Last week I wrote about how a family was removed off a Qantas flight from Bali, and there was even video footage of the incident. Well, the traveler who was involved in this incident has now shared his version of events, after having been banned from future Qantas and Jetstar flights.
In this post:
Family removed from Qantas flight in Bali
A family of five (with three young kids under three years old) returning from holiday was removed from a Qantas flight for abusing the crew. Specifically, this happened on Thursday, October 20, 2022, on Qantas flight QF44 from Bali (DPS) to Sydney (SYD). This redeye flight was operated by a Boeing 737-800.
Based on the video footage, you’ll see that this heated situation seemed to be due to a combination of a stroller disagreement, as well as the crew allegedly being rude toward the mother and wife.
After the father and husband directs some amount of abuse toward the crew, the decision was made to remove the family from the flight. This is where the video footage starts, as roughly three minutes of the discussion between the passenger and a flight attendant are captured. Among other things, you can hear the husband and father tell the flight attendant:
- “Get the hell out of my face”
- “You’re being so rude, and you’re so annoying”
- “Unless you carry my kids out, force them out, we’re not leaving”
- “You’re making my wife cry”
- “Tell security to take you out as well”
- “I’m telling you right now they were being rude and it’s f***ing disgusting”
Despite their objections, the family did in fact end up getting removed from the plane. Qantas released the following statement regarding the incident:
“These passengers were removed from the aircraft after abusing our crew a number of times prior to the flight departing Bali. The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority and we do not tolerate any kind of abusive behaviour. We ask customers to follow the direction of crew for the safety and comfort of everyone on board.”
The Qantas traveler’s version of events
The man seen arguing in the video is 27-year-old Zakir Slaimankhel, who is a professional rugby league player who lives in New Zealand and is initially from Afghanistan (he had represented Afghanistan at an international rugby tournament in Indonesia on August). He took to Facebook to share his version of events.
To summarize, here are his key points:
- As the family boarded, the pram was left outside the aircraft, and staff advised it would be brought on; it was never brought on, so before departure he went to the front of the aircraft, and felt the flight attendant wasn’t being polite with how they told him to “go find a spot” for it, without offering assistance
- Due to a delayed departure, the mother and wife went to the bathroom to change the diaper of their five month old; while waiting for the toilet, a flight attendant told her to “move down the aircraft in an unrelenting manner as we were apparently inhibiting the toilet doors from opening safely,” and “the stern instructions from this staff member were unjustified and made her feel belittled”
- As she went into the toilet, the same flight attendant advised her in a condescending tone to “watch out, the floor’s disgusting”
- As she came out of the toilet, the same flight attendant said “watch out, someone is coming out of the other toilet and you hit her”
- Prior to leaving the toilet, she bent down to collect something on the floor, and at this point another flight attendant was “staring at her in a patronizing manner which made her feel disgusted”
- She asked the flight attendant “why are you looking at me like that?” and the response was “I’m not looking at you, I’m looking past you”
- The flight attendant then allegedly said “it’s people like you with that head thingy,” in “a stereotypical and racist manner”
That’s kind of where the video picks up, and here’s how Slaimankhel describes his feelings at this point:
“The behaviour of the staff members made her feel extremely humiliated and distraught. She began crying and told them that they were very rude and condescending towards her. In response, they were unsympathetically dismissive of her feelings and concerns . Their treatment inflicted immense anxiety within her, she felt isolated, overwhelmed, and discriminated against. It made her question her self and feel powerless being a visible Muslim who wears a hijab. I did not witness any other passenger be treated in a remotely similar manner to my family.”
For what it’s worth, Qantas issued the following statement regarding this:
“Qantas takes allegations of this nature raised very seriously, and we will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination on racial, ethnic or any other grounds. Our staff also deny making any inappropriate comments regarding the passengers’ attire. This has been supported by other passengers who witnessed the interactions.”
A few thoughts:
- If the crew did make a comment about the traveler wearing a hijab, that’s of course totally inappropriate and disgusting; however, it’s not corroborated by others, and it’s kind of shocking that a crew member would be that insensitive and dumb?
- Other than that comment, the rest of the interactions just sound like a crew that might have a mildly bad attitude, but that’s hardly unusual; I mean, claiming a flight attendant said “watch out, the floor’s disgusting” hardly seems like a point worth bringing up in a complaint?
PSA: arguing with crews never ends well
I get that people can find themselves in tense situations on airplanes, and at times airline employees may even be on power trips or have an attitude.
That being said, it always amazes me how often we see situation where the crew tells someone they’re going to be removed from the plane, and they refuse. As you can see here, the man claimed the family wouldn’t get off the plane unless they were forced, and he encouraged the police to be called.
I’m not sure what exactly he was thinking, but I don’t recall the last time that ended well for the passenger. These people also don’t seem to get that when the police is called, they’re simply there to enforce the request of the airline — they’re not acting as Judge Judy, and hearing both sides.
Did the guy think that this situation would play out like this?
“The captain wants you off the plane, pack your stuff.”
“Nope, I’m not leaving. You’re so annoying, get out of my face”
“Oh, okay. In that case you’re welcome to stay. Would you like a warm towel and perhaps a cocktail?”
If you feel you’re wronged in situations like this, your best bet is to still follow instructions, and hopefully document as much of what happened as you can, and ideally have witnesses. But simply arguing with and insulting the crew won’t get you anywhere. Ever.
