behavior are so commonplace now, it's scary leaving your house.
Please....the flight attendant inconvenienced everyone on the flight. Maybe they should be trained in how to diffuse a situation or just walk away and have some other attendant take care of that passenger.
Goes to show just how profitable American is, to justify turning around over a tit 4 tat , who’s pecker is bigger bantering between the passenger and “stewardess “, act like a flight attendant and get the respect.
Then you have to wonder about the rocket scientists starting with the captain to sign off on requesting the return , and operating department that gave the ok , all on their expense, and disregard of...
Goes to show just how profitable American is, to justify turning around over a tit 4 tat , who’s pecker is bigger bantering between the passenger and “stewardess “, act like a flight attendant and get the respect.
Then you have to wonder about the rocket scientists starting with the captain to sign off on requesting the return , and operating department that gave the ok , all on their expense, and disregard of the passengers itinerary.
Not a proud moment for American.
Not part of the job description = doesn't go with the job.
Allowing people to treat other people like garbage = why people think it's ok.
Not part of the solution = part of the problem.
Bad = not good.
Grass = green.
Water = wet.
This has been a Public Service Announcement.
The airline is wrong - his guy may be a jerk, but he did not violate the law. The airline wasted everyone's time by turning the flight around. The airline overreacted in 5his situation.
Maybe the captain has been in love with this
stewardess and he was angry this jerky. So to impress his lover he did turn this plan back.
I agree 100%
Major overreaction by crew. He basically inferred to the flight attendant that they were being Jerusalem and they took a w
Holier-than-thou approach. Helping him store his bag might not technically be in the work description but it goes with the job. Don't like it? Find another job.
I think flight crew don’t put bags up because it could cause them an injury to back, neck, shoulders, etc. which would involve Workmens Compensation. It could also be a Union rule.
It’s the flight attendants that are becoming entitled. People can be not nice. If you can’t handle it, don’t work with people.
The plane should have continued. The passenger was rude but not harming or threatening passengers.
In my book, a fellow passenger who consistently indicates an intention to be disruptive/uncooperative is sufficient reason to turn around a commercial flight at the earliest time.
I was a flight attendant many years ago and I can honestly say that the world has changed a lot since I was a flight attendant. Most people don't think of themselves as a level above Airline employees, But the behaviors that are being shown today by passengers AND apparently airline employees are in bad taste on both parts. I agree with whoever said that The flight attendant should have been removed. If I were...
I was a flight attendant many years ago and I can honestly say that the world has changed a lot since I was a flight attendant. Most people don't think of themselves as a level above Airline employees, But the behaviors that are being shown today by passengers AND apparently airline employees are in bad taste on both parts. I agree with whoever said that The flight attendant should have been removed. If I were her supervisor, I would advisor to take anger management training! She got sassy with a customer who just shelled out maybe over $1,000 or more for a plane ticket. In the meantime, on the other end, The passenger Way overreacted and he should have been called on it by a more senior member of that airline crew, Even if it was the captain. Whoever commented that it was in bad taste for AA to turn around the plane I also agree with that too. You now have disrupted an entire plane full of passengers trying to get somewhere and who knows whether it was important date line or not. We live In a me me generation now. It's not a matter of what can I do to help, It is a matter of what can you do for me And by the way pay me for it! It's totally sickening!
As you said, there are two sides to the story. If he was simply rude, then AA overreacted. Why displace everyone else on a flight? But if he was threatening crew, then absolutely turn around. I would love to hear AA's side of the story. My guess is it was worse that the traveler makes it out to be. Maybe there needs to be an air Marshal on every flight nowadays? At least they know how to handle unruly passengers.
I've been travelling, extensively for over 50 years. Of course, there's been a tremendous shift in what is considered good and bad behaviour. From a customer's point of view, I thnk many abuse what is considered take on baggage. I think the rules about hauling huge items onboard should be changed...Delta always allows one bag checked for free. Secondly, flight attendants are doing a job. They aren't servants. If the man needed extra care, he...
I've been travelling, extensively for over 50 years. Of course, there's been a tremendous shift in what is considered good and bad behaviour. From a customer's point of view, I thnk many abuse what is considered take on baggage. I think the rules about hauling huge items onboard should be changed...Delta always allows one bag checked for free. Secondly, flight attendants are doing a job. They aren't servants. If the man needed extra care, he might have reported that fact pre-boarding. Customers need to get a better grip on reality. I do think, though, this was a really bad judgement call on the part of the Airline.
I cannot understand why the entire plane had to suffer repercussions because of a rude (not threatening) passenger. Had I been piloting, I'd have dropped him off at the earliest convenience and smiled my goodbye while continuing the flight.
Why did the pilot turn the plane around? Is he sleeping with the flight attendant?
FA must be an ex cop. Power tripper.
I think American Airlines should have used common sense and should definitely NOT have turned the flight around. They inconvenienced 300+ customers just to try and act superior to one person. Maybe the man was rude? Maybe he bothered them with comments? Yes maybe, but would it have hurt them to act a bit more compassionate to actually help put his bag in the overhead compartment? Would it simply have shown more professionalism to do...
I think American Airlines should have used common sense and should definitely NOT have turned the flight around. They inconvenienced 300+ customers just to try and act superior to one person. Maybe the man was rude? Maybe he bothered them with comments? Yes maybe, but would it have hurt them to act a bit more compassionate to actually help put his bag in the overhead compartment? Would it simply have shown more professionalism to do that? Definitely. As for the "leaning over him" issue, just simply say to someone like that "I'm sorry sir excuse me and can I get you anything?"....I think they should have definitely handled it much better.
He just had surgery and since his luggage was too heavy for him to put in the overhead, the airline have a wonderful option that he should have used and that is for him to check his bag. He'd even get a bonus in that he wouldn't have to try and lift it out of the overhead as well. Feel very sorry for the other passengers, but I hope AA put him on their no fly list.
Rude customers are a fact of life and I give no pass to him, but seems like another over reaction by American agent with an egotistical “I’ll show you” even though it massively inconveniences others. Learn how to deal with people effectively and diffuse not escalate, learn temperance and how to ignore poorly behaved people. Park your ego
I would think that, even if it isn't their job, they would help someone with their bag if asked. Being an elderly woman, I have asked other passengers for help with my bag and it is definitely not their job. No one has ever told me it isn't their job.
This guy does sound like a total ass but why punish everyone else because he got under the skin of one flight attendant.
...
I would think that, even if it isn't their job, they would help someone with their bag if asked. Being an elderly woman, I have asked other passengers for help with my bag and it is definitely not their job. No one has ever told me it isn't their job.
This guy does sound like a total ass but why punish everyone else because he got under the skin of one flight attendant.
Doesn't sound like he was physical or violent, otherwise there would be at least a dozen videos of it. I doubt any of the other passengers were even aware of the situation.
Hope American Airlines sent that flight attendant to some training classes. She/he was definitely part of the problem.
Simple any passage that is real bad should be banned
For flying for 10 years see what happens then
I agree with you about the diversion. But my take from what I read, it's like you said, there's two sides to every story, just plain "attitudes" for both.
The decision to re-route an aircraft is not made by the flight attendant. Where was the aircraft commander while this BS was escalating?
As a retired flight attendant, nothing surprises me anymore. Airlines connect all cultures from around the world and we may not agree with them. If a flight attendant is physically threatened, then I can understand removing the passenger.
I work for TSA and some of the most difficult people that come through are pilots and crew. The young American crew members when they come through all at once in their gang usually has one that is upset that they have to work or is showing off in front of their coworkers. On July 4, I had one throw their shoes watch and badge into the bin at me. We had to report this...
I work for TSA and some of the most difficult people that come through are pilots and crew. The young American crew members when they come through all at once in their gang usually has one that is upset that they have to work or is showing off in front of their coworkers. On July 4, I had one throw their shoes watch and badge into the bin at me. We had to report this person to the airline. When they come alone they are really nice. Pilots do have a god complex for this airline and I don't think I have ever met a nice one so I try to limit my interaction with them. I have thought sometimes after they leave the checkpoint, "I feel sorry for the passengers on that flight."
Many people have made their decisions after only hearing one side of the story. Sounds like politics.
Completely inaccurate.... and missing vital facts here. You should have done your research before writing this inaccurate story.
We're you on the flight?
I have had flight attendants treat me worse than this guy treated her. What is done when a flight attendant is obnoxious and rude? Fortunately, most flight attendants are very nice and accommodating, but not all!
He didn't call the crews' bluff; that would have meant the flight continuing to its destination, as it should have. The crew wasn't bluffing and they ultimately turned the plane back to New York. You need to proofread your writing before posting it.
This story is so one sided and inaccurate. He's missing tons of facts
To turn the plane around is rude to all the other passengers. Just ignore the passenger.
The name suggests he was brown skinned.
Being brown skinned myself, I have experienced American Airlines' discrimination in 2005.
Since then my family and I have NEVER flown AA.
Wow! That's terrible. So sorry to hear that, because I am too
The flight attendant has a nasty ,rude attitude. And very unkind. No treats, no confrontation.. he was nasty
Turning the plane around was a stupid thing to do. I would fine the. Flight attendant and ban the. Passenger from flying.
People spend $ to take flights for important and often times serious reasons. For the flight to be diverted over something this stupid, I hope that there's consequences for all parties, as there seems to be fault in both the passenger, flight attendant, and even the captain for actually deciding to cancel the flight. I'm sure the cost to get an airliner airborne, and flying for a distance isn't cheap either when you talk about...
People spend $ to take flights for important and often times serious reasons. For the flight to be diverted over something this stupid, I hope that there's consequences for all parties, as there seems to be fault in both the passenger, flight attendant, and even the captain for actually deciding to cancel the flight. I'm sure the cost to get an airliner airborne, and flying for a distance isn't cheap either when you talk about fuel, maintenance, employees salary, etc.
This was an over reaction by the pilot and the crew, detrimental to all the other passengers of such flight. The flight steward also has an attitude manifested by his threat to the passenger concern. In marketing, one has not only to satisfy, BUT TO DELIGHT THE CUSTOMER!! If I were airline management, I would subject the erring attendant to discipline or several hours of workshops and seminars on proper customer decorum and courtesy.
...
This was an over reaction by the pilot and the crew, detrimental to all the other passengers of such flight. The flight steward also has an attitude manifested by his threat to the passenger concern. In marketing, one has not only to satisfy, BUT TO DELIGHT THE CUSTOMER!! If I were airline management, I would subject the erring attendant to discipline or several hours of workshops and seminars on proper customer decorum and courtesy.
He costs the airline company so much money, and inconveniences to the remaining passengers!! BIG
HEAD!!
I want to clarify a statement I made a few minutes ago. I obviously side with the FA. There appears to be more to this story. The FA does not make the decision to return to the airport. That decision is made by the aircraft captain. He should have checked before deciding to turn the flight around as he would be aware of the ramifications and cost of doing so. Know the facts condemning the...
I want to clarify a statement I made a few minutes ago. I obviously side with the FA. There appears to be more to this story. The FA does not make the decision to return to the airport. That decision is made by the aircraft captain. He should have checked before deciding to turn the flight around as he would be aware of the ramifications and cost of doing so. Know the facts condemning the FA. It does sounds like an overreaction but the aircraft captain bears the responsibility for his decision to turn the flight around.
Although the crew member could have handled the situation differently the entitled a****e was definitely wrong Their actions put out a lot of people out and they should be held accountable. As they are most likely to do this again since they accept no responsibility they should be banned from flying for a year.
Just based on reading the article it seems it was an overreaction. Hard to tell without a video.
I think the fact that there are no videos says a lot. The confrontation between the passenger and crew didn't even cause a noticeable ruckus. Definitely not enough to turn the flight around.
Just 2, oversized, egos clashing.
No, the flight diverted due to a hysteric drama queen being employed for a job she clearly isn't capable of performing properly. Yes, the passenger's behaviour was inappropriate and disgusting, but that's not a reason to divert a flight, if the passenger doesn't pose a threat.
Let's hope the FA will be fired, I assume AA won't be too happy by the additional costs they caused them.
The guy was a jerk, but if I were the airline I would be looking at the employee's terms of employment. Have no doubt that the EMPLOYEE cost the airline thousands. The Jerk was not endangering the safety of the flight or it's passengers.
Passengers are strangely problematic on flights, which might be in part because of the boredom, the tediousness of all the formalities, and the stress about getting crammed into a tin...
The guy was a jerk, but if I were the airline I would be looking at the employee's terms of employment. Have no doubt that the EMPLOYEE cost the airline thousands. The Jerk was not endangering the safety of the flight or it's passengers.
Passengers are strangely problematic on flights, which might be in part because of the boredom, the tediousness of all the formalities, and the stress about getting crammed into a tin tube with almost no personal space. However, sitting at the Gate should allow airlines at least to spot the drunk the passengers before they board. Why does this not happen?
I think American Airlines captain overreacted by turning back the plane. We have enough cancelled flights and delayed flights with good reasons. Why add to a cancelled flight because of a jerk. I think American is wrong diverting the flight and later cancelling the flight. It is a disservice to the other paying passengers.
Two sides to this story pilot would have been sacked it not good reason try costing an airline money!!!!!
This is a perfect picture of the times we live in. One flight attendant ruins the trip for everyone because his/her feelings were hurt by baaad words, another one forces a little girl to stuff her puppy into the overhead bin, subsequently killing the animal. And the list goes on and on. What happened to the glorious times of airline travel? Also I have seen many flight attendants helping out passengers who had difficulty storing...
This is a perfect picture of the times we live in. One flight attendant ruins the trip for everyone because his/her feelings were hurt by baaad words, another one forces a little girl to stuff her puppy into the overhead bin, subsequently killing the animal. And the list goes on and on. What happened to the glorious times of airline travel? Also I have seen many flight attendants helping out passengers who had difficulty storing their belongings. It is not a legal requirement but could be an essential one for establishing rapport. The flight attendant is there to make sure everybody is feeling safe and cared about. The only time I have seen them turning into a Sargent was when there was an emergency. They save people when needed but sometimes in s normal flight a passenger may ask them to please help with the luggage. If they want to establish trust that is a perfect possibility.
The flight attendant's response and the Captain's turn-around seem grossly overblown and disproprtionate to what should have been a minor incident. I fly often, and have had innumerable situations where the overhead bins are full, and there is no space for my backpack. Almost invariably, a flight attendant will rearrange the bags to make space for my carry-on, and hoist my backpack up and into the bin .... The kicker, ofcourse, is that most of...
The flight attendant's response and the Captain's turn-around seem grossly overblown and disproprtionate to what should have been a minor incident. I fly often, and have had innumerable situations where the overhead bins are full, and there is no space for my backpack. Almost invariably, a flight attendant will rearrange the bags to make space for my carry-on, and hoist my backpack up and into the bin .... The kicker, ofcourse, is that most of my flights are international, and I never fly on an American Carrier, even though I am an American myself
The FA has the responsibility to deescalate a situation so I do not know why Lucky is throwing vitriol at the passenger. I have travelled on QR with a broken rib and the FA on business class outdid herself helping me; I certainly could not lift anything. Another reason to boycott N American airlines.
The flight attendant has a nasty ,rude attitude. And very unkind. No treats, no confrontation.. he was nasty . Passenger had a major spine surgery not so long ago and hence, asked for help stowing the bag. Abd he refused twice
It seems these days that everyone is looking for insults where there are none. Maybe, if everyone gave each other a pass for the 1st rude interaction, chalking it up to a ‘bad day’ we could all get along a bit better.
