It’s not that unusual to see people kicked off a plane or denied boarding for being intoxicated. However, this situation is a bit different.
In this post:
Southwest flight attendant denies boarding to passenger
A woman named Carrie was recently kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight. She claims she wanted to make a crying child in the gate area feel better, so she did gymnastics… while also having a glass of wine. The crew found her behavior unusual, assumed she was intoxicated, and denied her boarding.
Here’s how the traveler described the situation:
The plane was late, then we had to de-board and we told it could be hours for our next plane. The group of friends my husband and I met grabbed a drink at the bar, and then continued to wait and talk to new people. Cutest little girl that just moved 10 minutes away from us in Castle Rock, CO was doing gymnastics so I tried my hand at a back bend. We laughed, it was cute, that was it. Then flight attendant wouldn’t allow me on the plane trying to say that I was ‘wasted’ – but didn’t have a good explanation. Absolutely unacceptable.
The passenger posted a 3min27sec clip on YouTube, showing her interaction with the flight attendant. It seems that she was informed in the gate area that she wouldn’t be allowed to board, but she still wanted to talk to the crew, so she was escorted to the door of the plane.
That’s where the video starts:
- The flight attendant claims “you guys are jeopardizing the safety of this aircraft right now, so I am threatened by both of you”
- The passenger says “I want a sobriety test, I am sober, I work with children, I was doing cartwheels and back bends”
- The flight attendant says “if you step any closer to me we will have problems”
- When the flight attendant is asked what behavior she saw, she says “you are flipping all over the ground, you are engaging, you are loud, you want attention from everybody”
- The flight attendant says “all of us, the whole entire crew, saw it, and all of us are in agreement that you can’t come on the plane”
- The passenger responds “you mean the cartwheels I was doing with children that I met on the flight?” and the flight attendant responds “as I was watching you drink your alcohol”
- The passenger says “like I said, I did have one glass of wine,” to which the flight attendant responds “right, and so because you’ve admitted it, I’m not going to allow you to come on this aircraft today”
- When the passenger asks the flight attendant if she appears intoxicated, the flight attendant responds “yeah you do, because you aren’t following any sort of instructions that any of us are asking you to do”
- The flight attendant says “I have guidelines that we follow in our manual, and you can actually look it up at faa.gov”
- The flight attendant then has issues with being filmed, and claims that “Federal Aviation Regulations say that you have to have my permission to film me, so I want law enforcement to deal with both of them and I want that to be deleted immediately”
You can see the video for yourself below.
My take on this Southwest incident
This isn’t your typical “totally plastered person gets kicked off flight” incident. I see both sides here.
In fairness to the flight attendant:
- At the end of the day there’s no sobriety test to get on a plane; if a passenger acts in a way that makes a flight attendant think they’re intoxicated, that’s enough to have them removed
- I can appreciate how a flight attendant might think that someone doing gymnastics in the gate area while drinking wine is probably intoxicated
- I don’t understand why the gate agent brought the passengers down to essentially “confront” the flight attendant, since nothing good was going to come of that; it’s not like the flight attendant was going to change her mind after being confronted about it
- The passenger posted the video to YouTube with the caption “SOUTHWEST Flight Attendant kicks couple off flight b/c it was overbooked – saying she’s ‘threatened'” — I highly doubt that the gate agents and flight attendants were in cahoots to kick someone off because the flight was oversold, and targeted her
In fairness to the passenger:
- It’s possible that she just had one glass of wine and wasn’t “intoxicated” (whatever that even means in the context of being an airline passenger)
- In general the issue with drunk passengers is that they can become belligerent inflight, and I don’t get the sense that this passenger or her husband were aggressive
- In my opinion the flight attendant has a condescending tone and isn’t doing a good job of deescalating the situation; she should just stop talking to the passengers, rather than engaging, but I guess she was put in the uncomfortable situation of having to confront these passengers
- It’s so frustrating when flight attendants make up laws; there’s absolutely nothing illegal about filming a flight attendant, it just violates airline policy, and that’s a very different thing (Southwest can deny you boarding for violating the carrier’s rules, but law enforcement can’t force a passenger to delete the video)
- The flight attendant’s argument isn’t consistent — for example, she claims that she’s going to deny the woman from boarding because she “admitted” she had a drink, even though she had already made that decision before
In the end this is just a reminder that the crew always has the final say, and there’s not actually a test that determines whether one is intoxicated or not — it just comes down to the crew’s perception. I see no reason to believe thew crew didn’t genuinely believe she was intoxicated, so that’s the end of the story.