Bottom line
A family was recently kicked off a Qantas flight from Bali. A passenger claims that the crew was incredibly rude, especially toward the mother and wife. Next thing you know, the father and husband started yelling at and insulting the crew. When the family was asked to get off the plane, they refused. The family ended up being banned from Qantas and Jetstar.
What do you make of this Qantas situation?
People just don't know how to act anymore. This guy is an animal.
I have been on Qantas flights, my last one was on a Sydney to Melbourne flight. It was a Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne via Sydney, and everyone missed the connection as the transit time of 2 hours was TOTALLY insufficient (Sydney Airport fault). Qantas was very helpful and accommodating to place us in later flights, even though it wasn't their fault that we missed the connecting flight. In the flight short as it was, the...
I have been on Qantas flights, my last one was on a Sydney to Melbourne flight. It was a Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne via Sydney, and everyone missed the connection as the transit time of 2 hours was TOTALLY insufficient (Sydney Airport fault). Qantas was very helpful and accommodating to place us in later flights, even though it wasn't their fault that we missed the connecting flight. In the flight short as it was, the cabin crew was professional and efficient. There were many Asians on board and many people with the Hijab and other head gear like turbans, THERE WERE NO Racists behavior, NONE. It was a full flight and everything was TIGHT, legroom, head room, hand-carry luggage compartment. But no one made a fuss, no one complained and we safely arrived in MEL. Bottom line is, I DISAGREE that Qantas cabin crew are bad. AND based on this video, I don't see any reasons for commenters here saying the cabin crew was Rude. No SHE WASN'T. She was very patient and reasonable, especially considering HOW ABUSIVE the dude was. Shame that he wasn't handcuffed and dragged off the plane, and detained in one of those infamous Indonesian jails for a few days. I feel no sympathy for him, REGARDLESS OF WHAT HE CLAIMED, he was VERY ABUSIVE and I'm not buying that easy GO TO excuse that people treated them in a "racists" manner. Hope he gets on No Fly list.
Yes Qantas staff can be extremely rude and obnoxious. I had a flight delayed 4 hrs and I am diabetic so needed to buy food on the plane. They refused to sell me anything as I only had cash not cards. I asked for tea or coffee with sugar and they refused. Then I saw them eating leftovers and snacks when I went to the bathroom. I was very sick when I finally got home. Extremely poor attitude and service
I see both sides of this story. I have flown on Jetstar and it is low budget all the way. The flight attendants are not very nice and they cram you into uncomfortable seats. I believe if they had made the customer feel more welcome and more important, this probably would not have happened at all. On the other hand, the rugby player was probably too aggressive and helped to bring this on himself. To me, it's just a story of everyone behaving badly.
Although this was a Qantas flight, not a Jetstar one.
However, Qantas is using B737-800 on this route, which is normally used for domestic routes.
It’s absolutely no fun spending 6hrs on these Qantas planes in Y.
I think airlines should have cameras in the cabins - not in the lavatories, but in the cabins and record what goes on. This happens for many countries but the countries that don't have it are the ones that should. There is always a disconnect between what the two sides say happened - e.g. employees and customers. It is not the right of the passenger to have the stroller on board. It can go with...
I think airlines should have cameras in the cabins - not in the lavatories, but in the cabins and record what goes on. This happens for many countries but the countries that don't have it are the ones that should. There is always a disconnect between what the two sides say happened - e.g. employees and customers. It is not the right of the passenger to have the stroller on board. It can go with the wheelchairs in the gate checked items. Now crew have to be very careful how they say something because even if it is not offensive (e.g. suggesting to move out of the lavatory door opening area) it could be taken as such. People get offended too easily today.
Based on the father's own words you can tell they are both way too thin skinned. They are the types who explode whenever someone contradicts or are in conflict with them and they must win every battle. The moment they step on the plane the crew already out ranks them. So if the crew need you to sit you sit. Customers are rarely right let alone the myth that they are always right. It's not that hard. Pick the right battle.
I have a lot of issues with Qantas crew these days. I think that like many others, they are still to recover from the covid trauma, and are probably also overworked.
That being said, I am 100% sure a Qantas flight attendant would not make a comment about that "head thingy". No way- never happened. This is true for all flights, but particularly so for flights to/from Bali or Indonesia in general. I have...
I have a lot of issues with Qantas crew these days. I think that like many others, they are still to recover from the covid trauma, and are probably also overworked.
That being said, I am 100% sure a Qantas flight attendant would not make a comment about that "head thingy". No way- never happened. This is true for all flights, but particularly so for flights to/from Bali or Indonesia in general. I have been on multiple such flights, as well as flights to Southern India, and know first hand the crew is very culturally sensitive.
I also saw the attitude of the passenger, and for whatever little it is worth, tend to take the airlines word over his.
I do have sympathy for the mother though. Traveling with a toddler is stressful, I believe her that the crew probably wasn't super empathetic, and the fact that her partner escalated things, resulting in their being removed off the flight must have added to the stress she was already under.
I love how arguing and questioning someone is now considered "abuse" by corporate/liberal/left-wing society. From the video, I didn't see any abuse at all.
This guy is definitely abusive ofcourse his wife is crying. Years of domestic violence ahead of her this guy belongs in jail. If he’s reading this go on and say it to me face.