Had the FA been informed that the pax needed help due to a medical issue, he might have found a more sympathetic FA. The FA was a bit thin-skinned to take offense...
It seems these days that everyone is looking for insults where there are none. Maybe, if everyone gave each other a pass for the 1st rude interaction, chalking it up to a ‘bad day’ we could all get along a bit better.
Had the FA been informed that the pax needed help due to a medical issue, he might have found a more sympathetic FA. The FA was a bit thin-skinned to take offense at being called a waiter. He could have just brushed it off. But no. He would rather divert a flight than just let it go.
The FA was told up don't that passenger unable to lift bag and refused twice. And told passenger he does not get paid for doing bags. Very rude
I agree about the immaturity of the flight attendant. It happens more and more in the US. That's the reason I usually try to fly in non American airlines. Poor pay, poor training and clear consequences.
Little whimsy flight attendant got his/her/tranny's feelings hurt and made everyone on the flight pay the price, over a minor argument...!! That stupid 'waiter' should be serving french fries at McDonalds, and be fined whatever the cost is to cancel the flight...!! Get over it people!!
If there was no threat to the safety of the crew, passengers or the aircraft, the Flight Attendant had the option to rise above the situation. To deescalate, or get assistance from a colleague. To allow a non-threatening slight or hurt feelings cause 299 other people to have the incredible hassle this created, let alone the families or work, or medical, whatever...is a petty travesty on American's part. However, if there was a safety issue,...
If there was no threat to the safety of the crew, passengers or the aircraft, the Flight Attendant had the option to rise above the situation. To deescalate, or get assistance from a colleague. To allow a non-threatening slight or hurt feelings cause 299 other people to have the incredible hassle this created, let alone the families or work, or medical, whatever...is a petty travesty on American's part. However, if there was a safety issue, then turning back was right. I used to fly American a lot, but the last several flights with one exception, were staffed with pretty sour crew members. I fly Alaska as much as possible and have enjoyed the flights overall. Nicer staff, nicer passengers, really. The number of problems with American Airlines is puzzling. But, again, if there was a threat. Divert.
The “Attendant” should have de-escalated and helped with the bag. Plane should not have been deserted—being rude is not a crime. The captain should be ashamed of himself.
Sounds to me like the flight attendant might be more successful at a diner, and the pilot...sounds like flying to Guyana may not have been his priority that day !
People who serve food are "waiters" throughout millions of miles, until COVID. Stating a truth was not cause for action. I have flewn in the golden age of flight (and on foreign airlines) so I can compare.
Flight attendants have developed, with the airlines assistance both a thin skin and a combative attitude (on their part) toward passengers showing frustration to paying $thousands to be the cattle on the "cattle car with wings" a SNL...
People who serve food are "waiters" throughout millions of miles, until COVID. Stating a truth was not cause for action. I have flewn in the golden age of flight (and on foreign airlines) so I can compare.
Flight attendants have developed, with the airlines assistance both a thin skin and a combative attitude (on their part) toward passengers showing frustration to paying $thousands to be the cattle on the "cattle car with wings" a SNL joke that has become reality since 2020.
I am 78 with bilateral rotator cuff injurys. I have found that asking a young muscular male PASSENGER for help works 100% of the time because they have no chip on their shoulder.
What do you want to bet the FA was white and the passenger was black.
Being correct about Union contract terms (that no passenger knows) is no defense to the FA being a jerk.
Activist is just another word for asshole !
I have had energency surgery and flew home shortly after; could not lift bag. I asked politely for help. Help came. I know that when I arrived home it was so difficult. It's not tge same atmosphere with people helping people anymore. Especially when you think of gentlemanly behavior. I was brought up where men opened doors for women or let you go ahead. Especially if you are pregnant. Just a rule of correct kind...
I have had energency surgery and flew home shortly after; could not lift bag. I asked politely for help. Help came. I know that when I arrived home it was so difficult. It's not tge same atmosphere with people helping people anymore. Especially when you think of gentlemanly behavior. I was brought up where men opened doors for women or let you go ahead. Especially if you are pregnant. Just a rule of correct kind behavior. I have seen these traits of kindness be completely ignored. Very appalling to see elderly people pushed aside or assaulted. It has to stop. Children need to see rules of behavior by example. This includes not using profanity or slang gutter talk. It's fueling negative because. Our children need positive energy. Good clean- nice language.
There's more to the story... wait for it to come out.
Something major went down to turn around and land!! it was not just rudeness and being a jerk. Of course he is not going to tell the whole truth.
I think there are far too many entitled people flying out there. Rudeness may not be a crime, but it emboldened others to misbehave and should therefore be stopped immediately and they should make an example by not tolerating it. Imagine if you had 50, 100, or 200 "simply rude" customers on a flight. I doubt we'll ever know the full story or true extent of his rude behaviors, but I'm sure the captain and...
I think there are far too many entitled people flying out there. Rudeness may not be a crime, but it emboldened others to misbehave and should therefore be stopped immediately and they should make an example by not tolerating it. Imagine if you had 50, 100, or 200 "simply rude" customers on a flight. I doubt we'll ever know the full story or true extent of his rude behaviors, but I'm sure the captain and crew did not take this decision lightly. If this man is well known in his home country, as a public persona he should set an example of good behavior and not demean others. Double shame on him.
I think unruly passengers should be put in a straight jacket or something so they can’t hurt themselves or others. When the flight lands they can be escorted off and the passengers and crew are not made to suffer. Flight attendants or crew should have this capability. This behavior is intolerable!
That has to be something else the airlines can do to deal with a…..e like him because this is happening all the time like subdue him , strap him to his seat , tape shut their mouth etc .
I’m sure there are flight attendants are rude as well they think have all powers to turn the flight back !
Just other poor passengers have to suffered with delayed , cancelation n other problems n that’s not fair !
Interesting, could the chief flight attendant have swapped FAs between front and back or left and right
My apologies... I meant to type "American" instead of United... Then again, things are getting tough all over... As the old saying goes.
It sounds like there are a bunch of sensitive flowers working for United.
There's an old saying that us Oldsters grew up on... "The CUSTOMER is always right".
To be brutally honest, anything short of a passenger lighting a fuse attached to their clothing SHOULDN'T PHAZE anyone ATTENDING to that CUSTOMER.
Regardless of any arbitrary "policy" that might be Standard, wouldn't anyone with any kind of decency help someone who's obviously incapable of lifting a...
It sounds like there are a bunch of sensitive flowers working for United.
There's an old saying that us Oldsters grew up on... "The CUSTOMER is always right".
To be brutally honest, anything short of a passenger lighting a fuse attached to their clothing SHOULDN'T PHAZE anyone ATTENDING to that CUSTOMER.
Regardless of any arbitrary "policy" that might be Standard, wouldn't anyone with any kind of decency help someone who's obviously incapable of lifting a piece of luggage into an overhead locker... Which says plenty about "employees" these days and VOLUMES about regular, everyday people in general.
No one wants to HELP each other anymore, unless of course it's filmed and posted on Socialist Media..
People have become self serving Attention Whooooers.
To top all of that, what with the prices these airlines charge... FULL SERVICE should come with every overpriced ticket.
The bottom line is that like it or not people are stuck together for the duration of the flight Anything but courteous behavior in any situation is untenable
The passenger that forced the flights return should be billed for the gas and time of the employees. Manners do matter in the world, especially with international travel. The more airlines do this the more people will get that bad behavior has consequences .
Flight attendants are totally responsible for the safety of the flight/plane. If you are disruptive during a calm pleasant flight, you will not be following instructions during an emergency and you become a threat to everyone on board. The flight will return to US for federal jurisdiction purposes and you will be charged by the FBI for putting everyone at risk and the airline most likely will not let you flight with them ever again....
Flight attendants are totally responsible for the safety of the flight/plane. If you are disruptive during a calm pleasant flight, you will not be following instructions during an emergency and you become a threat to everyone on board. The flight will return to US for federal jurisdiction purposes and you will be charged by the FBI for putting everyone at risk and the airline most likely will not let you flight with them ever again. The captain? Who do you think he/she will believe? A coworker or a total stranger that is disrupting the peace in the workplace?
Seems to me the flight attendant had attitude. They have always helped me and others storing overhead bags. That just wasn't enough reason to turn a flight around.
I worked for Pan Am in Miami and I'd suggest duct taping the bastard to his seat for the duration of the flight. Even his mouth if need be. No one gets hurt, only the rude passenger who if he had any sense of decency would be embarrassed. Everyone gets to their destination and the flight attendant is not subjected to verbal abuse by the rude passenger. Win win!
If I’m fact the events began as described …. The flight attendant was 100% in the wrong. Now…depending on how the passenger asked for help … maybe that caused the FA to refuse to help him … however it sounds like the FA greatly contributed to this disruption & cancelled flight.
I fly frequently and have noticed flight crews, specifically flight attendants for the most part do a great serving the passengers. However, I have noticed there is a need for passenger de-escalation techniques. There are definitely rude and disruptive passengers that travel. I believe the airlines need to invest in the type of deescalation training law enforcement uses. I have been in law enforcement over 25 years and have learned that the most powerful weapon...
I fly frequently and have noticed flight crews, specifically flight attendants for the most part do a great serving the passengers. However, I have noticed there is a need for passenger de-escalation techniques. There are definitely rude and disruptive passengers that travel. I believe the airlines need to invest in the type of deescalation training law enforcement uses. I have been in law enforcement over 25 years and have learned that the most powerful weapon or technique is the mouth and the words I use to calm a situation.
It would have been nice to have a video of this encounter. The passenger should, in the least, be put on the airlines' no fly list. The passenger could have diffused the ordeal.
The passenger is a POS
So is the thin skinned flight attendant who made a big dead out of this and caused the flight to divert back, simply out of spite.
He probably baited them into this. He will sue, and the insurance company will settle, because it is cheaper than litigating and this DB will get a pay day. Plying the victim pays these days, and that is why people are getting so entitled.
The only people that baited this flight to turn around are employed by AA. If obnoxious sarcasm can so easily bait a flight to turn around, there is a serious problem.
Perhaps the next wannabe hijackers can take lessons in how easily it is to get a plane to divert from the originally scheduled route and not end up in prison for doing so.
i agree with airline calling the passenger's bluff... if it was his attitude to be difficult, just imagine what other torments he would have inflicted on the crew and possibly fellow passengers during the 5-hours flight... the airline maybe a hundred thousand dollars poorer because of the diversion but that may be nothing compared to a serious disaster the jerk, as he called himself, could have caused... better safe than sorry... when would airlines require...
i agree with airline calling the passenger's bluff... if it was his attitude to be difficult, just imagine what other torments he would have inflicted on the crew and possibly fellow passengers during the 5-hours flight... the airline maybe a hundred thousand dollars poorer because of the diversion but that may be nothing compared to a serious disaster the jerk, as he called himself, could have caused... better safe than sorry... when would airlines require neuro tests of their passengers?... hehe...
The airlines should definitely send the flight attendants to a few training classes to deescalate tense situations. It's appalling customer service to pull the code yellow card when a passenger is just being a jerk and not a threat! What about the other 300 passengers who were not being jerks? The airlines pulled a sophomoric gym class punishment for 300 paying customers! I remember having to run the entire gym class for one smartass student!...
The airlines should definitely send the flight attendants to a few training classes to deescalate tense situations. It's appalling customer service to pull the code yellow card when a passenger is just being a jerk and not a threat! What about the other 300 passengers who were not being jerks? The airlines pulled a sophomoric gym class punishment for 300 paying customers! I remember having to run the entire gym class for one smartass student! I think that when a passenger is being a jerk, not a threat, they should get a strike against them. 3 strikes and they get placed on the no fly list for that airlines.
Agree
You're absolutely CORRECT... And I think "sensitivity training" is in order, too.
People seem too sensitive for the wrong reasons these days.
Who's to say that in this guy's culture, those people don't refer to EVERYONE in a "service position" as a "waiter"?
I know a nice lady from Ghana, I'll have to ask her what their vernacular is.
My point is that folks in a Service position should strive to actually make a Customer's...
You're absolutely CORRECT... And I think "sensitivity training" is in order, too.
People seem too sensitive for the wrong reasons these days.
Who's to say that in this guy's culture, those people don't refer to EVERYONE in a "service position" as a "waiter"?
I know a nice lady from Ghana, I'll have to ask her what their vernacular is.
My point is that folks in a Service position should strive to actually make a Customer's experience the best it can be... And even if a Customer is acting like an asshat, it's really pretty easy to turn them around with simple Psychology.
Cheers
The flight attendant is actually the one who started it first tbh. The passengers request to help him put his luggage up in the compartment after surgery is perfectly reasonable and any trained hospitality associate (ie flight attendant) will kindly accommodate. I’ve flown on many airlines both domestic and international, and if you ask them politely, they are usually happy to make the accommodation and i turn make the guest experience better. The flight attendant...
The flight attendant is actually the one who started it first tbh. The passengers request to help him put his luggage up in the compartment after surgery is perfectly reasonable and any trained hospitality associate (ie flight attendant) will kindly accommodate. I’ve flown on many airlines both domestic and international, and if you ask them politely, they are usually happy to make the accommodation and i turn make the guest experience better. The flight attendant informing him that it wasn’t their job was really a bad move, and caused the conflict to begin with.
Ridiculous! But...NOT enough of a reason for the plane to turn around...stupid, especially as he got off w no consequences. Meanwhile, 300 folks were screwed!!
The general public, has this conception that they can do anything on these flights. The crew is the law and rules on the flight. Your to sit down and listen, the general public seems to think,they can do anything they feel they want. They need to understand they can be pulled from the flight ,if they don't play by the rules the cops will be called and pull them ,they could spend the time in jail or told to take another airline.
Stewardess: get over yourself!
Good for the airline. It was a long flight and he was Already being disrespectful to the the employees . He could have escalated from ignorant to aggressive very quickly. Great call.
United flight attendants always assist passengers with placing luggage if they need assistance! American Airline flight attendants are always rude! That’s why we don’t fly them!
AAL staff are famous for their abrasiveness and yes they do have "Goddess" complexes. I remember a few years ago I was standing in line to board and a fat agent started barking at me because I had a cup of soda I'd brought from the FC lounge and she stayed, illogically of course, that bc there was no lid there must be alcohol, and so would call the cops if I tried to board...
AAL staff are famous for their abrasiveness and yes they do have "Goddess" complexes. I remember a few years ago I was standing in line to board and a fat agent started barking at me because I had a cup of soda I'd brought from the FC lounge and she stayed, illogically of course, that bc there was no lid there must be alcohol, and so would call the cops if I tried to board with my cola. They don't serve the public, they serve their own hubris and hostility whose source can only be known from the years of therapy they all need. Why do persons who hate people seek work in customer contact roles?
Before we pass judgment, the other side of the story needs to be heard. It's easy for the passenger involved to get people on his side when he is the only one telling the story.
The flight attendant's response was not professional. She should be more polite in her response.
I flew often with EVA, flight attendant are very helpful, if they cannot help you, they would ask other passengers to help with it. See, how professional they are compare cocky, erregant americain flight attendants?
If you choose this carrier, you have to be friendly to represent the company. Yep, public company, screw the investors portfolios for your...