Bottom line
A traveler was kicked off a Southwest Airlines flight because the crew thought she was intoxicated. The passenger claims she was doing some gymnastics in the gate area to soothe a crying child, while the crew thought this was a sign of intoxication, since she also had a glass of wine.
This is one of the few “person kicked off flight for being intoxicated” stories that isn’t so straightforward. Ultimately I think the crew was exercising their best judgment, even if the flight attendant’s attitude and tone isn’t ideal (though she shouldn’t have even had to deal directly with these passengers).
I’m curious to hear from OMAAT readers — what’s your take on this situation?
(Tip of the hat to View from the Wing)
If the FAA were to fine anyone for allowing an intoxicated passenger to board, the flight attendant would personally get fined, not the airline. She did her job correctly.
Ben is right. Why would the gate agent allow the denied boarder access to the jetway to talk to the FA? What good can come out of that?
There is no way the FA can back down at this point. Some here disagree with the FA, some agree. But there is no chance the decision will be reversed there at the airplane door.
Let's play this out. Say the FA backs down, and allows the...
Ben is right. Why would the gate agent allow the denied boarder access to the jetway to talk to the FA? What good can come out of that?
There is no way the FA can back down at this point. Some here disagree with the FA, some agree. But there is no chance the decision will be reversed there at the airplane door.
Let's play this out. Say the FA backs down, and allows the drunk pax to board. Can you imagine the amount of bitching, victory lapping, and moaning from the pax? "Yeah, the FA tried to deny me, but I schooled her" blah blah etc etc.
Because a delayed flight gets charged agents, mechanics or flight crew. Nobody wants the ding of a delayed flight and the wrath that follows. The let it be someone else's problem is on full display here.
So stupid things win a prize. The FA has the right to deny based on appearing drunk they did nothing wrong. People mad about the tone of voice? Sorry about ya, grow up and act like an adult. Stop being butt hurt babies.
Lol did anyone actually watch this video? The lady filming is clearly drunk and she doesn't deny being an attention-grabber in the video. Just because there are kids around doesn't mean you can start doing freaking cartwheels in the middle of the airport.
You can fly while drunk: just don't act like a moron, like this lady did.
I was recently accused of being intoxicated on a flight with Southwest airlines. The flight was late I had three Long Island iced teas while waiting in the flight lounge outside the terminal. I have severe disabilities. I did not have my medication. My voice is very gruff YouTube growth in my throat. The flight attendant said I smelled of alcohol. I said that’s possible. I just had a drink at the bar I was...
I was recently accused of being intoxicated on a flight with Southwest airlines. The flight was late I had three Long Island iced teas while waiting in the flight lounge outside the terminal. I have severe disabilities. I did not have my medication. My voice is very gruff YouTube growth in my throat. The flight attendant said I smelled of alcohol. I said that’s possible. I just had a drink at the bar I was not intoxicated. I was subsequently removed from the flight embarrassing. My wife, who I demanded to stay to go on to meet with my daughter who just had a baby and we were going to see our first grandchild. I was subsequently refunded my airfare, however, I was not able to re-cover my embarrassment in the whole ordeal. I am looking for an attorney I wish to sue for every time it is possible the girl made a judgment call without proper investigation or question. My wife explained to her that several people on the flight were also at the same bar, having the same drinks, and smelled of the same alcohol , however she picked me up probably because of my voice due to a growth in my throat and several this the displaced in my back which I’m going to have surgery for. I am 59 years old. I’ve never been so embarrassed in my wife and I would like to talk to somebody if anybody knows anybody please have them contact me.
Hi Tom, I had the exact experience on Southwest in July 2023. I believe this is a tactic they use to bump people off overbooked flights. Our scenarios are almost identical. I got to the airport, got a text stating my flight was delayed. I went to a restaurant, had a bite to eat and a drink. I got to the gate area with about 2 hours left to go. I noticed the monitor still...