He is an arse and having listened to 2 minutes, I've seen enough to ban him for life from my airline,
Would never let him on my craft
Frankly, his employer would be wise to sack b4 embarrassing them too
I do not believe that for a single second the flight attendant made a comment about 'that thing you're wearing on your head'. She may have thought it - yes. But if she said that out loud, she knows it would be akin to what that Jetblue employee did years ago - get on the PA, make a rant, grab some beers from the liquor bar, open the door in 'armed' mode and evacuate down...
I do not believe that for a single second the flight attendant made a comment about 'that thing you're wearing on your head'. She may have thought it - yes. But if she said that out loud, she knows it would be akin to what that Jetblue employee did years ago - get on the PA, make a rant, grab some beers from the liquor bar, open the door in 'armed' mode and evacuate down the escape slide.
No flight attendant wanting to keep their job would ever make such a comment, despite what they are thinking in their head. One other passenger overhears and that's your job gone, bye bye.
Not sure this family was 'Australian'- sound like kiwis to me!
No respect for authority.
Boorish rude behaviour by the guy.
The flight attendant remained cool calm and collected at all times.
The father was Afghan born and raised/schooled in NZ.
I am so 100% on this guy's side and feel very sorry for him. They were obviously told one thing at the gate, then when told something else on the flight, his wife (with a newborn baby -- hello, postpartum) burst into tears and he felt the need to defend her. Good for him! The FAs then had to flex their muscles and escalate the situation instead of apologizing for the inconvenience they caused, or...
I am so 100% on this guy's side and feel very sorry for him. They were obviously told one thing at the gate, then when told something else on the flight, his wife (with a newborn baby -- hello, postpartum) burst into tears and he felt the need to defend her. Good for him! The FAs then had to flex their muscles and escalate the situation instead of apologizing for the inconvenience they caused, or trying to make it better.
I recently had the most horrible situation with a Southwest gate agent who was openly hostile and outright cruel to me. I very politely asked her why she helped the man in line behind me after seeing I had been waiting there first. She didn't even look at me, rolled her eyes, said she "was in no mood" and called her supervisor, then told him I was being a problem. I explained that she looked right at me before the other man even arrived, then called him over to help him first. He looked at me with no apology at all and said, "Is that it?" So I said, "No, I'm flying my father's remains to be buried at Arlington National. That's why I'm here." At that point she rolled her eyes and I started to cry and said, "How dare you?"
Again - I never raised my voice. She just walked away and he told me I was too emotional for him to let me get on the plane and I would pose a danger to the crew. Not only would I have missed the funeral, but my father's ashes would not have been there, which would have canceled the whole event for all the family flying in. That asshole made me grovel and beg before he would let me on the plane. It was one of the worst experiences of my life.
So I am rarely on the side of the airline employee before hearing the whole story. It's their job to provide SERVICE. When is that going to start again?
Never give a small person a little power.
These folks definitely needed to be booted from the flight because the man was clearly out of control and you just can't lose it like that on a plane. That said, commenting about the family's socio-economic status or ethnicity is also the wrong tack and that comment should be flagged and removed as vigorously as those people were. A disgusting display of bigotry. Do you think that white, well-off people who stay at the Ritz...
These folks definitely needed to be booted from the flight because the man was clearly out of control and you just can't lose it like that on a plane. That said, commenting about the family's socio-economic status or ethnicity is also the wrong tack and that comment should be flagged and removed as vigorously as those people were. A disgusting display of bigotry. Do you think that white, well-off people who stay at the Ritz aren't capable of being complete bags of garbage? Because they sure can and probably are more often than a family without the same blessings and good fortune. Pure hate speech.
Well said Scott, but thoughtful comments have no place here lol.
While the father/husband may have truly misunderstood where the stroller would be stowed, his behavior clearly demonstrated to his family and other passengers how truly rude and crude he was. He appeared to be a petulant toddler (who may have needed a stroller himself) who felt throwing a temper tantrum would somehow have him get his way. As a father his primary job is to set a good example for his children. Instead he revealed...
While the father/husband may have truly misunderstood where the stroller would be stowed, his behavior clearly demonstrated to his family and other passengers how truly rude and crude he was. He appeared to be a petulant toddler (who may have needed a stroller himself) who felt throwing a temper tantrum would somehow have him get his way. As a father his primary job is to set a good example for his children. Instead he revealed himself to be the poorest example possible.
I thought the man was respectful and the crew treated him like they own the plane like they all do
They do own the plane. On board they are the law enforcement and you as a passenger need to obey. It's not optional in the same way an officer pulls you over and you believe you didn't do anything wrong you don't get to engage in a verbal confrontation.
They should have taken him to jail. Who gives a crap if his wife was crying?? This guy think he's gonna make some quick money on a lawsuit? Thing again. He should be permanently banned from the airline.
Never challenge a cabin crew directive. You will always loose. Take notes and take it up with Customer Complaints. He may have been challenged at the gate about his stroller and became aggressive to the gate agent (Balinese are generally a gentle people and in their culture do not have public arguments). Rather than get in an argument the agent allowed him to take it onboard and to be challenged again by the cabin crew....
Never challenge a cabin crew directive. You will always loose. Take notes and take it up with Customer Complaints. He may have been challenged at the gate about his stroller and became aggressive to the gate agent (Balinese are generally a gentle people and in their culture do not have public arguments). Rather than get in an argument the agent allowed him to take it onboard and to be challenged again by the cabin crew. Perhaps he had an aggressive attitude towards the crew when boarding. Had he been more compliant the crew may have been more conciliatory and made some arrangement about his stroller. Me thinks he was bignoting himself in front of this wife.