The flight attendant's response was not professional. She should be more polite in her response.
I flew often with EVA, flight attendant are very helpful, if they cannot help you, they would ask other passengers to help with it. See, how professional they are compare cocky, erregant americain flight attendants?
If you choose this carrier, you have to be friendly to represent the company. Yep, public company, screw the investors portfolios for your unprofessional behavior!
If a guy is merely being rude to a FA, they should never-ever divert.
If he is being an ongoing nuisance or making any threats, thats another story.
Having worked in the industry for just under 40 years, I have seen the earlier years where passengers and customers had the greatest respect for each other. Unfortunately we have succumbed to a culture where rudeness is very openly demonstrated and almost most times either overlooked or just tolerated. It is unfortunate that we have so many uncultured, often ignorant, slum type people (brain and social intelligence wise) flying and I foresee more return to...
Having worked in the industry for just under 40 years, I have seen the earlier years where passengers and customers had the greatest respect for each other. Unfortunately we have succumbed to a culture where rudeness is very openly demonstrated and almost most times either overlooked or just tolerated. It is unfortunate that we have so many uncultured, often ignorant, slum type people (brain and social intelligence wise) flying and I foresee more return to the origin city or diversions taking place in the future.
Taking this article at face value, the airline is being petty in this case and completely unemphathic to the rest of the customers for turning around the plane and cancelling the flight for something so trivial.
So many people had to be inconvenienced or worse because of one “pendejo”. He should be on everybody’s no fly list.
Flight attendants should have helped the person, or ask someone to help, probably would have avoided all this ridiculous nonsense.
Send him the bill for the diversion. And put up signs in many languages noting that is company policy!
More and more people seem to be disrespectful. He was in her place of employment and should have been respectful. If i was him i would have asked a man for help or he could have checked his bag. I think he had a "Ken" attitude.
The flight attendant could have also have used a business attitude and politeness. I would tend to side with the flight attendant in this case. You just cant please some Karens or Kens.
The AA flight Attandant was over re-acted maybe he's facing Personnel Issues in his life or he's abusing the FLIGHT RETURN POLICY, AA should removed the flight Attandant from duty & send him Mentle Evaluation.
Even though it's not the flight attendants job to stow luggage in the overhead, we don't know if the passenger was struggling. Surgery for the passenger was mentioned, so help was needed I surmised. We don't have the whole story here.
If I had surgery and then was going to fly, I would make sure I checked all my luggage or had only a light weight carry-on rather than assume someone would hoist it up to the overhead bin for me.
Are you kidding me I'm hoping the story is not true and that it's one of those don't believe everything you read on the internet deals because that is just totally unacceptable making a whole plane full of passengers suffer because these two idiots got in a disagreement seriously grow up shit like this makes me throw up! And if it is true I'll never fly American again!!!!!
Any of the airlines could have done this. That must mean you are not getting on any airlines. Also this guy should have checked his bag knowing he is able to lift his bag.
There’s also something called good customer service and the attribute of people skills. These may have lacking on the part of the airline. Shocker.
Not surprised at this kind of behavior from a Guyanes!Respect needs to be shown to all times to Anyone rendering Services..Today something out of the norm,disruptive &disgraceful behaviors.Passengers needs to be held responsible!!
...anyone who thinks diverting an entire plane load of ppl over this incident so the "unruly passenger" can be held "responsible " is a fool
I believe this was what Nancy Pelosi would call 'a tinkle match.'
Shame on both of them, and shame on American Airlines for inconveniencing so many innocent flyers.
I think the flight attendant was the jerk. Plus poorly written story, because it doesn’t say what the passenger said
Yes, probably flights attendant had suffered worst circumstances before, however, they don’t have to put up with condescending jerks. Hopefully that marked a precedent for disrupting passengers to behave and be decente with the airlines crew. I’d like to know if this issues with Karens and mean passengers are happening more often or we just simply know more about this thanks to media and news.
Bottom line the other passengers had to pay the price. Respect goes both way.
Though I would never disrespect someone. I would have let the guy make a fool out of himself I would have not engaged and killed him with kindness. My other 299 passengers would have appreciated me for my experience and taking good care of them ultimately I work for God first.
Unbelievable. The airline needs to place the flight attendant under probation and return him/her to training how to de-esclate such minor and child like played by adults situations. Disrupting the lives of 300 or so people is mind-blowing over such childish attitude of a professional supposdly trained flight attendant.Ridiculous!!!
The fact that the flight turned around and canceled tells me there is more to the story. Perhaps the captain didn’t want the jerk on her/his plane. Turning around is the captain’s decision.
Whatever happened to "sticks and stones my break my bones"? I am sympathetic to the conditions under which flight attendants work but in my experience some of them are jerks, too.
This flight attendant should be sent to the classes which will teach him how to manage a "difficult" customers. And most important this flight attendant should be paying his own money for this classes.
The man that was being an ahole must have said something else not mentioned here for them to divert flight. That's all I'm getting out of this.
Sounds like that flight attendant needs to be fired, and beat up. I bet that he/she/it is a woke flamer. These people need to be removed and destroyed.
This is hilarious. The Captain makes the decision to divert not the flight attendant. There is much more to this story. I hope you are never on a flight with that kind of attitude. You are part of the problem.
My own experience is that people who behave as childishly as those two did are generally BOTH out looking to become an irate victim of someone else's imagined rudeness.
Lol
Good! It is a Federal Crime to interfere with a crew member! I hope he was arrested.
Interfere? Sounds like the little sissy got butthurt from a few words. Fire that creep flight attendant/waiter.
No, police released him. Because being a d!ck or rude to an FA is not a crime.
How about giving him a parachute and a "thanks for flying with us"
The captain then announces, " our
Mid Atlantic whiners will be departing now....have a great landing. And think of the parachute as a parting gift from.the 300+ traveller's you have inconvenienced ....ba-bye now.
Some people have a knack for wanting their own way, and in this case this applies to both of them. The passenger seemed to have been throttling from the first incident. I have dealt with that type of person who won't take a legal no. The AA flight attendant was right to inform that was not his job. However, turning the flight ✈️ was unnecessary and I would take legal action.
Funny comment....must be a Trini
Sounds to me like the FA was possibly also being somewhat of a jerk. Unless the passenger was acting in a threatening manner, there was absolutely no reason to disrupt the other passengers journey by turning the flight around and ultimately cancelling the flight. Without hearing both sides of the story or even a version from an disinterested party, we will never be able to determine who was really at fault.
You guys give the flight attendant way too much power. FA don't have any authority to turn the plane around. Only when a safety of passengers, crew members or a security concerns would warrant the plane to turn around and must be approved by the captain.
I stand by the Captain returning. As a 20 year employee I see too many passengers acting like they are exempt from common courtesy. This pax had a serious rudeness problem. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Hegot treated exactly how he deserved.
The entire situation (as Ben has framed it) started because the flight attendant didn't help with the bag, after the passenger had surgery too!
If the flight was to Europe the passengers would be entitled to monetary compensation for the delay, possibly a 100% refund of the fare. The airline would also be out of any hotel costs, meals, crew costs ($2,400 approx) and the fuel ($6,000 approx), possibly also landing fees. Not a good call by the flight attendant or the captain. Doubtful that they could regain that from the passenger. In my experience, flight attendants often help...
If the flight was to Europe the passengers would be entitled to monetary compensation for the delay, possibly a 100% refund of the fare. The airline would also be out of any hotel costs, meals, crew costs ($2,400 approx) and the fuel ($6,000 approx), possibly also landing fees. Not a good call by the flight attendant or the captain. Doubtful that they could regain that from the passenger. In my experience, flight attendants often help people with stowing baggage, which is much appreciated.
Why would passengers be entitled to compensation for the delay in your hypothetical? It was an American flight.
Honestly the passenger just wanted to say he made the airline draw a penis map of their flight
They’re both wrong, but the flight attendant was more wrongs Yes, the guy was a complete jerk, but it sounds like the flight attendant inconvenienced every passenger on that flight and the return flight simply because they wanted to win an ego battle. That is the complete opposite of the mentality I would expect a flight attendant to have. No winners or good people here.
Customer is still the customer
The flight attendant was absolutely wrong. They saw a temporarily disabled person(because eof the surgery) and decided not to help because "we don'tget paid enough". Like, WHAT? You work in customer service. You should help the customer whenever he needs it. That's literally YOUR job. And it's not like it would've killed the flight attendant to help him with the luggage which was most likely small anyways. The passenger was upset and he has every...
The flight attendant was absolutely wrong. They saw a temporarily disabled person(because eof the surgery) and decided not to help because "we don'tget paid enough". Like, WHAT? You work in customer service. You should help the customer whenever he needs it. That's literally YOUR job. And it's not like it would've killed the flight attendant to help him with the luggage which was most likely small anyways. The passenger was upset and he has every right to do so. Also "waiter" isn't an insult really. The flight attendant was seriously offended by that? They wasted everyone's time just to satisfy their ego? If you don't like helping people, aka doing your job, DON'T WORK IN CUSTOMER SERVICE. I have never been on a flight where the flight attendants had the SLIGHTEST amount of attitude. In fact, I'm currently on a flight and they are SUPER helpful and nice. This must be an American thing. A flight attendant not willing to help a disabled person is unheard of hear. This is disgusting. Sure, the passenger was a bit rude, but he was going through a lot probably. This is only one side of the story tho so this might make my super long comment obsolete.
The flight attendant does sound like a petty person as well. If the passenger requested help for storing the baggage at the overhead bin, it’s a courtesy. Part of providing service is to help people whether it’s literally part of the job description or not.
It’s a part of the growing trend among the flight attendants to just act snobbish and rude to passengers. And these sort of overreactions commonly happen with US airlines....
The flight attendant does sound like a petty person as well. If the passenger requested help for storing the baggage at the overhead bin, it’s a courtesy. Part of providing service is to help people whether it’s literally part of the job description or not.
It’s a part of the growing trend among the flight attendants to just act snobbish and rude to passengers. And these sort of overreactions commonly happen with US airlines. You don’t hear this type of stories from Emirates or Singapore Airlines.
Some people think others in the service business are lesser!!! Without them we would go nowhere not to mention being taken care of at Resturant’s hotel sect… Boo Hoo Jerk !
As a retired flight attendant who has also been verbally abused, poked, and grabbed by the tie, I really think he should have just assisted the first class passenger with his overhead luggage, and bit his tongue. As the saying goes, "play nice". We mustn't forget that as flight attendants, we are the ambassadors for the airline. And even though some days we would love head butt someone, the shoe must go on!
No one who has "surgery" that prevents them basic movements, are going on a five hour flight with heavy very on luggage and no one to assist them during the flight. He should be banned from flying.
If the guy couldn't lift his bag in the overhead bin, and it did not fit under his seat, then he has to check the bag. Period. End of story. Any other bad outcome is on him after he made this mistake.
Hey Maryland this was "IRL". IT actually happened.
Flying ss a passenger is a privilege, not a right. The inconvenience is imnmeasurable to passengers on board.
An important question going forward: is this disruptive passenger banned from future AA flights? If not, then the cost / benefit is out of balance.
This passenger should be permanently banned from -all- commercial airlines going forward. Serious, long-term, & impactful consequences for passengers with disruptive behavioral choices that cause planes to be turned around...
Flying ss a passenger is a privilege, not a right. The inconvenience is imnmeasurable to passengers on board.
An important question going forward: is this disruptive passenger banned from future AA flights? If not, then the cost / benefit is out of balance.
This passenger should be permanently banned from -all- commercial airlines going forward. Serious, long-term, & impactful consequences for passengers with disruptive behavioral choices that cause planes to be turned around / diverted as this man did, should never be allowed to detrimentally impact commercial flights again.
Really the flight attendant started this by saying she/he didn't get paid to stow luggage! A bit of a snotty remark. For whatever reason he needed help the best answer is,"let me get someone to help you."
Where in the world did our civility go!?
We are literally not on the clock except when the doors are closed AND the brakes released. In all other jobs that’s called “time off.” Additionally, customer baggage handling is NOT in our job description. If we should sustain any type of injury from doing so, Workmen’s Comp will not pay. Because 1) we’re “off the clock,” and 2) it’s not our job.
You pack it…you lift it. Can’t manage your own luggage? Check it in and let *The Baggage Handlers* take care of it.
That's in the U.S., I believe. The unions should get that rule scrapped. Or the crew should just not bother to "work" until they are on the clock and turn up in any old clothes. Don't shut the doors, no checks of seatbelts, closing overhead lockers etc.
I think the flight attendant had an attitude. She could have helped him in the beginning, He could have had a better attitude towards her. So in the end both were wrong. But the flight attendant needs more training. If she doesn't have the personality to work with the public then she doesn't need to find another profession.
If I was a passenger I would have been furious with this event. People spend a lot of time and money on trips and having all of this interrupted because of some unkind words is ridiculous. Both were in the wrong but more so the airline attendent for disrupting everyone's plans. She should have just ignored him or had a different attendant take care of him since there was bad blood between them already. That...
If I was a passenger I would have been furious with this event. People spend a lot of time and money on trips and having all of this interrupted because of some unkind words is ridiculous. Both were in the wrong but more so the airline attendent for disrupting everyone's plans. She should have just ignored him or had a different attendant take care of him since there was bad blood between them already. That is how you diffuse the issue before it escalates into a bigger problem.
The flight attendant does not have to except rude people. There jobs are hard and tiring. Some people just do not know how to be kind, if you are kind it goes along way. I flew to Colorado in January and our attendants were very pleasant.
Flying while disabled even temporarily is an absolute nightmare. Disabled passengers get treated like cattle even more than abled passengers do. He had surgery and physically could not lift his bag (which, by the way, he also has every right to have even if he can't lift it) and he got treated like he was asking for a tiara or something instead of being helped like a decent person would've done. Of course he was...
Flying while disabled even temporarily is an absolute nightmare. Disabled passengers get treated like cattle even more than abled passengers do. He had surgery and physically could not lift his bag (which, by the way, he also has every right to have even if he can't lift it) and he got treated like he was asking for a tiara or something instead of being helped like a decent person would've done. Of course he was upset. I would've been upset too. The flight attendant overreacted and should not be working in the customer service industry if a simple request from a disabled person is too much for them to handle.
So you are saying that the flight attendant should lift 20...30....50 bags every flight? You are just one of potentially hundreds of people every day who also expect them to lift their bags for what they all consider to be a very good reason. For the flight attendant it doesn't fall within the realm of courtesy. It's a liability.
Comparing them to a fellow passenger who decides to help you with your bag is ridiculous....
So you are saying that the flight attendant should lift 20...30....50 bags every flight? You are just one of potentially hundreds of people every day who also expect them to lift their bags for what they all consider to be a very good reason. For the flight attendant it doesn't fall within the realm of courtesy. It's a liability.
Comparing them to a fellow passenger who decides to help you with your bag is ridiculous. They aren't going to be asked 100 more times that same day. When that flight attendant throws their back out doing something that is not a even a part of their job description they will not get paid leave. The company is not liable and that person is on their own. Did you know that you agreed to lift your own carry-on into the overhead bin in the terms and conditions of your ticket? If you are unable to lift your bag the airline will check it for you. Most likely at no extra charge. That is what you are entitled to.