Hi Tom, I had the exact experience on Southwest in July 2023. I believe this is a tactic they use to bump people off overbooked flights. Our scenarios are almost identical. I got to the airport, got a text stating my flight was delayed. I went to a restaurant, had a bite to eat and a drink. I got to the gate area with about 2 hours left to go. I noticed the monitor still had the original flight time so I walked up to the counter and asked the agent was the time correct. She did not respond but asked to see my boarding pass. Even though I was perplexed as to why she needed my boarding pass just to answer that question. She then handed it back and told me the correct. Not once, did the ever tell me that she had flagged my boarding pass and deemed me intoxicated. We exchanged pleasantries. I told her thank you and have a good day and she said have a good day as well. I wasn't until after waiting about 2 hours to board my flight that I found out she had deemed me intoxicated. It was very embarrassing. I spoke to a manager/supervisor that suggested I could just find another airline if I wanted to fly home that day. I felt that was very sarcastic. I wrote a complaint and just received a general response stating that the agent(s) account was different from mine. I am trying to take this to the next level because it was a horrible and embarrassing experience. Why would the counter agent not tell me instantly instead of letting me wait another two hours knowing I would not be boarding the flight. I was not belligerent, loud disrespectful or displaying any type intoxicating behavior. I may have appeared tired from the heat and airport hustle and bustle but I was not posing a threat to anyone. You may contact me if you wish.
First off, she is slurring her words. Second, this couple is incapable of realizing the seriousness of the situation. They could have complied, sobered up, and taken the next flight. The flight crew recognized behavior that would have only escalated when flight crew would have denied beverage service in air. Let's look at the behavior of the couple while plane is on the ground. Then think about when they cause a disturbance in the air,...
First off, she is slurring her words. Second, this couple is incapable of realizing the seriousness of the situation. They could have complied, sobered up, and taken the next flight. The flight crew recognized behavior that would have only escalated when flight crew would have denied beverage service in air. Let's look at the behavior of the couple while plane is on the ground. Then think about when they cause a disturbance in the air, jeopardizing 150 other passengers travel when they have to turn the plane around. We are all tired of self centered narcissistic people that have to be the center of attention. The flight crew did the right thing by allowing everyone else continue on with their travel plans uninterrupted. Thank you.
It does sound like she is slurring her words. Maybe she just has a speech impediment.
The passenger is definitely slurring her words - the standard answer is always "I only had one drink". Think about that for a moment... how many times have we all heard that same story only to find out it was 3?
The Flight Attendant actually does have the right to request not to be filmed (that's a privacy thing isn't it?) the passenger doesn't have to listen.
Fact: Bottom line is if the...
The passenger is definitely slurring her words - the standard answer is always "I only had one drink". Think about that for a moment... how many times have we all heard that same story only to find out it was 3?
The Flight Attendant actually does have the right to request not to be filmed (that's a privacy thing isn't it?) the passenger doesn't have to listen.
Fact: Bottom line is if the crew has determined it's going to be an inflight risk they have already discussed it with the Captain and he/she has authorized to not allow that passenger on the plane.
Airline travel is generally a negative experience in my year, so my expectations are low, my demeanor is less than jovial, and my mouth is shut. It's too bad that my personality degrades but that's how I've been trained by the airlines and their staff over the years.
I am a Million+ mile flier on two airlines and I have experienced the issue of flight attendants wanting to deplane me and wrongly accusing me of being intoxicated. On both occassions I had 1 drink at the airport lounge but my personal rule is to NOT consume alcohol at least 1 hour before flight depature.
In both cases, the ground services manager on duty investigated the issue and discussed with pilot and talked...
I am a Million+ mile flier on two airlines and I have experienced the issue of flight attendants wanting to deplane me and wrongly accusing me of being intoxicated. On both occassions I had 1 drink at the airport lounge but my personal rule is to NOT consume alcohol at least 1 hour before flight depature.
In both cases, the ground services manager on duty investigated the issue and discussed with pilot and talked to me and they overrode the flight attendant only after I agreed to downgrade to economy because the flight attendant were working first class.
In one case, the captain waited at the door of the plane and profusely apologized to me about the incident making it very clear that the flight attendant was in the wrong.