More likely the family have been told one thing at check in (stroller no problem) and another at boarding.
The reference to two teething children suggests that the cabin crew have been intolerant in some way.
But hey, there's enough presumption, self importance, racism and pre-judgment on this blog to damn the whole family kids and all, right, John?!
Absolutely agree!
@ Lucky
FWIW...
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/zakirs-family-left-afghanistan-and-formed-half-a-national-sporting-team-now-theyre-heroes/bccna7n4s
This probably tells us a lot about the personality of the individual involved (DYKWIA).
Ben might even want to follow up his original story.
https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/qantas-passenger-kicked-off-flight-is-high-profile-rugby-player-and-charity-ambassador/news-story/526c18ecec4802f282a86c3016b41b6d
Why the presumptive negative condemnation of a whole personality?!
It could also be read that this is a focused (moving country for the good of his family and forming a national sports team) and totally decent guy (involved in charitable advocacy).
Disagreement is fine, abuse isn't.
The fact that the guy was barefoot in the plane was all I needed to see. Remove him immediately!
@ Matt David
He's not barefoot in a plane. He clearly has a white sock and trainer on his left foot and a white sock on his right and is in the process of putting on his right foot trainer during the exchange with the cabin crew.
Clearly putting on your trainer is an extremely threatening action...
FWIW...the cabin crew member is also addressing another passenger with the response "it's my plane" - hint -...
@ Matt David
He's not barefoot in a plane. He clearly has a white sock and trainer on his left foot and a white sock on his right and is in the process of putting on his right foot trainer during the exchange with the cabin crew.
Clearly putting on your trainer is an extremely threatening action...
FWIW...the cabin crew member is also addressing another passenger with the response "it's my plane" - hint - it isn't her plane - it's the captain's call what to do to to resolve a situation that the cabin crew likely caused and then escalated (failed to de-escalate).
What a load of crap. Sit down.
As a fellow captain, I would have taken the exact same decision. …. in a heartbeat.
This guy would have been a major security concern for the whole flight had he stayed on.
Flying is inherently potentially dangerous and the crew are there to help completely turn this around. They are not there to be abused. If you abuse OR disobey a flight attendant, you will be off my plane before you know...
As a fellow captain, I would have taken the exact same decision. …. in a heartbeat.
This guy would have been a major security concern for the whole flight had he stayed on.
Flying is inherently potentially dangerous and the crew are there to help completely turn this around. They are not there to be abused. If you abuse OR disobey a flight attendant, you will be off my plane before you know it. You also face the likelihood of arrest and charges for disobeying a legal direction. When you’re on a plane, the safety and comfort of all our passengers are absolutely critical. This guy was not behaving in an acceptable manner.
The crew carry out an amazing job and are not there to be abused. If you don’t like that, don’t fly, period!
@ David
Hopefully you also expect your cabin crew to treat your passengers with professionalism and respect?!
There was obviously an exchange between cabin crew and the man's wife that initiated the incident that warranted apology from the crew in this man's opinion.
Do you even bother to assess whether your cabin crew have caused the original issue during such an incident - probably, not, you'd just take their word for it.
It may surprise...
@ David
Hopefully you also expect your cabin crew to treat your passengers with professionalism and respect?!
There was obviously an exchange between cabin crew and the man's wife that initiated the incident that warranted apology from the crew in this man's opinion.
Do you even bother to assess whether your cabin crew have caused the original issue during such an incident - probably, not, you'd just take their word for it.
It may surprise you how some cabin crew behave whilst you're locked away watching the computer fly the aircraft.
Can you honesty say that the crew members action in the video in any way sought to de-escalate the situation? How you noted the body language - looks more like she was spoiling for fight?
Luckily, IME, cabin crew are excellent for 99% of flights flown, but the 1% can be very annoying (accepting that reporting their bad behaviour after the flight is preferable to confronting a rude and unprofessional employee on a power trip).
This story raises various issues, including whether strollers can be taken on board. The QF website is not exactly clear on the issue, so how do you expect passengers to work it out? Some strollers are lightweight and within the 7kg or 10kg cabin limits - some are collapsible to within the footprint allowable for carry on bags of the relevant airline.
If the stroller was not acceptable, why didn't the check in agent direct the item as checked luggage?
QF claims to have alternate kiddie chairs available if strollers need to be checked in - maybe their service levels in DPS are sub-par?
FWIW I have been on an aircraft when somebody went completely rogue mid-flight (physically violent with crew and generally screaming profanities after a drunken altercation with her partner), and yes it is a dangerous and scary situation.
Clearly, in his case, the crew failed to handle the situation at source or de-escalate then or thereafter.
Sorry when did he insult the crew? it wasnt in the video but this article claims it. The only time he swore was describing a specific behaviour as f ing disgusting. being angry should be ok, he complained without directing it at someone with verbal abuse or become threatening by taking up extra space and standing up. refusing to leave unless its security/ police enforcing it can be smart if its someone power tripping on...
Sorry when did he insult the crew? it wasnt in the video but this article claims it. The only time he swore was describing a specific behaviour as f ing disgusting. being angry should be ok, he complained without directing it at someone with verbal abuse or become threatening by taking up extra space and standing up. refusing to leave unless its security/ police enforcing it can be smart if its someone power tripping on power they dont quite have or if its done in a situation that the workers arent following procedure cause itd have to be reported and looked into by the company.
Disobeying a crew order is the same thing. Adults throwing tantrums on an airplane is proof of stupidity. The interior of an airplane is not a public space and neither is your home.