When a random stranger helps you across a street that is a courtesy you might be able to expect. That helpful stranger will likely never be in that situation again in their entire life. Everyone can pitch it every once in a while. However, when you expect the security guard outside Burger King to help everyone across the street just because they are present and currently on the clock...that's called entitlement. That is not their job and it is completely inappropriate to expect it of them. These people are just trying to do their job and make a living. For God's sake leave them alone.
Although some flight attendants so help, they are provided from doing so. If the attendant is injured, which does happen, the airline is not liable, and of course the customer won't pay the hospital bills also. Common sense.
This is the new wave of "bullying" hurts my feelings. Grow up and realize that the world of "cusomer is priority" no longer exists. American Airlines is next to lose status with this kind of customer service. Every single individual has a story to tell, "If it gets hot in the kitchen then maybe you should get out!" Not the job for you!
The writer identifies the passenger as an Indian male. Was this necessary? Would they have done the same if the passenger was a Black or Jewish male. The overall tone feels as if the writer has an axe to grind. If the flight was turned around and cancelled, the flight attendant also didn't handle it well. But the writer seems overly determined to side with the flight attendant here. Why? Very odd take.
The writer was the man who's luggage the FA would not lift. Flight attendants can not assist in lifting bags to overhead bins. So the FA was correct, but it is not about being paid, it is about liability in lifting and not being covered by workman's comp. With that said, the FA had other options by finding a place for in under a vacant seat, in a coat closet, or offer to check. That...
The writer was the man who's luggage the FA would not lift. Flight attendants can not assist in lifting bags to overhead bins. So the FA was correct, but it is not about being paid, it is about liability in lifting and not being covered by workman's comp. With that said, the FA had other options by finding a place for in under a vacant seat, in a coat closet, or offer to check. That is the difference with this flight attendant, knowing how to help a passenger and defuse a situation. Or escalate it to a ousting match
sometimes the flight attendant have attitude. I am 70 years old and diabetic. So sometimes I feel really cold.Was flying red eye from Seattle to East coast. Forgot my sweater home. Nicely asked for a blanket. The response from flight attendant came " we don't give economy passengers a blanket"
It was really nice of you that you asked nicely. But, it appears she did her job by responding to you correctly. There are no blankets for economy passengers. She can't give you one when she hasn't any. I can't see how you being 70 and diabetic changes anything. You could have planned by bringing a throw or a jacket or a sweater. I don't think it is right to try to portray as someone as a rude or bad just because you didn't get what you want.
If the airline doesn’t provide blankets for economy passengers, somehow this is the flight attendants fault? For speaking the truth?
It's against most flight attendants union rules to put luggage in the overhead bin for passengers, due to possible injuries.
Debra, true but there's much nicer ways to say things than, I don't get paid to do that. Good heavens, I wish I had the money for every kind act I've done. I'm 73 and I'd have a nice savings by now. No attitude here, just civility.
The passenger was a jerk . I wish airlines would have a penalty box seat. I can't believe the airline turned around. Poor passengers. NOT FAIR. The passenger should of been penalized not the passengers & crew.
Unless there is a lot more to this story they shouldn’t have turned the plane around. This was a huge inconvenience for three hundred people just because one person had an attitude. People in business have to deal with rude people all the time. It’s unfortunate but not a reason to hugely inconvenience 300 of your other clients because you just decide you don’t want to deal with it.
They should have incovienced 300 people for one jerk. They could have just banned him from the airline and refused him service on the plane.
People who behave in this manner need to be banned from the airline. If banned from one airline they must be banned from ALL airlines. Do it once shame on you, do it twice shame on me. No second chances especially when it involves something like an airline full of souls. However, I do not think that turning the plane around and disrupting so many flyers was worth it, banning him from future flights most definitely!
Are you taking about the passenger or the flight attendant? Both seem warranted.
The airline wS absolutely wrong to inconvenience all the plane passengers because of one passenger who requested help for medical reasons. I see flight personnel helping with luggage frequently. The airline was wrong.
While the passenger was incredibly rude, the flight attendant should be severely disciplined including financially, if not fired, as they over-reacted creating enormous inconvenience to hundreds of passengers and significant financial lost to the airline.
No one deserves verbal abuse, punishing her would be a win for the jerk.
Calling the FA a "waiter" is not abuse. The fact that the pax was not arrested makes it clear to me that the was no basis to turn the plane around. The FA should be fired for aggressive behavior!
The flight attendant was in the right. Put yourself in the shoes of that flight attendant or thousand of others who work very hard and have to deal with out of control grown ups. And on top of all of this you are suggesting disciplinary, financial sanctionsand even firing? You have no heart and I hope you are always on your best behavior when traveling.
Trigger happy FA that can’t deal with tough real world situations but instead makes more people suffer to satisfy his own ego? Yeah that flight attendant does NOT belong in the air.
Wow Ben, spoken like a true entitled white male?
If a white male does it it is being assertive. But what if one did not have the privilege of being born white? I see you expect them to live a life of grovelling ("respect" is your word choice I see).
Oh shut up. Noggy-loggy can do it back home on TAAG.
I agree with flight attendant... this kind of "karenism" just escalates by the showing that without consequences it can continue on any airline. Those people that blame the crew are enabling the Karen passengers. Harsh realty will dramatically lower the number of passengers uncivilized behaviours.
If all the passenger asked for was help, even I would help him though I am not an AA employee let alone being paid. Clearly the article was written from a partial view as well. If you don't have both sides of the story, don't form an opinion. If more transpired then find that out and write about that and then form an opinion.
The problem with journalism of today is that it is...
If all the passenger asked for was help, even I would help him though I am not an AA employee let alone being paid. Clearly the article was written from a partial view as well. If you don't have both sides of the story, don't form an opinion. If more transpired then find that out and write about that and then form an opinion.
The problem with journalism of today is that it is not that. It's more of people recording their frustrations and opinions. And, fools like us make the time to read the garbage.
All thee comments praising or vilifying the flight attendant are laughable!
We only heard the passengers side of the story, and no one here was on that flight nor privy to what exactly transpired!
As far as helping put his carry on in the overhead bin, flight attendants are specifically prohibited by the airline from doing so. If they are hurt doing it, it is on the airline!
Then they are in violation of ADA and "reasonable accommodation". The steward(ess) can call cargo handlers to assist.
On the airlines I fly, flight attendants help with baggage all the time. Appreciated. Still, you are not allowed to bring baggage for the overhead lockers that you cannot lift yourself.
Some people just don't know how to diffuse any situation. And some oeople just don't know how to ask for help. That being said crews need to get off their high horse and learn that just because they can do something, like get a flight turned around because they were OFFENDED will have a much bigger affect on the other passengers. Time lost and cost will affect more flights and people than this one. Pick...
Some people just don't know how to diffuse any situation. And some oeople just don't know how to ask for help. That being said crews need to get off their high horse and learn that just because they can do something, like get a flight turned around because they were OFFENDED will have a much bigger affect on the other passengers. Time lost and cost will affect more flights and people than this one. Pick your battles people. This wasn't a good enough reason to get your feathers ruffled about by either party involved.
The real bottom line is that the airlines flipped and forgot that they are serving US, we do not serve THEM.
Any violence and abuse need to be dealt with immediately.
On the other hand,flight attendants could be more respectful to passengers. It happens daily on non-americsn airlines.
Airlines need to be accountable when they cancel flights, bump paying passengers off flights at will.
Unregulated should not mean the right to rob the passengers.
The flight attendant should be fired. If flights were turned around/cancelled just because someone was rule then more than 50% of the flights would be turned around. It is wrong to be rude to someone but it is also wrong to inconvenience hundreds of passengers because the attendant's ego is so huge that he/she can't take a rude comment from one (of the hundreds) passenger. Working in customer care myself, I encounter many rude customers...
The flight attendant should be fired. If flights were turned around/cancelled just because someone was rule then more than 50% of the flights would be turned around. It is wrong to be rude to someone but it is also wrong to inconvenience hundreds of passengers because the attendant's ego is so huge that he/she can't take a rude comment from one (of the hundreds) passenger. Working in customer care myself, I encounter many rude customers myself. As long as there is no threat/violence/bodily harm, I don't see any reason why the flight had to be turned back. The passenger was an ahole but the attendant was a bigger ahole. If I was on that flight I would surely want that attendant to be fired.
Also, just because something is not a part of their job duty does not mean they couldn't help a passenger that recently had a surgery. Airlines delay and cancel hundreds of flights after taking payment from people. If they can inconvenience people then they can have flight attendants help few selected folks who are old or have medical issues.
More continued over reaction by US Flight Crews... Poor little flight attendant was dis-respected, so it cost American Airlines a bundle.
US Flight crews are SHITTY about helping disabled or elderly passengers with their luggage. Most times, passengers step up, while the Flight Attendants stand around with their thumb up their ass. Flight Attendants would last ONE FLIGHT on Asian Airlines, and be shown the door.
The race to the bottom by US airlines continues....
More continued over reaction by US Flight Crews... Poor little flight attendant was dis-respected, so it cost American Airlines a bundle.
US Flight crews are SHITTY about helping disabled or elderly passengers with their luggage. Most times, passengers step up, while the Flight Attendants stand around with their thumb up their ass. Flight Attendants would last ONE FLIGHT on Asian Airlines, and be shown the door.
The race to the bottom by US airlines continues. Ever since 9/11 with the phone "it's all about security" BS, Flight Attendants over react and use their "power" to intimidate passengers. Crappy food, crappy service, and crappy attitudes. Only the Pilots are worth it, as you probably have the best pilots in the world.....
There is no doubt that there are disruptive passengers and flights need to divert. But when this is the case, they should be arrested, charged and go to trial. That would put a stop to most of that behavior.
Unless this guy was extremely rude, maybe the attendant was a bit touchy? Seems like that was a bit much. If the fella was in pain, he should have asked before first a bit of assistance? Could have been more to this than we were told!
That flight attendant should be fired and that passenger should be banned. Too many people were inconvenienced because of there little spat. If I had been on that flight I’d be super pissed and be demanding answers and the flight be turned around and finish my trip. What if people were going to see a dying parent or loved one and now they didn’t make it. It’s all because of these two egotistical jerks, one...
That flight attendant should be fired and that passenger should be banned. Too many people were inconvenienced because of there little spat. If I had been on that flight I’d be super pissed and be demanding answers and the flight be turned around and finish my trip. What if people were going to see a dying parent or loved one and now they didn’t make it. It’s all because of these two egotistical jerks, one worked for the airline and one didn’t.
Ya know what American should pay flight attendants to help people with their bags and start paying them from the time they arrive at the airport instead of from the time the airplane door closes. I wouldn’t want to work for free either and that’s why I’m not a flight attendant.
Why fire her? They put up with a lot! He should have been banned and the flight attendant should have told the pilot and the pilot should have confronted him!!
Just seems like there had to be more to the story to convince the pilot to turn around.
I'm thinking the same thing. I doubt they can just go to the pilot and say turn around. Everyone saying fire the attendant don't seem to understand that in the end, it's the pilot who decides that stuff. And even then they have to report it. Can't just decide to turn around. It's a process. Emergencies aside.
On my airline, the flight attendants putting bags in the overhead is forbidden. It is one of the top sources of on-the-job injuries.
It seems these times everybody is
Overly reactive and feels entitle to
express themselves rudely at times.
It was a major inconvenience to all
Members during this Flight. Both
party showed Irreverance. Such a
petty incident. Enough said ?
None of that warrants turning the entire plane around. These people sound soft and it's good to know so I won't be flying with them. One attendant having a bad day can ruin the entire flight and that's bogus.
You have no idea what you are talking about. It is a reason. Passengers are totally out of control now. We are in an airplane, 35,000 feet above ground. We can not just ask the person to go away. I’ve had unruly passengers, had unscheduled landings, handcuff & taped. I’m glad he was removed.
According to the article the passenger was no where close to what you are describing. If someone is overly sensitive or highly egoistic and can't take a few rude comments, they shouldn't apply for a job like flight attendant. The flight attendant should be fired or reprimanded for causing inconvenience to hundreds of passengers because he can't take a few rude words from one of the hundreds of passengers.
Kinda like when a disabled vet on my American fight needed his ticket printed out from a gate agent and the employee said it wasn't his job, ignored the guy who was doing his best to stand, and called the police to arrest the rude (he was very polite in his request for a ticket home) customer. Only in America you will find an airline named after its country that refuses to help disabled American war vets get home and instead tries to send them to jail.
Zac, and you wonder why there's so many homeless vets (and others) also.
I hate to say this but a lot of homeless people prefer to live like that. I worked so hard once to get a vet some help only to have him say ‘no thanks’.
The Captain only hears the FA side and it can be presented in a more negative light than what truly happened.
So, let's get body cams on FAs, like the police, and I suspect some of this turn around nonsense will drop dramatically.
Seems extreme to turn a flight around & cancel it, causing untold grief to 300 when there was no physical altercation.
If, in fact, the disrespectful passenger posed no physical or safety threat, then the airline should impose another option on misbehaving guests rather than diverting an entire flight: add them to its no-fly list. Airlines have the right to deny service to anyone for a variety of reasons. The airline should direct the punishment to the one individual and not disrupt the lives of all passengers on board.
Also, I object to the writer...
If, in fact, the disrespectful passenger posed no physical or safety threat, then the airline should impose another option on misbehaving guests rather than diverting an entire flight: add them to its no-fly list. Airlines have the right to deny service to anyone for a variety of reasons. The airline should direct the punishment to the one individual and not disrupt the lives of all passengers on board.
Also, I object to the writer saying these incidents are more common in the U.S. As a person who has logged many miles on international flights across the world, what proof do you have that disruptions are more likely on U.S. flights/airlines?
not helping a disabled passenger with their luggage is literally a dick move. what the hell are they supposed to do, get kicked off the flight because they literally can't put their luggage up???
As a disabled person it is my responsibility to manage myself and my belongings. I would never expect staff, especially those not paid to do so, to stow my bag for me. If I can’t do it myself, I have my caregiver. The entitlement here is disgusting.
True. But just because a disabled persons asks for help is says a couple of rude words is also not a reason for being a dick and cause inconvenience to hundreds of passengers. If they didn't want such passengers then they should ban the passenger from taking any future flights. At the same time the attendant should also be fired. There was no physical harm to anyone or any compromise to safety. Both the passenger and the attendant were complete dicks.
First, flight attendants are not supposed to load luggage to prevent workplace injuries. Second, anyone can say they are disabled and, unless the disability is readily observable, that could lead to FAs having to load many bags. (Kinda like the proliferation of emotional support animals.) And mainly, all passengers know they need to load their bag -- if they think they will not be able to load it they need to check it.
In theory you are all correct. Unfortunately it's not that simple. You are all assuming we live in a world where human interactions aren't drastically deteriorating every day. This is not the world it used to be. I've been a flight attendant for over 10 years now and the levels of basic human decency on board an airplane has tanked in the past 3 years. We can either all pretend that it's 2019...or we can...
In theory you are all correct. Unfortunately it's not that simple. You are all assuming we live in a world where human interactions aren't drastically deteriorating every day. This is not the world it used to be. I've been a flight attendant for over 10 years now and the levels of basic human decency on board an airplane has tanked in the past 3 years. We can either all pretend that it's 2019...or we can make a few examples in the hope that we can recover a little humanity in society. It is unfortunate that all of those people had to be displaced but, if we are talking real numbers, the amount of flights that will no longer be cancelled because "future jerks" happen to hear about this incident may make this all worth the trouble in the end.