The abuse of authority by flight attendants is ridiculous. THere seems to be a culture that they will NOT change their erroneous decisions even if the captain disagrees with them. So much for flight attendant unions.
That flight attendant sounds like a Karen.
Flight attendants can be such morons. A few years back I flew Business Maui to LAX. I had had an extremely physically hard week, and last day at work.. So I rush to the airport and finally sit down in 2A, finally heading for that annual 1 month vacation with friends in Europe, and when asked, I order a gin tonic, my usual in flight drink. And that old way beyond retirement FA lady tells...
Flight attendants can be such morons. A few years back I flew Business Maui to LAX. I had had an extremely physically hard week, and last day at work.. So I rush to the airport and finally sit down in 2A, finally heading for that annual 1 month vacation with friends in Europe, and when asked, I order a gin tonic, my usual in flight drink. And that old way beyond retirement FA lady tells me:'This is the only one you get on this flight.' I observed you the way you walked in here.' Sorry, for busting my ass for 11 month to have that one reward, and being exhausted, and not being wasted at all, which is merely your projection. Maybe try some real work instead of doing cross word puzzles, after serving me one drink.
I'd fire the flight attendant
Only in the USA…
But I loved how the FA kept smiling while telling the passenger off!
Cause she knew she had the power. And had no accountability.
A little surprised at the ready use of a bigoted term for women in a couple of these comments--pretty offputting. But back to the story--maybe gate agents should use a breathalyzer--it could rein in what might have happened here--an arbitrary and capricious use of power accompanied by made-up rules to deny a paying and reasonably sober customer passage. If she were actually drunk, then the breathalyzer would tell.
That might have worked in the past, but there are so many legal way to be under the influence these days. Many of which are not detected by a breathalyzer. One a propsective pax could have "one" wine, but in combo with something else.
As someone who had to suffer with a drunk pax in close proximity, I side with the flight attendant.
Outstanding example of flight attendants abusing the (ridiculous amount of) power that they have somehow been granted.
Hopefully, this one will be terminated for her refusal to approach the situation in an equitable and judicious manner.
I agree. The tone of the flight attendant was too condescending and in fact could be considered smug. She came across as enjoying the process of denying entry to this passenger. If the passenger was "drunk" she would be less coherent, more belligerent and possibly more offensive in her responses. The passenger was not and in fact was very calm and provided rational responses. It was the flight attendant that responded with inconsistencies. She enjoyed...
I agree. The tone of the flight attendant was too condescending and in fact could be considered smug. She came across as enjoying the process of denying entry to this passenger. If the passenger was "drunk" she would be less coherent, more belligerent and possibly more offensive in her responses. The passenger was not and in fact was very calm and provided rational responses. It was the flight attendant that responded with inconsistencies. She enjoyed her few seconds of power grab.
Who drinks wine in the gate area? Is that even allowed? The passenger actually does sound like she’s slurring to me.
Some US terminals have bars right beside the gates. It's usually no big deal.
As for the slurring, the flight attendant also sounds like that. Just their accent.
The Tale of Two Karens
If she sticks the landing she's sober enough to fly. That's already more than necessary for a sobriety test.
In fact, I say it should be required for all passengers to do a cartwheel preflight to prove their sobriety. Pending a note from the doctor for those physically incapable. Without cartwheels how will we really know who is sober and who is not?!
If the woman filming this confrontation had been any color other than white, I hate to think how she would have been further (mis)treated.
The flight attendant looks drunk.
Even if this is a very unobjective comment, I wanted to write the same thing. With her half-closed eyes, the flight attendant doesn't exactly look sober either.
Take another listen, sure sounds like the drunk lady is slurring her words. Dumb gate agent and FA for sure too, this shouldn't have happened. FA should have sent them back right away.
Ugh. I had video playing whilst reading the post. Without the visual it sounds like there is something equally wrong with both. Maybe security should have alcohol breath checks with acceptable limits. Settled at gate. Agree with drama of two karens.
Lmao, who cares. Just another Karen bitching about someone violating their rights. Stfu lady
Totally! White women are the worst! Who cares about rights? Why should we have any in the first place ?! What a Karen!