As a fellow captain, with past experience dealing with objectionable people like this, he poses a huge security risk. He’d have been off my plane immediately.
If you don’t like that, don’t get on my plane!
The crew aren’t there to cop verbal abuse. They are there to keep everyone safe.
You sound like a mate of his. Pull that sort of behaviour on one of my flights and you’ll be off too.
Flight attendants are there for everyone’s safety, and not there to be disobeyed and/or abused.
Don’t like it?
Then don’t fly!
@ Dave
Neither the captain nor the cabin crew have absolute legal authority, although their powers are considerable.
Much frustration for passengers comes from ground crew and cabin crew not applying the rules of the airline and / or those rules being unclearly specified by the airline (arguably the case for QF and strollers) if the author of this article or anyone else could be bothered to go check before engaging in highly histrionic and judgmental posts).
Unions in Australia are very tough and strollers cannot be brought to the airplane, risking operators physical health.
I know is Indonesia, but when the airplane “lands” in Australia, the crew is protected by Australian law. So is previsible that was the case.
It happened to me in Sydney where I had to “arm-carry” my 4 year old twins from check in to the transit area. My wife carrying the luggage. I just asked...
Unions in Australia are very tough and strollers cannot be brought to the airplane, risking operators physical health.
I know is Indonesia, but when the airplane “lands” in Australia, the crew is protected by Australian law. So is previsible that was the case.
It happened to me in Sydney where I had to “arm-carry” my 4 year old twins from check in to the transit area. My wife carrying the luggage. I just asked why and they told me the whole thing with weight, back pains and union regulations.
The allowable weights and sizes for carry on items are set by the airline (not the union). Passengers are expected to be able to lift their own carry on items up to the overhead bins.
Some strollers are within such limits (size and weight).
QF has a history of messing with the allowable carry on limits - it went through a period of reducing from 10kg to 7kg per item and then reverted to 10kg...
The allowable weights and sizes for carry on items are set by the airline (not the union). Passengers are expected to be able to lift their own carry on items up to the overhead bins.
Some strollers are within such limits (size and weight).
QF has a history of messing with the allowable carry on limits - it went through a period of reducing from 10kg to 7kg per item and then reverted to 10kg (depending on service and aircraft).
QF claims (on website) to offer alternate strollers if you have to check yours - seems that didn't happen when you went through Sydney.
Hey Glenn. That’s some grade A racist crap you’re pulling out of your ass. If this happened to you or someone you know bet you’re argument would be very different. Please take your racist comments and shove them right up your ass where they came from. You don’t represent Australia or Australians so don’t even try. Thank god you’re ex- Sydney wouldn’t want you here anyway.
Awww, shut up with the racisss crap. You people are so full of it. Absolutely no one takes you seriously. You and your fake outrage make decent and sensible people sick.
Pleased to see airlines enforcing passenger rules, there is ‘a time and place ‘ for adult tantrums. The rest of airline passengers no need to be experience unruly behaviour!
The racists have discovered the internet. Who could have guessed this? Huh...
As an ex-Sydney resident, I can tell you all with some certainty that this family of bogans (dictionary check if puzzled) reside in the southwestern suburbs of Sydney, are of a certain ethnicity, and have just completed a budget Bali holiday staying at lo-rent Kuta.
They would have been nothing but trouble the whole flight if allowed to stay on board. The captain made the correct decision to toss these losers off his plane.
Glenn- Sydney is much better now that you have left.
The family (at least the father) behaved abhorrently and deserved to get kicked off. That has nothing to do with their ethnicity, post code or how much they paid for their holiday. There is no shortage of privileged people acting poorly.
Your comment is nasty, bitter and racist, and adds absolutely nothing to the discussion.
Nothing wrong with identifying a sub-set of people for the edification of non-Australian readers who may think all Aussies are like that. What part of my Comment do you find inaccurate?
Your virtue signalling is laughable.
Agree Glen.
He should go back to the land of his birth.
I think you summed it up very well indeed.
Such behaviour is intolerable.
As a resident of Sydney, Glenn’s comment is 100% accurate.
I agree! we have a lot of bogans here.
Maybe y’all are racists and didn’t realize?
Glen is 100% right on the money.
If people wish to be judged differently, then change their behaviour.
Such abuse against flight attendants is TOTALLY unacceptable.
I’m so glad they were chucked off, 100% the correct decision.
Don’t like it? Don’t fly, catch a bus instead.
(Not sure how that would go from Bali LOL :-)
@ glenn t
Fortunately, your foul racist rant is utterly misguided.
The man in question moved to live in NZ from his country of birth (which may explain the Kiwi twang in his accent....;).
Nor does he fit your racial stereotyping, being as accomplished sportsman (representing his country of birth) and an advocate for underprivileged peoples.
Nor does does fit your demographic drivel, being very well travelled.
Basically, you are spouting a load of shite...
@ glenn t
Fortunately, your foul racist rant is utterly misguided.
The man in question moved to live in NZ from his country of birth (which may explain the Kiwi twang in his accent....;).
Nor does he fit your racial stereotyping, being as accomplished sportsman (representing his country of birth) and an advocate for underprivileged peoples.
Nor does does fit your demographic drivel, being very well travelled.
Basically, you are spouting a load of shite and making an utter twat of yourself.
@platy - don’t waste you breath man. Australians are globally renowned as racists. What can one expect of the sons and daughters of convicts? ;)
And "Mother Teresa" in question are of course spouting a load of foraged warmth and kindness towards his fellow human beings.