I feel like there’s a misconception that FAs are there for the convenience of the passengers.
I have never agreed, they are there to supervise the cabin and maintain order in an otherwise cramped situation.
The fact that they may do beverage or food service does not make them wait staff. It is done that way for safety and convenience because having 200 passengers trying to come to the cubbyhole of a galley...
I feel like there’s a misconception that FAs are there for the convenience of the passengers.
I have never agreed, they are there to supervise the cabin and maintain order in an otherwise cramped situation.
The fact that they may do beverage or food service does not make them wait staff. It is done that way for safety and convenience because having 200 passengers trying to come to the cubbyhole of a galley would be ridiculous.
They are called flight attendants, not passenger attendants for good reason.
It was ultimately the captain/pilots’ decision to return the plane to NY. A lot of pilots will not tolerate passengers disrespecting crew especially on international flights due to them being a higher risk and potential threat to security. If this incident happened in the first 45 mins of flight they did not want it to continue for another 4+hrs especially when the route is mostly over water and there are not many alternate airports to...
It was ultimately the captain/pilots’ decision to return the plane to NY. A lot of pilots will not tolerate passengers disrespecting crew especially on international flights due to them being a higher risk and potential threat to security. If this incident happened in the first 45 mins of flight they did not want it to continue for another 4+hrs especially when the route is mostly over water and there are not many alternate airports to divert to later on in the journey.
Right. Less than an hour in he was becoming difficult. Why should they wait until they pass a point of no return to decide to handle it. He’s not likely to get more polite over time and it isn’t like a bus that can just pull over and eject him anywhere.
As nurse we have same conflict with this people why you are not teaching the staff to handle this situation like someone has dementia we get trained for that to control them but its not reason one passenger give you trouble and you acting like boss make decisions to bring the flights back you have certains maners to talk iam nurse since 1977 this people pay me to do that job without patient no job...
As nurse we have same conflict with this people why you are not teaching the staff to handle this situation like someone has dementia we get trained for that to control them but its not reason one passenger give you trouble and you acting like boss make decisions to bring the flights back you have certains maners to talk iam nurse since 1977 this people pay me to do that job without patient no job without people flying to the airlines then stop making business can you realise the damage you are causing in plane 250 or 300 hundred passengers wherever you have to control our self people I know its hurt but we have to assume this job but you have to know nurse job its worse sorry about my opinion so give me that job I will show you with my experience have my gratitude
Do you know how punctuation works?
Ffs, that was impossible to read or understand.
I am guessing that this guy will be on the DNF list and will never set foot on a plane again ?
This speaks of the arrogance of the flight attendant, this needs a law suit for the inconveniences of a thin skin waiter/ flight attendant.
This speaks of the entitlement of people who think everyone is there to serve them. That is not actually their job, it’s not a restaurant and they are not waitstaff just because you think you’re above them.
On an American Airlines flight in first class. Flight attendant spilled a drink on the passenger sitting next to me. Passenger was visibly upset, although didn't say anything but sighed heavily and rolled his eyes. Flight attendant told the passenger that if he didn't adjust his attitude that the aircraft would be turned around and he could find another way to his destination. FA's have a difficult job but this one went way overboard threatening...
On an American Airlines flight in first class. Flight attendant spilled a drink on the passenger sitting next to me. Passenger was visibly upset, although didn't say anything but sighed heavily and rolled his eyes. Flight attendant told the passenger that if he didn't adjust his attitude that the aircraft would be turned around and he could find another way to his destination. FA's have a difficult job but this one went way overboard threatening this passenger who had his suit soiled by her actions and was rightfully unhappy about it.
more SHITTY AA Flight Attendant attitude. They are the worst, no doubt a legacy of the crappy US Airways.... Horrible company. Where ever they compete (especially international), nobody flies them.
Guy's I also fly a lot and I had to go get a pacemaker in and was told not to pick any thing heavy up
Let alone raise it that high.
There are flight attendants out there that are just plain rude and don't care. Then there are a lot of Great ones who go out of Their way to be the best.
So I would maybe say it could have been...
Guy's I also fly a lot and I had to go get a pacemaker in and was told not to pick any thing heavy up
Let alone raise it that high.
There are flight attendants out there that are just plain rude and don't care. Then there are a lot of Great ones who go out of Their way to be the best.
So I would maybe say it could have been either way him or the attendant.
The one would not help me and a fellow passenger helped me.
But on all my other flights it was absolutely not a issue.
There's always a one.
Then check your luggage if you can't handle the weight or lifting.
There are rude Flight Attendants. And then there are customers that are unduly demanding. You should check in your bag. Imagine having to lift bags 5-6 times per flight and many flights a day. It is not their job. How can you demand? You should not portray them as rude if they don't help you with your bag when clearly it is not their job.
If they help you, you thank them. If they don't, you should just understand and ask someone else. They are humans too.
Why didn’t the flight simply continue to Guyana and have AA officials or the local police handle the passenger once there? My sympathies are with all the OTHER passengers who are tremendously inconvenienced by this, as well as seeing AA make decisions that do not throw off its logistics, fleet and revenue operations.
Of rude people is full the world unfortunately, now diverting a flight for a rude customer and incompetent flight attendant is a bit too much. This is an airlines issue.Since when a flight attendant has the power to make the decision for a U-turn for a rude customer. it would be the captain decision and deal with the situation at arrival city. Totally unethical for AA, considering that airlines exist because passenger pay a ticket.what...
Of rude people is full the world unfortunately, now diverting a flight for a rude customer and incompetent flight attendant is a bit too much. This is an airlines issue.Since when a flight attendant has the power to make the decision for a U-turn for a rude customer. it would be the captain decision and deal with the situation at arrival city. Totally unethical for AA, considering that airlines exist because passenger pay a ticket.what about the rest of the passenger ? They wasted their money and their time going nowhere for an entitled and unprofessional employee.
The Capitan did make the final decision. Obviously he knows more of the situation than you do.
The flight attendants are ultimately there for safety, not to be abused by some third world thinking misogynistic jerk.
Did anyone commenting read the entire article? "Bottom line
A flight from New York to Georgetown diverted after a passenger and crew member got into a disagreement. Based on the passenger’s version of events, it sounds like he was a total jerk because he didn’t like that the flight attendant wouldn’t help with his bags. In turn, the flight attendant told the passenger that the flight would turn around if he was going to...
Did anyone commenting read the entire article? "Bottom line
A flight from New York to Georgetown diverted after a passenger and crew member got into a disagreement. Based on the passenger’s version of events, it sounds like he was a total jerk because he didn’t like that the flight attendant wouldn’t help with his bags. In turn, the flight attendant told the passenger that the flight would turn around if he was going to misbehave. He called the crew’s bluff, and it didn’t end well.". These facts are one-sided based on the jerk passenger!
It seems like you have not read the full article! Police was called and they released the passenger, that MEANS, the passenger was not in any way threatening or danger to FA. He might be rude, but that should NOT have been the reason to turn around the flight!!
Oh, and this article is BIASED blaming mostly the passenger for being rude and causing the problem, even though POLICE didn't think he did anything illegal!!
No. That means he hadn’t committed a crime for which he could be prosecuted. They flight crew still should not have had to deal with his entitled BS.
And yet , we the traveling public have to put up with their bullshit and sit like good little puppies who wag their tails at their masters.
Rude is rude yes . But it goes both ways.
It doesn't matter what the police said or did. While in the air the Capitan is the ultimate authority and he deemed the situation to be that this passenger was not wanted on the flight.
Blame the rude passenger, not anyone else. He alone caused to the problem with his mouth and attitude. If he couldn't handle his own baggage he should have checked it in baggage.
This is so silly to both FA & pax, an exchange of immaturity & rudehess! Each threw their meaness - for escalating a turn around flight! What if another passenger would ignite his temper on flight resulting to a delayed destination? It is as if these two people own a private plane! With no respect to other passengers on board ! And why was it allowed? Is there no other option to cut it down...
This is so silly to both FA & pax, an exchange of immaturity & rudehess! Each threw their meaness - for escalating a turn around flight! What if another passenger would ignite his temper on flight resulting to a delayed destination? It is as if these two people own a private plane! With no respect to other passengers on board ! And why was it allowed? Is there no other option to cut it down & let it hang on’ & have it resolved upon arrival? How rare could this be!!
This is so silly to both FA & pax, an exchange of immaturity & rudehess! Each threw their meaness - for escalating a turn around flight! What if another passenger would ignite his temper on flight resulting to a delayed destination? It is as if these two people own a private plane! With no respect to other passengers on board who opted to take this flight ! And why was it allowed? Is there no...
This is so silly to both FA & pax, an exchange of immaturity & rudehess! Each threw their meaness - for escalating a turn around flight! What if another passenger would ignite his temper on flight resulting to a delayed destination? It is as if these two people own a private plane! With no respect to other passengers on board who opted to take this flight ! And why was it allowed? Is there no other option to cut it down & let it hang on’ & have it resolved upon arrival? How rare could this be!!
This is so silly to both FA & pax, an exchange of immaturity & rudehess! Each threw their meaness - for escalating a turn around flight! What if another passenger would ignite his temper on flight resulting to a delayed destination? It is as if these two people own a private plane! With no respect to other passengers on board who are eager to catch schedules! And why was it allowed? Is there no other...
This is so silly to both FA & pax, an exchange of immaturity & rudehess! Each threw their meaness - for escalating a turn around flight! What if another passenger would ignite his temper on flight resulting to a delayed destination? It is as if these two people own a private plane! With no respect to other passengers on board who are eager to catch schedules! And why was it allowed? Is there no other option to cut it down & let it hang on’ & have it resolved upon arrival? How rare could this be!!
I blame the crew as much as the passenger! (A) why did one of the other flight attendants step in de-escalate the situation by inter-acting with this one rude passenger (B) how could the Captain make such a costly decision based merely on RUDE behavior?
As the writer stated, the "facts" written came from the passenger. There is much more to this!!
Because in the air the Capitan is the ultimate authority, what he says goes.
Big mouth got what he deserved. Couldn't handle no your own bags?, check it into baggage.
This is so silly to both FA & pax, an exchange of immaturity & rudehess! Each threw their meaness - for escalating a turn around flight! What if there was a sudden emergency on flight that resulted to a delayed destination? It is as if these two people own a private plane! With no respect to other passengers on board who are eager to catch schedules! And why was it allowed? Is there no other...
This is so silly to both FA & pax, an exchange of immaturity & rudehess! Each threw their meaness - for escalating a turn around flight! What if there was a sudden emergency on flight that resulted to a delayed destination? It is as if these two people own a private plane! With no respect to other passengers on board who are eager to catch schedules! And why was it allowed? Is there no other option to cut it down & let it hang on’ & have it resolved upon arrival? How rare could this be!!
This tricked is so biased and based on so much hearsay this is more more the a hot take click bait. If don’t like the passenger wait to the flight lands get them banned from the airline and call out any laws they broke. If your butt hurts I hope you can pay for the tons of fuel that was dropped , the disruption of 300+ people me the lost hours for your fellow crew. Absolutely shocking silly.
Whats wrong with these americans airline crews.. they like to play gods of the sky??? What happened to de-escalating and perform service... Thinking they're entitled and also spoiled to the hilt I guess.........
Passenger sounds pretty rude, but it also seems like cabin crew member had a bit of an attitude, and forcing the plane round just to prove the point, with all the inconvenience that caused for everyone, a major over-reaction. I suspect passenger unimpressed by cabin crew’s refusal to help with his bag when it seems he had a valid reason to ask, and that got things off to a bad start. I’ve also had horrible...
Passenger sounds pretty rude, but it also seems like cabin crew member had a bit of an attitude, and forcing the plane round just to prove the point, with all the inconvenience that caused for everyone, a major over-reaction. I suspect passenger unimpressed by cabin crew’s refusal to help with his bag when it seems he had a valid reason to ask, and that got things off to a bad start. I’ve also had horrible AA cabin crew experiences, although I generally ignore them when that happens; but we all have bad days. This seems to have been totally unnecessary, and the fact that the passenger was not detained when the plane turned back means his behaviour can’t have been that terrible. There was no need for cabin crew to get on their high horse. Could have just ignored passenger and everyone would have got on with their lives. So what would a passenger do if a cabin crew member was rude (which they sometimes are - maybe this one was)? We all encounter rudeness, and kindness, in our everyday lives. Get over it. No excuse for rude behaviour from anyone, but crew members are indeed not God, no matter how self-righteous.
I would explore suing the passenger in a class action for causing any number of difficulties for each of the passengers.
I'd also petition AA to permanently ban this passenger from the airline
Sounds to me like the crew member was the entitled jerk. Don't help a passenger with their bag because it's not in your job description? Pretty rude and lazy. Yeah, we know you FAs think you are safety workers, the reality is 99.999% of your work is customer service, and you mostly suck at it.
Then turn around the flight, inconveniencing hundreds, because you got your feelings hurt? Not a security threat, just your ego....
Sounds to me like the crew member was the entitled jerk. Don't help a passenger with their bag because it's not in your job description? Pretty rude and lazy. Yeah, we know you FAs think you are safety workers, the reality is 99.999% of your work is customer service, and you mostly suck at it.
Then turn around the flight, inconveniencing hundreds, because you got your feelings hurt? Not a security threat, just your ego. This is typical, entitled union worker behavior.
Ridiculous action by the airline. So everyone suffers.
Who cares if you don’t get paid to help the passenger put his bag in the overhead bin, it’s just a common courtesy favor that was being asked of him, the passenger just had surgery ffs. People don’t have morals nowadays. That passenger paid his money to be on that flight and the damn flight attendant couldn’t even assist him in storing his bag when he clearly can’t. So rude and such a bad look for the airline. Ppl like that don’t deserve to work for any airline
It is also very rude and not humanistic not to help to a traveller who has a problem of lifting his baggage..I think that flight attendant should also guestioned..
Does anyone really think a pilot would turn around his flight if it was just a passenger being rude? Lol
The flight attendant was very rude. If someone just had surgery she could have just been polite and helped him with his bag but she was just as rude as The passenger. No she isn't getting paid for that put all of the generosity of her heart when someone just had surgery and their flying maybe he couldn't lift. A heavy Object. Both of them are in the wrong both of them are rude and very employed but as my opinion she started.
I repeat my stay response to this. Keep the shareholders happy! Heck - American would replace their fleet with storks if it could make a profit and make the pockets of shareholders bigger. All companies do this but some like AA know best how to cut all corners to do this. Every human is a walking talking cost-benefit balance sheet.
Do people really walk into an European or American airline expecting sympathetic and professional treatment?...
I repeat my stay response to this. Keep the shareholders happy! Heck - American would replace their fleet with storks if it could make a profit and make the pockets of shareholders bigger. All companies do this but some like AA know best how to cut all corners to do this. Every human is a walking talking cost-benefit balance sheet.
Do people really walk into an European or American airline expecting sympathetic and professional treatment? They are renowned to have some of the worst customer service ratings!! I feel ashamed at American Airlines bearing my country’s name. Typical shit attitude from an airline vested in making a buck however they can, including hiring of the cheapest and unskilled.
I would be upset to have my flight cancelled because of this nonsense. There are always jerks on flights but rarely flights get rerouted because of them.