I must say... It really does brings a nice and fussy feeling to me, that he learned all that at the accomplished sportsman academy.
You get judged by your actions at least Mother Teresa did. But of course times change.
He keeps on saying they are making his wife cry. Lol. Maybe he needs to get into his thick head that she’s crying because she knows they will be thrown out of the airplane thanks to his outbursts. Bottom line is when crew asks you to do something reasonable, do it. No one likes confrontations. Everyone just want to get home. Gate check the stroller and call it a day.
Our daughter flies regularly with her baby and takes a YoYo as carry on. She is a single Mum and flies Qantas. ironically some of the crew help her and have no issue with the YoYo, others have told her that it has to be loaded in the hold and at times are downright rude. Qantas needs to clearly spell out its on-board rules regarding strollers.
It was a pram not a stroller. Wouldn’t fit in overhead lockers…Misreported
I do have some empathy for the family/the dad.Traveling is stressful.He did get out of line with his behavior.
One must tow the line being respectful as well as getting a solution between all parties.
That said if someone took my belongings and checked them as luggage without my consent or knowledge
I'd be furious
If they promised him it would be on board then they should have apologized and retrieved...
I do have some empathy for the family/the dad.Traveling is stressful.He did get out of line with his behavior.
One must tow the line being respectful as well as getting a solution between all parties.
That said if someone took my belongings and checked them as luggage without my consent or knowledge
I'd be furious
If they promised him it would be on board then they should have apologized and retrieved it
What is the policy here on strollers? Do think folks bring on way to much stuff onboard for the carry on bins
hahaha, big bully, he will have to take a bus from Bali to Sydney... and he's not even Australian....
Poor choice of words "refreshing to see...". Nothing refreshing with this sort of behaviour anywhere.
Ben, the person being asked to leave the plane does not have an Australian accent. The accent is from a nearby neighbor of Australia, to my ear at least.
As an Australian who is sensitive to cultural stereotyping would you please consider changing the sentence about “An Australian family” to “A family flying to Australia on a Qantas flight” if you don’t have confirmation that this person is Australian please.
Thanks
exactly correct !
Where do you live @An Australian? Not western Sydney apparently.
His accent is from there. Listen for it when you get your new driveway concreted! lol.
Yes, of course he has an Australian accent.
I'm not sure what you are talking about. His accent is very much Australian and I've heard many Australian accents like that.
I believe that's a South African accent.
If does that, he’ll have to revise every headline that says “Florida man/woman/family”. Half those nut jobs are from elsewhere and just vacationing, but since FL is evil republican state you can lie and make fun of it no questions asked
The guy was over the top. Made way more of it than it was worth. All the passengers around him were probably glad to see him go.
@ Jeff
Seems that at least one other passenger was sticking up for him since the cabin crew member was addressing another passenger with the "it's my plane" remark (which it isn't, by the way).
I can’t remember the last time, if ever (and I’ve been flying for decades) when I’ve seen a stroller make its way into the cabin. All this over a gate check? This ugly emerging trend of open season on gate agents and flight crews is only getting worse. We see who got the last word.
Hey Donna, the YoYo stroller is allowed as a Carry-on and I see it at every other flight (here in Europe).
Normally, when checking-in and boarding the crew already recognizes it and says something like „Aah, it’s the Yoyo? Yeah, no Tag needed.“
It only happened once to me that I (initially) wasn’t allowed to take it on the plane and that was today.
Would I start a discussion? Yes! I tried to explain it once to the FA and quickly gave up. It’s just not worth it.
more crap in the overhead bins... All strollers needs to be gate checked and put into cargo... 1 stroller = 4 to 6 bags... selfish people....
There's nothing to say it's a Yoyo. And strollers are typically not allowed onboard planes unless lightly loaded. As a 737 from Bali at the end of school holidays this is very unlikely to be the case so the airline procedure was correct.
All the stories about this describe the video as showing a family being kicked off a Qantas flight. No, it doesn't – it shows a flight attendant asking someone to leave. Is there an actual video showing them being escorted (or dragged) off?
This guy wants to go to the mat over stowing a stroller. Are you (stinking) me? Of all the issues, you gotta think about this guy's personality type. How often do we see a carry-on item (any carry-on item) that needs to be checked? It could be for a range of reasons. Doesn't fit in the overhead bin. No more room in the overhead bin. Maybe there had been room but now there's not. It's...
This guy wants to go to the mat over stowing a stroller. Are you (stinking) me? Of all the issues, you gotta think about this guy's personality type. How often do we see a carry-on item (any carry-on item) that needs to be checked? It could be for a range of reasons. Doesn't fit in the overhead bin. No more room in the overhead bin. Maybe there had been room but now there's not. It's just the way it goes. Deal with it. But, don't give the crew a hard time. It's not that the stroller could actually be stowed in the cabin and the crew simply wants to exercise its power, authority, and ego. This is NOT a case of bad customer service.
Agreed.
I'm not sure I can think of a reason why a family would need a stroller in-flight, either. Is it made of diamonds?
Well, it just makes it easier after deplaning because you don’t have to wait for it at the gate (or even worse, at the luggage belt).
Also, strollers tend to get damaged in the hold.
People try to take their stroller onboard so they know where it is. It is not rare for the stroller to get lost and it is a great inconvenience. Invariably the airline shows up with the stroller a day after a replacement was purchased.
Actually, there is the YoYo stroller that is allowed as cabin luggage.
We just had the discussion today with a flight attendant: he refused to take it. I tried to explain him that it’s allowed - he did not really listen so I immediately stopped. It’s not like we would be using it during the flight. For me the topic was closed and I was fine with it.
Well, the ramp refused to...
Actually, there is the YoYo stroller that is allowed as cabin luggage.
We just had the discussion today with a flight attendant: he refused to take it. I tried to explain him that it’s allowed - he did not really listen so I immediately stopped. It’s not like we would be using it during the flight. For me the topic was closed and I was fine with it.
Well, the ramp refused to take it and explained to the FA that it is a YoYo…so yeah, it went on the plane. Wasn’t allowed to put it in the overhead bin, wasn’t allowed to put it under the empty seat next to me („it must stay under the seat in front of you, sir“).
I think FA felt a bit guilty as he was super friendly during the flight.
I understand that flight attendants have to just block all requests without listening because most of the time they are correct. How often have I overheard passengers arguing „I took 5 handbags on my flight from BLA to BLABLA, so why now it is illegal?“
Not allowed to position it under the empty seat next to you? Only in front of you? Sounds like a power trip to me! They realised they were wrong but they were still going to do everything possible to punish you and make you uncomfortable for being correct in the first place?
Yes, totally. But in the end the flight was perfect and we all got along.
more often than not, the flight attendants have to argue with unapologetic passengers.
I was flying EWR-NRT a few weeks ago on UA. The crew claimed we all needed to wear masks due to "Japanese regulations". I had flown NRT-EWR on UA a week before and they let us remove masks as soon as the door was closed at NRT. Also in EWR, the gate agents made no mention of needing to wear masks, which is why the majority of passengers boarding weren't wearing them as they boarded.
...I was flying EWR-NRT a few weeks ago on UA. The crew claimed we all needed to wear masks due to "Japanese regulations". I had flown NRT-EWR on UA a week before and they let us remove masks as soon as the door was closed at NRT. Also in EWR, the gate agents made no mention of needing to wear masks, which is why the majority of passengers boarding weren't wearing them as they boarded.
So while yet to depart, I googled around, and could find no such guidance. I found a link from Hawaiian Airlines that they don't require masks on flights between Honolulu and Japan either direction (though noted you do need to wear a mask once deplaning in Japan). That suggests there is no such regulation.
But.. what can I do? I'm not going to debate with the FAs and risk getting removed from the plane. I just put on my mask and kept quiet.
Hi Jim.
Your actions tell me, that you have brain and you are overall a good person who doesn’t go around looking for trouble.
Unfortunately, there are not enough of ‘you’ in the world.
You have a great day
Couple of thoughts:
1)Airlines have made flying so uncomfortable and cumbersome, with no real effort to improve it or improve customer service, I feel they have most of the blame in all of this. Flying is barely tolerable at this point, and I’m actually surprised there aren’t more altercations.
2) There aren’t any real or reasonable ways to dispute problems or “wrongs” with airlines. Going through the formal FAA ot airline complaint process...
Couple of thoughts:
1)Airlines have made flying so uncomfortable and cumbersome, with no real effort to improve it or improve customer service, I feel they have most of the blame in all of this. Flying is barely tolerable at this point, and I’m actually surprised there aren’t more altercations.
2) There aren’t any real or reasonable ways to dispute problems or “wrongs” with airlines. Going through the formal FAA ot airline complaint process rarely provides any relief and usually you just end up with a form letter not really apologizing for anything.
3) I think the way this guy argued is actually the best way to push back. He didn’t stand up, use vile languge, or physically threaten. He stayed seated and just told off the rude flight attendants. People like this guy are probably why flight attendants still have some restraint with their basically unlimited power on board the aircraft.
4) Without all of the public altercations and pushback on masks on planes, almost guaranteed we would still be wearing them today. Flight attendants became so burned out dealing with these people, they pushed the airlines to push the government to drop the mandate. Employees of corporations, not customers, are usually the people who can change and direct corporate/ government policies the easiest.
The "airlines are to blame" for this outrageous, toddler-like meltdown? Millions of us go through things that happen on airplanes, but the large majority of us act like civilised adults, stop our juvenile outburst, and complain to corporate after we get home. The airlines probably are to blame for our discomfort, but WE are all responsible for our actions. Period.
People saying "period" are either part of the solution, or...
The airlines are to blame for this outrageous behavior? No one forces you to fly! You know, or you should know the “discomfort” of crowded cabins and the rules for baggage, delays and cancellations. Anyone who has even low frequency of commercial air travel has been put in these circumstances. He disrupted the crew and the other passengers. What about the rights of other passengers who may risk misconnecting or be delayed? All this over...
The airlines are to blame for this outrageous behavior? No one forces you to fly! You know, or you should know the “discomfort” of crowded cabins and the rules for baggage, delays and cancellations. Anyone who has even low frequency of commercial air travel has been put in these circumstances. He disrupted the crew and the other passengers. What about the rights of other passengers who may risk misconnecting or be delayed? All this over a gate check. As for the discomfort, the airlines are giving the public what it wants, cheap airfare. That’s why it’s uncomfortable.
True- the airline is not officially to blame. But any one with half a brain including airline management know that, in general, if you treat people poorly they will treat you poorly back. I don’t think Airline management cares- which means I don’t care about the airline either. And Donna, don’t be a Karen- especially if you are a flight attendant.