Everybody should work in the service industry to know what it’s like before they speak.
One of the requirements before you graduate from High School/College should be to work in the service industry
Then people would treat people with kindness and respect.
If you have never been in the service industry and people do not know what service industry people have to put up with, and tolerate.
I do not believe...
Everybody should work in the service industry to know what it’s like before they speak.
One of the requirements before you graduate from High School/College should be to work in the service industry
Then people would treat people with kindness and respect.
If you have never been in the service industry and people do not know what service industry people have to put up with, and tolerate.
I do not believe for one minute they turned the plane around because he was being a jerk
He was obviously doing something much more, he could have threatened her.
I was in the service industry when I was going through law school, the hardest job is being in the service industry (not being a lawyer)they have to multitask they have to put up with disrespectful people. It is the hardest job ever.
I have nothing but the upmost respect for the service industry.
The fault in this situation lies with the FA. If you cannot handle such a situation, then don’t be a FA. Clearly needs some training on tact. What was her ethnicity?
Screw American! Flight attendant should be fired, I would never fly with them!
Flight attendant hasn't been trained properly on how to talk to customers its lack of training
The flight should have continued to its destination and the problem passenger should be banned from booking other flights with the airline......And all other airlines should have the details shared.
The Flight attendant must have grossly exaggerated, to the pilot, how disrupted the passenger was.
My guess is they do that the majority of the time knowing the captain has to take the FA word over the passengers.
I think they should make these entitled, disruptive passengers financially responsible and they would stop this stuff. Cost of flight. Who knows what the other passengers missed! Wedding, funeral, a last good bye, a connecting flight, cruise, prepaid hotel, a business meeting, an adoption, lots of time sensitive commitments. Time from family or vacation. They need to be punished, $ not on a do not fly list, time in jail, etc.
This is so silly to both FA & pax, an exchange of immaturity & rudehess! Each threw their meaness! Is there no other option to cut it down & let it hang on’ & have it resolved upon arrival? How rare could this be!
Inasmuch as the facts relating to this incident haven't been released to the general public, it seems premature to pass judgment on the airline's decision.
As anyone who has flown in the past 20+ years knows, flight attendant attitudes have considerably devolved. With that said, I can see how dealing with moronic passengers would be challenging for anybody over time. But if you can't handle it then...
Seems to me that, since Covid, flight crews are emboldened to flex their authority and are quick to throw people off flights for simply being rude. Sounds like this passenger was a jerk, but pretty much everybody deals with jerks during their job, airlines are not immune. Get a thicker skin unless the person is actually threatening.
Guy was a total jerk
Male ego is such a waste. Deny him flying forever.
In February, I flew EZE-JFK with my mom. She greeted the flight attendant in Spanish, who responded, "This is AMERICAN Airlines, speak English!" By the GEO flight attendant's metrics, our flight attendant should have been removed.
As a police officer I had my fair share of upset, grumpy and out right resisting and threatening people. While this is common in my life of work we didn't see this before 30,000 feet above the earth. Something changed in our society that brought this about as I see more and more of my colleagues killed not just because someone wants to get away but outright on purpose. Why would people do this in...
As a police officer I had my fair share of upset, grumpy and out right resisting and threatening people. While this is common in my life of work we didn't see this before 30,000 feet above the earth. Something changed in our society that brought this about as I see more and more of my colleagues killed not just because someone wants to get away but outright on purpose. Why would people do this in an aluminium or fiberglass tube hogy above the earth is beyond me. But airline travel has become more stressful after 9/11 and our technology and methods frankly didn't keep up. As my son is a pilot I can say that the captain is in charge and he is responsible for ALL on board and that expensive aircraft and ultimately it is his call!
To quote Judge Judy, “ You both behaved badly!”
I think both the attendant and the passenger were having a bad day and unleashed their frustration on each other.
I doubt the verbal altercation warranted turning the flight around and the resulting disruption.
My solution would have been to ban the strict rule following attendant (I wonder how diligently this employee obeys other rules) from any further contact from the grumpy passenger....
To quote Judge Judy, “ You both behaved badly!”
I think both the attendant and the passenger were having a bad day and unleashed their frustration on each other.
I doubt the verbal altercation warranted turning the flight around and the resulting disruption.
My solution would have been to ban the strict rule following attendant (I wonder how diligently this employee obeys other rules) from any further contact from the grumpy passenger. The other attendants would serve the passenger.
BTW, would it have inconvenienced the attendant to take the time and energy to assist the passenger with the luggage?
This flight should not have been turned around. I have spent many years in health care and we surely wouldn't deny care to a patient who is difficult. If a passenger struggles to put a carry on bag in the overhead, the flight attendant should help. They are in the customer service business, although some of them forget that and are as bad as an entitled passenger. It seems like poor decision making on the part of American.
Overreaction
Sounds like it’s the FA and captain who were petty.
I would think the pilot would see that even the flight attendant was being petty if they were going to inconvenience an entire flight over one slight. Many people are wrong here. But American airlines owes a lot of people compensation because one flight attendant was snippy when a passenger needed assistance. The flight attendant could have problem solved and didn't. Instead they inconvenienced hundreds of people. Horrible. Selfish.
Sometimes a little niceness goes a long way.
Passenger: can you help me with my luggage.
FA (in hostile voice): we don't do that, you'll have to do it on your own
Exchange proceeds to irritate both sides.
Now
Passenger: can you help me stow my bag.
FA (nicely): I'm sorry, we aren't allowed to do that but let me see if I can get you some help.
Then asks passengers for help and thanks them.
No confrontation and both move on feeling fine.
They are allowed to help passengers with the luggage, and they should help people that physically need help. Or the airlines should give people to do it. They think they are demi gods and thrive on the little power they have inside the plane. MANY of the FA from USA airlines are rude, unhappy with their jobs, and should be fired. It's a total different situation in the rest of the world.
These "diversions"...
They are allowed to help passengers with the luggage, and they should help people that physically need help. Or the airlines should give people to do it. They think they are demi gods and thrive on the little power they have inside the plane. MANY of the FA from USA airlines are rude, unhappy with their jobs, and should be fired. It's a total different situation in the rest of the world.
These "diversions" are happening more and more, as if it were a simple thing, without any consequences to the hundreds of passengers in each flight.
Disgraceful!
The FAA is a joke. And so is the American air travel industry.
I routinely see disrespectful and condescending comments towards flight attendants on this blog and others like it. Respect is a two way street. We're not your servants. Have fun talking your [trash] on this blog because it won't be tolerated on the plane. It can be turned around.
It should have been diverted to Iran for the passenger to be beheaded
For other passengers, AA probably told them flight was cancelled because of weather.
Dealing with the general public is not for everyone as lots of people out there are wackos, and the flight attendant was apparently not up to the task as they apparently had a severe overreaction to dealing with a jerk that inconvenienced hundreds of people and and cost the airline a bundle. The flight attendant should find another career, and the passenger should just have been banned from any further flights with the airline.
Power-tripping crew and weirdly sensitive/insensitive attitudes by crew and passengers are a recipe for passengers to face problems on US airlines that the very same passengers would be unlikely to face on airlines from most other OECD countries. Ever since 9/11, the stupidest things result in passengers — more so male ones — being threatened by flight crews for objectively nom-threatening sarcasm coming from the mouths of passengers. They want a culture of silence and...
Power-tripping crew and weirdly sensitive/insensitive attitudes by crew and passengers are a recipe for passengers to face problems on US airlines that the very same passengers would be unlikely to face on airlines from most other OECD countries. Ever since 9/11, the stupidest things result in passengers — more so male ones — being threatened by flight crews for objectively nom-threatening sarcasm coming from the mouths of passengers. They want a culture of silence and obedience, and so these conflicts become more and worse in outcome than any very competent professional would let them become.
As others have said, if he wasn't being a threat, I don't think they should have diverted. What they should have done though, was upon landing at the destination ban him from flights with the airline for x months/years, and if he had a return flight through them, cancel it.
It stops the abusive non threatening behavior, while letting the others on the flight reach their destination.
If he was being a threat, why didn’t the police detain him or file a charge? Pure speculation can go both ways, and power tripping FA with a bad case of ego can easily exaggerate to the cockpit crew about a situation. That’s a far more likely scenario. That FA shouldn’t be in the airline industry.
It could be that it was the flight attendant who was the jerk. This is what happened to me on a recent American flight. This resulted in nearly $50,000 of professional camera gear being removed from my FAA-compliant carryon and stuffed into a PLASTIC BAG, which was then tossed like a bag of rocks into the overhead. Not surprisingly, my Nikon D850 suffered a shattered screen, and I just spent 2 days recalibrating my lenses....
It could be that it was the flight attendant who was the jerk. This is what happened to me on a recent American flight. This resulted in nearly $50,000 of professional camera gear being removed from my FAA-compliant carryon and stuffed into a PLASTIC BAG, which was then tossed like a bag of rocks into the overhead. Not surprisingly, my Nikon D850 suffered a shattered screen, and I just spent 2 days recalibrating my lenses. The attendant was rude, insulting, and threatening. No wonder AA has one of the worst customer satisfaction rates in the entire industry. The next time I fly American will be the day after they start serving ice water in H3ll.
I love flying. But especially this week of all weeks, doesn't anyone care about the environmental impact of this pissing match between entitled passenger and entitled flight attendant?
We.ll, it all goes back to how they hire their employees. I think they stand in street corners and ask passers-by "are you stupid" Apparently those who say yes get a job
Rude and unnecessary comment.
It might be that it was the flight attendant who was the jerk. This is what happened to me on a recent American flight, which resulted in almost $50,000 (you read that right) worth of professional camera gear, which I had carefully packed into an FAA- compliant carryon, being shoved into a PLASTIC BAG, which was then flung into the overhead bin like a bag of rocks. Not surprisingly, the screen on my Nikon D850...
It might be that it was the flight attendant who was the jerk. This is what happened to me on a recent American flight, which resulted in almost $50,000 (you read that right) worth of professional camera gear, which I had carefully packed into an FAA- compliant carryon, being shoved into a PLASTIC BAG, which was then flung into the overhead bin like a bag of rocks. Not surprisingly, the screen on my Nikon D850 was shattered, and i had to spend 2 days recalibrating my lenses, The attendant was rude, demanding, insulting, and totally unprofessional. She threatened to throw me off the plane unless I complied with her demands. She then caused my bag to be searched WITHOUT ME BEING PRESENT for "contraband" (lithium batteries). When none was found, she presented to me a USB wall plug, which she claimed was a battery. I have no doubt that she misidentified the wall plug in an attempt to justify her outrageous behavior. No wonder American Airlines has one of the lowest customer satisfaction rates in the entire industry. I guarantee you that I will never never EVER fly AA in the future.
This is not an American Airlines' specific issue, this is sop for ALL airlines starting with 9/11 and year over year getting worse.
I travel for business, throughout the Caribbean including Guyana. I was born in Guyana but came to the US when I was 4. Never flew Caribbean Airlines because of the lawless guyanese from NYC who would berate the crew. I would fly AA to Trinidad and then short Caribbean Airlines flight to Guyana and then get yhe hell out. The NY guyanese are a different breed.
Just curious why the passenger’s culture and ethnicity was an important detail but not the flight attendant’s
The passenger is a well known TV personality and gay. FA was rude , and refused to assist ven though passenger get explained surgery. He then said.. you can find another airline. This is only a part of story. He helped others with luggage. He then served others and avoided serving said passenger .. total discrimination
I side with the passenger. I've noticed over the years that the flight attendants have become very entitled and have bad attitude. In my opinion this guy was probably just sick of it and he hit a breaking point.
I wasn't there, so I can't tell you for sure. I'm just going with my intuition. Do yourself a favor and fly in Asia and Singapore airlines. I think you'll know what I'm talking about because they treat their passengers like humans.
Let a class action suit brought by the other passengers against all parties determine where the faults lie and provide some compensation for those inconvenienced by the diversion. Maybe this threat will improve passenger, employee, and airline behaviors.
What I think sucks the most is the inconvenience to everyone else because this tool is an entitled douche canoe.
I am confused - the Pilot, based on their interpretation, makes the decision to turn back. It probably screws up their trip also. The FA simply doesn’t have that power.
Correct the fa doesn't have the power, but the Captain does. The Captain is in charge of the aircraft and trusted the fa's opinion on the gentleman. Flt went back to NY.
The crew was looking for ANY excuse to turn that plane around. They were going to Guyana, for god's sake. Nobody wants to go there.
I imagine that the Captain makes the decision to divert or not. There is probably much more to the story if the Captain decided going back to JFK was necessary for the safety and security of the passengers. S/he is the one who will have to answer to Corporate and justify his decision. My guess is we heard only a few select back and forth segments but that there are definitely others.
I bet you this guy wasn't just an annoying idiot. He probably made some veiled threats at the crew that he conveniently omitted to tell everyone. That would be an instant turn around.
The flight attendant should be fired.
They were over water. Should have put a floatation device on her and pushed her out.
Wouldn't have any more problems on that flight! Bye. ✈️
That's the definition of entitled people. They never think they're wrong and are always surprised when people don't back them. Having had many many surgeries I know that the doctors don't want you flying if you can't handle your bags personally because you haven't healed. Though I'm sure he was using that as trying to win some sympathy. He's no activist. More like a spoiled child. God knows how much worsr he would have treated...
That's the definition of entitled people. They never think they're wrong and are always surprised when people don't back them. Having had many many surgeries I know that the doctors don't want you flying if you can't handle your bags personally because you haven't healed. Though I'm sure he was using that as trying to win some sympathy. He's no activist. More like a spoiled child. God knows how much worsr he would have treated a female FA. Indian men and misogyny goes hand in hand.
White men and racism go hand and hand apparently as well.
Spoken like a true wire man not guilty of stupidity or displaying entitlement, ever! What an asshat.
@Lucky - was was the ethnicity of the power tripping FA?
The passenger is American, from NJ or NY’s Guyanese-American community. He’s Indo-Guayanese-American, but this incident has nothing to do with “Indian men and misogyny”.
I've never seen a flight attendant that would not help with bags. SHE should have! In my mind the flight attendant started the interaction. There are jerks everywhere. It did not warrant the diversion.
Then you haven't flown in 20 years
Are Indian Cultural Activists all like this?
I fly on American to Colombia and know they have many fights serving the north end of South America, all Central America, and of course the Caribbean. Simply tell this passenger he will no longer be welcome on American Airlines. His new travel plans will reflect the problems he made for himself.
Sounds like the flight attendant was the entitled one! You turned a flight around because the man called you a waiter? I’d be pissed at the attendant. Definitely on a power kick which at least half seem to be since covid. Smh
American should charge this clown for damages: fuel costs, loss of revenue & other penalties vis-a-vis.parking fees etc.
Maybe it's time for cameras on planes. Then some officials FAs might mind their manners for a change.
Since it's not illegal to film yourself on a plane, one wants to be rude, I'll just turn on my phone camera and record myself, complete with THEIR comments.
I think this article is biased as it repeatedly called the passenger “ a jerk” without any evidence and did not give him a benefit of doubt as it did to the flight attendant. American Airlines is worst with customer service compared to delta in the USA and other international competitors. He requested to help him with putting luggage as he got his surgery done but the writer of this article simply ignored that fact....
I think this article is biased as it repeatedly called the passenger “ a jerk” without any evidence and did not give him a benefit of doubt as it did to the flight attendant. American Airlines is worst with customer service compared to delta in the USA and other international competitors. He requested to help him with putting luggage as he got his surgery done but the writer of this article simply ignored that fact. Yes “technically” they are not paid for it but one can always make exceptions considering his medical condition and if you have to say no, you can politely. It shows how ill mannered and ill trained the crew is. I bet AA will take care of this jerk of a flight attendant using smart H tactics.
They are union. 'Nuf said
I think faa should take initiative by putting a section on the passenger as well as the flight attendant to be courteous otherwise some fine should be imposed on the one found guilty according to the people present in the flight that is the only solution.
My friend was sat two rows behind this 'incident'. He confirmed the passenger was not aggressive, albeit sarcastic and the cabin crew evidently took a dislike to him and was observed to provoke the situation. I can't same I'm surprised; I've flown AA a few times in all classes (never again) and find the cabin crew treat you with disdain, no matter how polite you are.
I hope every passenger around him files a complaint against the crew of that flight. That FA has no place in the air. A bad FA like that costs huge amount of loss for both passengers and the airline.
The crew has gone bananas. To wreck the plans of all the passengers because some little narcissist flight attendant felt dissed is nauseous.
What is the actual protocol for turning around a flight? Can one flight attendant call into the cockpit to report and then they make the decision right away? Or do the other FAs need to weigh in?
This guy may be an a-hole, but this FA sounds completely out of line (considering no police and no statements from the other FAs), so I'm very curious as to the logistics of making the decision to turn around/divert (when it's a non-mechanical emergency).
The FA can't get on the bat phone and turn the plane around. They're is operating procedures and a chain of command. So likely several staff viewed it as justifiable. You never know when these situations escalate from zero to ugly and the airline may have viewed this as a potential lawsuit waiting to happen. In any case I would not blame the FA. Guy sounds like a entitled little p**ck.
Based on....?
Jake...I agree. I'd be willing to bet that the flight attendant talked down to the passenger. And then the passenger just gave him a dose of his own medicine. And then the flight attendants feelings were hurt. This seems to be very prevalent today while flying on airlines in the United States.
As a guy who just got out of the hospital and has 11 stitches in my belly, is asking the attendant a favor about the bag out of line? I think not. Had he/she helped a recuperating customer (and they guy was an airline customer) NONE of the rest probably would have happened. I agree with some others here, get that person off a plane and behind a desk.
One passenger being rude should not disrupt the flight for hundreds of other passengers.
Clearly an overreaction by the flight attendant. Inconveniencing this many passengers because her pride was hurt is ridiculous.
It is so sad that voices of reason were not on the flight...the jerk nor the flight attendant. On that flight were a jerk and an ego. I agree in another part of the world cooler heads MAY have prevailed. Life is short folks...be kind!
Well sounds like another case of black entitlement to me. Appears he will get away with it which is the fastest/ airline fault and it will make it easier for any of us to be inconvenienced by this kind of stuff
Lots of judgement by commenters based on a notorious character's inflammatory statements. Until I read AA's accounting of what happened (assuming it ever becomes public), I trust that the pilot's decision to return to JFK was 100% called-for.
Every passenger should sue the unruly passenger.
Even though flight attendant was right about not being her job, but, that is a service where your suppose to be helpful if can sounded to me kind of smart mouth . It could been said differently. Yes he was a jerk and not cool. Putting others people's plans at risk to prove point. Also not cool.
As former flight attendant in total agreement with crew.
Passengers seemed to think we are their servants. We are there for there safety.
Glad you're a former. There are enough bad apples still "working".
I'm not surprised at your narcissistic answer. Yes you are correct that you are there for our safety (first), but you are also our servants. Over the years you seem to have forgotten that..... You only remember the safety part, which is very important obviously, but it's not the only job that you have as a flight attendant.
Glad to hear you're a 'former', Aggie.
We all miss you, said no-one, ever!
I hope no one ever helps you when in need cause we’re not your servants.
Not surprising. GEO trips are dogs.
Airlines offer checked bags. If you can't lift your bag to the overhead then check it. FA's are not required to lift bags for passengers. Many times I see FA's saying they can't do that. Then usually a passenger helps.
If this was during boarding - then the FA should have told the passengers you will need to check it.
Exactly!! He knew before hand so why didn't he make the proper arrangements rather than assume he's a celebrity and he can snap his fingers at people.
They also frequently charge for that service, and if someone is legitimately disabled, they shouldn’t be forced to pay to check bags they can’t lift up into an overhead bin.
Based on....?
Also pretty damn tired of airline employees acting like dictators because they got their "feels" hurt. Okay for them to talk rudely to PAYING passengers but heaven forbid you look at them crosswise.
If the passenger is a serious threat, fine. But to turn around because they can play judge and jury is ridiculous.
Patty, I could not agree with you more. Amen.. you are 100% correct. Flight attendants used to treat passengers with respect, and most passengers would return the favor with mutual respect. Now flight attendants trigger passengers and then they wonder why the passenger got so upset. Duh....
I think the flight attendant overreacted to his rudeness just get him the water and be on their way oh by the way I don't know anyone involved
James S...good luck with that!!...flight attendants have a union that will protect them.
Silly trolley dolly! They should get out of the hospitality industry if they are not happy to serve paying customers. Pretty simple job of smile, buckle seat belts pour drinks, clean up. Not hard but since they’re not getting tipped they don’t have to try very hard. Quality and quality control are terrible on US carriers, no auditing hence why the attitude, slovenly appearance and unkempt hair plod up and down the aisle.
I believe this man! American Airlines flight attendants are very rude and sarcastic especially on these flights and with people of colour.
Laughing at some of these comments.
May some of you never get injured on a trip (4 broken ribs) and I still tried to lift my carryon.
May you guys never get old and have a bit difficulty lifting things over your head.
As for the you pack it, you stack it...the airline says I can't check my multiple electronics and lithium batteries used for photography, so I have to carry items on and, no,...
Laughing at some of these comments.
May some of you never get injured on a trip (4 broken ribs) and I still tried to lift my carryon.
May you guys never get old and have a bit difficulty lifting things over your head.
As for the you pack it, you stack it...the airline says I can't check my multiple electronics and lithium batteries used for photography, so I have to carry items on and, no, they won't fit under the seat.
I only asked for assistance once and got a very snotty reply from an elephant of a DL FA. So fat, she had to move down the aisle sideways.
I've helped people lift bags and had people help with mine. Tried to not be a bother but sometimes tired old limbs just don't cooperate. May some of you never hit that stage.
Guyana is extremely poor and super sad country. If anyone there has an extra penny, they try to put on hot airs.
I am ex Military and ex civil service. I worked in Europe, Africa, England, Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia,Belgium, Italy, Germany and spent some time in other Countries including in some of the East Bloc States. I do not know how many times I had to fly back to the USA, how often I was in flight to other cities all across Europe and the USA. Sadly and all too often I met this jerk on many...
I am ex Military and ex civil service. I worked in Europe, Africa, England, Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia,Belgium, Italy, Germany and spent some time in other Countries including in some of the East Bloc States. I do not know how many times I had to fly back to the USA, how often I was in flight to other cities all across Europe and the USA. Sadly and all too often I met this jerk on many flights. I have often changed seats so couples could sit together, I have gladly given up bulkhead seats to people with Babies and to those with health problems and since I am tall, I love the bulkhead seats. I have had incidents because this jerk wanted the bulkhead seats or my window seat, on two flights this jerk wanted the aisle seat I was in because it was closer to the exit and he could quickly exit the plane. After telling him NO several times, he wanted to threaten me and use vulgar language, however, when I stood in the aisle and told him to get his ill mannered behind off the seat so I could put him on the floor. he then became quiet and stayed put. Too many of this jackleg jerks try to play the tough guy or girl and want to brow beat and bully other paying passengers. After almost 40 years lof this, I finally retired, now I only meet a few of these at sporting events and the grocery store.
Recently flight attendants attitude is way too "all mighty". Most are no longer helpful and make way too many mistakes. Never saying that they are sorry. Who the heck made them God. Platt, for life member. My suggestion, get real and get off the power trip.
Im SICK of ARTICLES like this clearly published to prepare us for something were supposed to submit to in the near future like masking again.
It’s not that fight attendants are not paid to stow bags, it’s that they are generally not permitted to do it. If a flight attendant sustains a back injury lifting a bag, it could lead to a cancellation. Also, they would be unlikely to be covered by worker’s comp.
There absolutely must be more to this story for the PIC to divert back to NYC.
Obviously a one sided story. We don't have the FA's side of the story. But on the surface, this seems quite petty by the crew. I get that they're all a team up there and they're supposed to have each other's backs, but the pilots also have a duty to their employer and the rest of the passengers. They should have just kept going, IMO. Then close his AA account, revoke his miles, and implement a lifetime ban.
Can't blame the flight attendant. He doesn't have any idea where this passenger will go from this point. Safety first. Too many morons on planes today.
AA will NOT turn a plane around for a mild disagreement between a Passenger and Flight Crew. More to the story.
People say the US has more diversions. Probably, because the US has the rudest and most entitled people in the world. They are violent and push the limits thinking they are above the law.
Does anyone realize how many Flight Attendants have been injured lifting, pulling & pushing bags? Too many! If that Flight...
AA will NOT turn a plane around for a mild disagreement between a Passenger and Flight Crew. More to the story.
People say the US has more diversions. Probably, because the US has the rudest and most entitled people in the world. They are violent and push the limits thinking they are above the law.
Does anyone realize how many Flight Attendants have been injured lifting, pulling & pushing bags? Too many! If that Flight Attendant is injured guess what? Flight Cancelled.
FYI? A 737 Max doesn't hold 300 people. It's a narrowbody aircraft.
How many, then? Oh, you don't know? Probably because it's close to zero. Thanks for validating though that FAs DO indeed help with bags...the ones who aren't entitled lazy union slobs at least.
From all of these comments I take it that most of you were on that flight since you already know exactly how it all went down. Pretty amazing that you all seemed to find this article. Glad to know we can truly understand the truth behind what happened.
Why not check bags inside the terminal before boarding the plane , getting off the plane would be faster for everone
Might save 5 minutes deboarding, but cost up to 30 minutes while waiting for checked bags. In addition, many airlines charge for checked bags. You are not allowed to check bags with lithium batteries etc. Baggage handling can also be rough, and will probably break items such as cameras, computers and so on.
They both sound loke Class A D-bags. You can't be a kind human being and help someone convalescing from surgery with a simple bag? (if it was business class you damn well better believe that simple courtesy wouldve been extended nary a second's hesitation. On the flip side, You're going to ignore grace and dignity and degrade someone with demeaning derision...over a bag and and a drink?
I hope these two get stuck on a desert island together
If the passenger's version is true then the real jerk is the flight attendant who refused to perform a basic kindness at work and help him with his bag. When people are at work they can be expected to be human and considerate even if they are not paid to be.
the flight attendant should be fired.... impacted the other 99.8% of the passengers for the attitude of both the customer and the attendant. one, if he asked for help and the attendant didn't want to help, they need to find another job... the entitlement works both ways. two unless there is a real threat and not a hint of one, then the flight should continue for the sake of the other passengers and not to...
the flight attendant should be fired.... impacted the other 99.8% of the passengers for the attitude of both the customer and the attendant. one, if he asked for help and the attendant didn't want to help, they need to find another job... the entitlement works both ways. two unless there is a real threat and not a hint of one, then the flight should continue for the sake of the other passengers and not to satisfy the attitude of the attendant. I'm tired of people complaining about their jobs that they choose and get paid for. don't want to deal with those customers, find another job and don't complain
First of all, I'm pretty sure the flight attendant was a man. Everyone seems to assume it was a woman. Second, the author is clearly biased against the passenger, repeatedly calling him a jerk. The ONLY way the passenger could be considered a jerk is if he initially asked for help in a rude or condescending manner. Barring that it seems pretty clear that the flight attendant's response was likely given in a rude and...
First of all, I'm pretty sure the flight attendant was a man. Everyone seems to assume it was a woman. Second, the author is clearly biased against the passenger, repeatedly calling him a jerk. The ONLY way the passenger could be considered a jerk is if he initially asked for help in a rude or condescending manner. Barring that it seems pretty clear that the flight attendant's response was likely given in a rude and condescending manner, igniting this entire event. That should have been followed up on a lot more. Another flight attendant helped him with his bag, and didn't get paid for it. That should have told the author enough to write a completely different article.
Google this troublemaker's pic. One look and I guarantee you'll sympathize with the FA.
Isn't he in one of those new lipstick or mascara commercials?
I work with several Indians, and... oh my god! the men can be very misogynistic and entitled! and for them, "status" is very important. I wouldn't tolerate anyone talking to me like that, even if I was working in hospitality (which I obviously don't, because I don't have patience for entitled pieces of sh!t). And if I was that flight attendant, I would go above and beyond to make sure that bastard gets what he deserves after talking to me like that!
I doubt those were the FA’s choice of words RE: the bag stow. A polite “due to the amount of injuries we’re not allowed to stow overhead bags”.
However I’ve seen many FA’s doing it and I offer to help the people close to me when I’m boarding if it looks like they’re having a problem with it, especially if elderly, visible disability or with infants.
I do confess in a previous life...
I doubt those were the FA’s choice of words RE: the bag stow. A polite “due to the amount of injuries we’re not allowed to stow overhead bags”.
However I’ve seen many FA’s doing it and I offer to help the people close to me when I’m boarding if it looks like they’re having a problem with it, especially if elderly, visible disability or with infants.
I do confess in a previous life years ago working as a gate agent at SFO someone asked me to put their bag up as it was too heavy for them. Must have been a bad day for me too as I said if it’s too heavy for you to lift you should have checked it. Yes , I did put it up for them.
If they cant lift the bag is it really a carry-on though?
When I was a CSR gate agent at the airlines years ago, one of my job requirements was that I had to be capable of lifting up to 70 lb, otherwise I would be fired. What's the problem? Unless you are on light duty because of an injury at the time there really is no excuse. You could have found another able-bodied CSR.
No mention of another flight attendant getting involved to dial back the rhetoric, I wonder how an flight was diverted without more than one AA person getting involved or was there another?
Until I hear the flight attendant's side.... I'm not believing it. An entire flight crew with Pilots would not have turned around if it was just a "waiter" comment. When police are called, stories change....I stand with the crew. It's in the PA to follow flight attendant instructions. Entitled passengers act like the own the plane and are rude. He wrote a check that he couldn't cash. They know that usually nothing happens and treat...
Until I hear the flight attendant's side.... I'm not believing it. An entire flight crew with Pilots would not have turned around if it was just a "waiter" comment. When police are called, stories change....I stand with the crew. It's in the PA to follow flight attendant instructions. Entitled passengers act like the own the plane and are rude. He wrote a check that he couldn't cash. They know that usually nothing happens and treat crew badly. Some apologize after the flight, while we have to serve and protect during flight. We are human. People do not want to know what all we are trained to do... that's a bad day. Many crews are going through negotiations and working without a contract and they are over it. Now if his version is the only and correct version.... it was a lot. However, with the pilots agreeing, I don't believe it...... he had three different encounters. Most people have one at best.
I have taken many American flights, about 3-6 take offs per currently and i can tell you as much as i want to say the traveler was a jerk, some of the flight attendants i have had the misfortune of experiencing have been extremely rude and just all around jerks with God complex. Perhaps two god complex folks met in this story.