No. Once we open the door to passengers being able to argue, negotiate and challenge the crew's authority over whatever various things they think is unfair, it's a very slippery slope. Is every flight going to be some bargaining and argument session before we can take off? Why should everyone else on the flight be delayed? The crew is in charge. That's the way it has to be. And if you think the rude and...
No. Once we open the door to passengers being able to argue, negotiate and challenge the crew's authority over whatever various things they think is unfair, it's a very slippery slope. Is every flight going to be some bargaining and argument session before we can take off? Why should everyone else on the flight be delayed? The crew is in charge. That's the way it has to be. And if you think the rude and obnoxious way that guy was acting was "the best way" that's pretty scary.
Also, the mask mandates weren't lifted for that reason.
In that case where’s the accountability of FAs drunk on this power? Who is going to hold them responsible for their actions? Enough of this “crew is in charge” BS.
Yes there is no accountability for their actions and de-escalating situations. Like AOC and Ilhan Omar say about police, I say Defund flight attendants!!
Making Australia Great Again. Too much of the same idiocy all around the world nowadays.
"Australian"
Stupid people. They deserve to be thrown off and shown the way to the nearest bus station.
hello einstein, there is no bus from bali to sydney, it is all water.
I think that's the point.
What he said is still true though.
he was being sarcastic..l. I hope they had to swim to Australia and got banned from all Qantas flights
I can think of the last time it worked out well for a passenger.
The Points Guy reported that some people estimated that Dr. Dao got $140 Million from United from getting dragged off the flight. I'd say that worked out very well for him.
Dr. Dao did nothing wrong. he was ticketed, boarded and then told to leave for reasons unknown. He had patients waiting the next day and felt not showing up would endanger his job.
People are just losing it all over. Very entitled, can't do any wrong, can't be corrected, etc.
In this case I wasn't there and I've seen situations where the person in authority abused their power, lied, etc. and FAs/pilots are hardly right all the time (I love those FAs that reserve a bathroom on international flights by locking the door).
Ben is right in that if you have an issue with something there is...
People are just losing it all over. Very entitled, can't do any wrong, can't be corrected, etc.
In this case I wasn't there and I've seen situations where the person in authority abused their power, lied, etc. and FAs/pilots are hardly right all the time (I love those FAs that reserve a bathroom on international flights by locking the door).
Ben is right in that if you have an issue with something there is a place and time to try and get it resolved but doing so on a plane and yelling at the FAs isn't likely going to work out anymore than yelling at a police officer will work out.
All of the flight delays, security lines, over crowded flights, etc. add to everyone's frustrations.
I have not viewed the video. No opinion on this specific incident. But isn't there a trend with FAs, other airline/airport staff, police etc., where they punish frustrated people for being frustrated? At the bottom of this is the pax expectation that a stroller would be in cabin. We frequent flyers know that doesn't happen. But I have no trouble believing he honestly believed it would. I can feel his frustration, after a sleepless night...
I have not viewed the video. No opinion on this specific incident. But isn't there a trend with FAs, other airline/airport staff, police etc., where they punish frustrated people for being frustrated? At the bottom of this is the pax expectation that a stroller would be in cabin. We frequent flyers know that doesn't happen. But I have no trouble believing he honestly believed it would. I can feel his frustration, after a sleepless night with a petulant family, all the indignities of economy travel, being treated as a non-compliant by a overbusy FA trying to rush him along, get everyone seated. Is de-escalation a rare talent? Is it hard? I guess if alcohol is involved, it is. Anyone's guess whether this Australian man in Bali had been drinking.
From FA's ramping up cabin tensions until pax get kicked off, to cops killing people *suspected* of minor offenses, deescalation is a vastly undervalued and undertaught strategy and skill.
We are responsible for our own "deescalation". A complete absence of personal responsibility, and a need to blame someone other than ourselves is the cause of the "escalation" in the first place. You may be right, and the FA may be wrong, but you are not the only person affected, there are 100's of others on the airplane who just want to get home or to their destination.
"I have not viewed the video. No opinion on this specific incident."
And yet here you are, commenting about what the man may have believed and suggesting the possibility he was drinking. So...great comment.
I feel bad for Qantas and Jetstar crews working those Bali flights. From what I hear they often have difficult passengers. Also, what were they gonna do with their stroller on the plane anyway?
We have a name for that: “Bogan Bargain Bus”. Usually is some LCC that gets that moniker, but bogans will be bogans…
Watch out for @Mike attacks on you! lol
I have had problems with passengers on these flights from Bali far too often.
That guy is not Australian, but for some weird reason people of identical ethnicity are actually over represented in people who have caused major issues.
I’m so glad they chucked him off- totally unacceptable behaviour. The flight attendants are there for everyone’s safety. They are not there to be harassed or abused. You do as they say, when they...
I have had problems with passengers on these flights from Bali far too often.
That guy is not Australian, but for some weird reason people of identical ethnicity are actually over represented in people who have caused major issues.
I’m so glad they chucked him off- totally unacceptable behaviour. The flight attendants are there for everyone’s safety. They are not there to be harassed or abused. You do as they say, when they say.
Don’t like that?
Then don’t fly! Simple!
@ Dave
Clue - if you are that racist, you have no business working as pilot or cabin crew on an aircraft (if indeed that is what you do).
@Dave
PS if you do work for an airline, I challenge to take a copy of your posts herein to your employer and let them decide whether you are a fit and proper person for an airline role.