It is absurd that they would grossly inconvenience and jeopardize the plans of every other passenger on board because of a minor disturbance. He was not doing anything physically dangerous or threatening to the passngers or crew, yet they affect the plans of hundreds of other people? THere need to be clear written guidelines and rules for when a crew can turn a plane around, and this type of incident doesn't measure up.
They need to have an sound proof in plane jail cell that they can just stick problem passengers in. Stick them in it, continue the flight, and let the cops take them away when they land.
The AA FA was an idiot. Yes, while a FA is not paid to help passengers put their bags on the overhead bin, there are way nicer ways to say that. Just last weekend I was on a Delta flight in Delta One and I heard a lady asking the FA if she could put her bag in the overhead bin. The FA said she was now allowed to do that all by herself but was happy to help her lift it. They both worked together and the bag was safely stored. See the difference?
She was correct to not help with the bag. Can’t lift your bag, then check it. Not correct to divert the flight over this.
FAs are in the service industry. In the usa airline staff in the majority of cases need to remember that or get another job. The passenger was injured, the FA could have helped him or asked another FA to assist or offered to put the bag in the closet.
Wrong. Tons of FA injuries from lifting bags into overheads. If you pack it, you stack it. Or check it, per the comment above. Service industry is one thing, I'd prefer my FAs not be injured.
I was injured trying to assist pax with a very heavy carry-on. Was not able to fly my next trip sked.
I had to travel a few years back (revenue F) with 3 broken ribs andI was lucky enough to have a couple very nice fellow pax who offered and did help me. If you can't carry it and stow it yourself....please don't expect your F/A to do that for you.
See the irony here?
If the flight attendant is not capable of lifting a small carry-on into the overhead bin, then are you suggesting that they are not capable of doing an emergency evacuation? Hmmm Maybe that flight attendant should not be flying for our safety. When I worked for the airlines years ago we were required to be able to lift 70 lb. If we couldn't, we would lose our job.
I was recently on a flight where the FA did help a passenger by lifting a bag to put in the overhead bin and dropped it on top of another passenger's head. Not only did the flight get cancelled, but the unnamed airline will also probably be sued for injuries sustained by the passenger.
Just saying....
@crosscourt - AA doesn’t want to pay for the disability and health care costs of injured FAs any more than the FAs want to lift your baggage. They are not porters.
FA's are not your personal servant. If you were able to carry your bag to the car, lift it out of your trunk, pull it through the airport and put it through security, drag it down the jetbridge and onto the aircraft? Risk injuring yourself lifting it over your head into a bin. I'm rooting for you!
FA'S are on board primarily for your safety. Service is a bonus, which is providing comfort...
FA's are not your personal servant. If you were able to carry your bag to the car, lift it out of your trunk, pull it through the airport and put it through security, drag it down the jetbridge and onto the aircraft? Risk injuring yourself lifting it over your head into a bin. I'm rooting for you!
FA'S are on board primarily for your safety. Service is a bonus, which is providing comfort and snacks/meals. If nothing was served on a plane? Fa's still must be present. One per 50 Passengers.....for safety.
If they wanted to slog luggage, they would be on ground crew. If a customer cannot stow his/her bag, there is the option of checking it.
Stupidity on the part of the airline. This was a power tussle which was so disruptive to an aircraft full of passengers.....Ego is terrible, who knows what the flight attendant told the Captain. Customer service is certainly lacking with this airline.
I have a strong feeling that this crew needed an excuse not to go to Guyana and this jerk was that great opportunity.
Flight attendant has very thin skin if passenger in telling a story that has even a little truth to it.
GET OVER IT. Ask another attendant to take care of the guy .
It is exactly correct that there is this guy's version of what happened, and the attendant's version of what happened. The truth is going to be in between. I highly doubt the flight attendant wants to turn back over some idiots words. They deal with thousands of passengers every week, this can't be the first jerk that they have dealt with even that day. I'll tend to believe a flight attendant over a narcissist thinks they actually did nothing whatsoever wrong.
American Rude and Petty? I simply won't believe it...
I don’t think it will hurt if the flight attendant help. That is part of service that will make more customer for the airline that will benefits him/her in the long run. I had a son who work as ground crew, I saw him once helping two senior passengers carry their bags. There are some crews sometimes very inconsiderate making small thing a big thing.
Having flown over 1M miles on A A abd as much on other airlines around the world, I must say inflight service on american airlines in general is poor, the standard is that they r there for your safety, so often they treat customers as if they had a communicable desease, not nice given all the other hassles of travel, security, shrinking seats, absurd fees, etc. This inno way excuses the rude passenger, but the...
Having flown over 1M miles on A A abd as much on other airlines around the world, I must say inflight service on american airlines in general is poor, the standard is that they r there for your safety, so often they treat customers as if they had a communicable desease, not nice given all the other hassles of travel, security, shrinking seats, absurd fees, etc. This inno way excuses the rude passenger, but the reaction of A A created a situation w many losers and no benefit to any one, poor customer service overall!
Seems like two drama queens. Both are representative of acting like a child culture and getting attention for it.
The article is a one sided story and doesn’t provide a good view of the situation. This was the scenario of an egoistic attendant too. If the story is true that the passenger had a recent surgery and needed help, are we saying that the airline has process in place for these scenarios and shared with the passenger. Especially when you call out that FAA doesn’t require flight attendants with helping on luggage.
AA...
The article is a one sided story and doesn’t provide a good view of the situation. This was the scenario of an egoistic attendant too. If the story is true that the passenger had a recent surgery and needed help, are we saying that the airline has process in place for these scenarios and shared with the passenger. Especially when you call out that FAA doesn’t require flight attendants with helping on luggage.
AA as a whole has lost its focus on customer experience and feels entitled to ruin the journey for all the passengers on the plane and the subsequent ones. They need to be trained to deal with such scenarios and I also hope articles like these give the appropriate view of the situation rather than villanizing one side fully.
How about when the flight attendants ask the passenger to help with their bags? You n first class recently the AA attendant ask me to put her bag (which was at least 30 pounds) in to the overhead- and take it out too upon landing. I was afraid to say no…..Sounds like this passenger is a jerk but honestly it should take more than this for a flight to be diverted.
Lots of unknown info.
BUT, there are many comments about the FA getting disciplinary action (even though you don't really know the circumstances). It was the PILOTS ultimate decision/responsibility to return to JFK. Are you saying he should face the same?
Pilots has to take the word of the FA don’t they? The decision ultimately is based on whatever words FA said to the cockpit crew. Given the police response afterwards, it is pretty clear the FA was on a power trip to satisfy his own ego.
He had surgery and needed help putting his bag overhead, the flight attendant could have helped him . She refused , saying she didn’t “ get paid” to do that . I would have been mad & upset as well. The whole incident could have been avoided if the flight attendant would have helped him in the first place. I have a brother that was a air Marshall for many years and I’ve heard plenty of misbehaved passengers, but some of these flight attendants are over the top.
Travel with luggage you can lift yourself. Problem solved.
Why go back? Just drop him off in MIA and keep going.
He committed no crime
Flight attendant is the one with the attitude
She should be fired
T
Passengers should automatically be fined the cost of the return flight. It serves absolutely no purpose at all if the flight returns, and there are no consequences for anyone.
maybe the FA should have the cost of the return deducted from her paycheck. or split it 50/50 with the passenger.
We're not talking about someone that lit up in the lav or tried to open the emergency exit.
It should depend on the true facts. Holding a pax responsible for the cost based on the version of a cabin attendant is not going to fly.
IRL we cannot turn back for every rudely weird entitled fool. No one would get anywhere. Ever.
If there is a return flight because a passenger is not cooperative, that passenger should be charged the full amount of the return flight. That includes all costs, including fuel, and anything else.
Alan, if there was more information, I might agree. But in life we often have to just deal with rude and unkind people that are not a threat. Sometimes pasting a smile on, can get everybody through their day.
This scenario is absurd! MOST AIRLINES OFFER PASSENGERS THAT NEED HELP BEFORE BOARDING; AND THEREFORE NONE WAS ASKED FOR AND IT IS WHAT IT IS BUT THIS DOES NOT EXCUSE THE FA's uninteligent handling; How will she react in a "Real Emergency, who will compensate the other passengers?
I never hesitate to help people with luggage. Tbh I just want an on time departure or deplane the sooner the better.
absolutely. a little kindness goes a long way. It's called basic humanity.
And I put my wife's bags in the overhead bin for her in the event someone else doesn't help her sooner (and that happens a lot more than you would think)
I say this as someone with much respect for the inflight team and as a 20-year airline employee who has been called a fair share of names and even had a soda thrown at them…. If all this passenger did was insult with words, not threaten or make any sort of physical efforts, then this is a huge overreaction and a disservice to the others on board the flight and those waiting on the return...
I say this as someone with much respect for the inflight team and as a 20-year airline employee who has been called a fair share of names and even had a soda thrown at them…. If all this passenger did was insult with words, not threaten or make any sort of physical efforts, then this is a huge overreaction and a disservice to the others on board the flight and those waiting on the return service and likely going to miss connections. If I were another passenger on board and this flight returned for this reason, I would want the flight attendant removed as clearly they don’t possess the emotional maturity to handle it, making me question how they’d handle something really serious. Bad on the passenger but bad on AA if this really is all it is.
Thanks agreed completely
Agreed. If the facts of the event were more-or-less what's presented, then it's just a case of TWO wrongs: a passenger that's a jerk (but not a safety risk), and an unprofessional FA wasting hundreds of people's time, lots of jet fuel/pollution and AA's money.
And you know what they say about 2 wrongs.
Agree. from the article above it doesn't sound like anything happened that warrants a turn around. It sounds like another overly sensitive america story.
Whether this is the whole story or not, I don't know, but it sounds like there were issues on both sides. Another reason I do not fly any US based airline unless it is absolutely the last resort.
Inappropriate behavior on aircraft will continue, until the individuals begin to suffer the consequences. Each of the passengers onboard should file a suit against Mr Ghansham for the cost of their canceled flight tickets and any incidental expenses, such as hotels and meals. Doing so in my home state, for any claim less than $10,000, would be in General District Court and the cost of filing is less than $100.
Not the passengers but American Airlines should absolutely take the passenger to court in Queens and recoup the cost of the flight diversion , airline fees , etc. He seems to be such a big shot. Surely he can pay a 40K fine.
The flight attendant not only didn’t de-escalate, but instead escalated the conflict with threats. If all the passengers did was talking in a rude manner, then the fault lies on the flight attendant and I wouldn’t want this trigger happy of a FA on any of my flights. Anyone who goes on a power trip like that to prove a point has no place in aviation.
The flight attendant was militant in trying to be technical about not helping with lifting the bag. The passenger is temporarily disabled due to surgery so accommodation is the nice thing to do, particularly if it wasn't a 40 lb. bag, which most are not.
The flight attendant should just roll with the punches when called "waiter".
The passenger seems less than ideal but within the range of passengers that should be transported.
Yes, the guys an a**hole but there's pettiness on both sides. This would never happen in Asia..."not in my job description to help with bags." Passengers help each other with stowing and retrieving overhead bags all the time with no benefit, other than to move things along. If I were on board as an executive of AA, I'd help those in need riding my airline, regardless of whether it's in my job description.
The difference being that if the FA is injured while assisting in stowing a passenger's bag, s/he is not eligible for worker's comp coverage. Particularly since they are not being paid during boarding. So then they have to sit at home and heal without pay, and maybe lose their job for being out of commission for too long. Because of that, no, I don't think the FA should stow bags by themselves (you never know...
The difference being that if the FA is injured while assisting in stowing a passenger's bag, s/he is not eligible for worker's comp coverage. Particularly since they are not being paid during boarding. So then they have to sit at home and heal without pay, and maybe lose their job for being out of commission for too long. Because of that, no, I don't think the FA should stow bags by themselves (you never know how heavy the bag is until you lift it). But as a passenger I certainly would have been happy to assist, particularly if the guy asked nicely and explained that he'd just had surgery. Was he polite? That's part of the story we don't know, but given the follow on behavior, likely not.....
Do you thing that 90 year old fa that AA has stowes her OWN bag in the overhead?
Bravo to the flight attendant, they are not there to put up your bags. You pack it you stack it, furthermore, if you had surgery or something that prevents you from that task of lifting. Answer to that, check it!
So there is no requirement to lift a certain weight for flight attendants to be hired? The flight attendant's ego combined with the captain's poor decision making skills cost the company tens of thousands of dollars and ruined the plans of hundreds of innocent people.
Given the fact that no party (including the police) indicated physical violence/threats, it would appear the flight attendant in question has just as much attitude and rudeness as the passenger. No doubt the flight attendant played up the seriousness of the incident to satisfy his own ego. By threatening to turn the flight around because of word exchanges, the flight attendant is putting his own need for dominance before everyone else. That kind of conflict-escalating...
Given the fact that no party (including the police) indicated physical violence/threats, it would appear the flight attendant in question has just as much attitude and rudeness as the passenger. No doubt the flight attendant played up the seriousness of the incident to satisfy his own ego. By threatening to turn the flight around because of word exchanges, the flight attendant is putting his own need for dominance before everyone else. That kind of conflict-escalating behavior shouldn’t be tolerated by any airline.
and as a result, the flight attendant should face disciplinary action.
If this is the same Joel Ghansham that appears in Google....I just saw something that I can't unsee...
At the end of the day, there are some very self entitled people in this world
I just checked his Instagram account. I imagine a drama queen ( or princess) like a poor man’s Nathan Lane in the Birdcage
Mentioned on Joel’s YouTube channel is his “crazy TV show” so I have to think this may have gone to this level to get attention for a “crazy TV show."
As described, it sounds like the plane turned around just to prove a point to one asshole. That would be totally unfair on the other passengers and I would expect more consideration from the flight attendants.
But then, that’s as described. I suspect another version will come out soon.
It’s true they are not paid to lift bags in the overhead lockers and ultimately the passengers should do it themselves. However I doubt the response was “ not being paid to do so”. The decision to return is down to the captain. I imagine the crew and other passengers could foresee it would get worse.
Now he is probably going to claim discrimination racism etc
Petty and silly that AA turned the flight around. The attendant works in service and needs to learn to ignore ignorant people. I feel sorry for the other passengers and those waiting to fly onwards. I hope AA provides more training to this attendant and bans the passenger.
Ben is there some kind of libelous fine line you're walking by repeatedly writing "Jerk" instead of the more apropos "asshole"?
The solution here is to fine this passenger the total cost of trip for every passenger and pass on the amount to everyone inconvenienced by this stupid idiotic narcissist.
There was no safety issue. The proper course of action would be to finish the flight and bar the customer from using AA again.
Instead, the petty stunt by the crew cost AA tens of thousands of dollars and inconvenienced hundreds of people. They should all be terminated because clearly they're in the wrong industry
@ James, fully agree with you!
Sounds almost like stuff for a new Hollywood movie. That's maybe what the guy is looking for...
One more reason to avoid AA.
I agree flight attendants are not always great at resolving conflict (and sometimes make it worse), but a diversion for this seems unlikely still. My guess is there is way more to this story and this guy wanted to control the narrative so is trying to get out in front of it.
Very reasonable post. No reason to have a knee jerk reaction against AA, but that's the norm unfortunately.