An OMAAT reader shared an experience with me that he had on Qatar Airways, whereby the very loud guy seated across from him became verbally abusive, down to telling him to “shut [his] f**king mouth.” He asks for my take on this situation, so let’s get into it…
In this post:
Loud Qatar Airways passenger called out, becomes threatening
An OMAAT reader who asked to remain anonymous shared the following experience with me, about a disruptive group seated near him in Qatar Airways business class, who refused to quiet down, and even became (what I’d consider to be) pretty verbally abusive:
Upon boarding my Qsuites flight to Jakarta, I settled into to the rear cabin. I had a truly excellent crew, which I knew off the bat. Then come along six Saudis taking up the middle seats, rows 8, 9, and10 (center section). They were talking extremely loudly to the point where the FA came over to tell them to lower their voices (keep in mind it’s 2AM at this point). One minute later, they continue, and I ask them politely “I say this with respect, but it’s 2AM, do you kind please not shouting, thank you”. They replied “no problem”
All okay right? Nope. As we pushback, these people are strolling around the aisles shouting again. I’m shattered. Then they sat down. Then they got back up as we started our taxi and I flagged down the FA. FA told them to sit down. Tw0 minutes later, he’s back up and hovering around my Qsuite and I politely said “the plane is moving, do you mind sitting down and getting out of my personal space.” Now here is where it gets good.
His response: “shut your f**king mouth, you’re not the commander. Shut up now.” At this point he was standing maybe one foot away from me screaming this in my face. He kept going on and on until the cabin crew told him to sit down.
Now, I fly 150-160x per year to war zones for my job, but this was the first time in my life on plane where I felt scared. Truly scared. I talked to the purser about returning to the gate as with a full flight, and sitting across from him, I did not feel safe. At all. While they were very happy to do so, I decided against it for the sake of not delaying 351 souls onboard, even though I’m still wary sitting in this seat.
Cabin crew were amazing. Truly. The purser kept coming back and apologized profusely for their behavior even though I kept saying “it’s not your guys fault,” but she said her policy is unless it’s physical, she can’t do anything.
So I guess my question is, how on earth is any of this allowed? It’s no fault of QR crew here, but if someone verbally threatens you, they should be disembarked, no?
Purser has logged it, FA heard it, my only regret was not returning to the gate. Hearing a volatile individual screaming at me to “shut my f**king mouth” sitting next to me is beyond me. This isn’t against the crew; but these things should be taken more seriously at QR I guess.
What can we make of this uncomfortable interaction?
Yowzers, this sounds like an unpleasant situation. I’d like to address this more from a practical standpoint of how things are, rather than how things should be:
- Personally, I never engage directly with passengers if I have an issue, and always go through the crew, for exactly this reason; it shouldn’t be that way, but you never know how crazily people will respond to something, and a confined metal tube where someone is seated just feet from you isn’t the place to find out
- As great as service can be on Qatar Airways, there’s definitely a bit of a culture of fear in terms of enforcing rules, and the potential repercussions if people complain; this is one of those situations where you almost wish you were on a US airline with a no-nonsense crew
- While the claim is that the passengers in question were Saudi and this was on Qatar Airways, there’s no denying that “local” (or in this case, regional) guests generally get more respect from crews, or at least are more feared
- I have to be honest — Qatar is a place where I wouldn’t want to return to the gate and potentially have the police get involved in a dispute, given all the stories of that not ending well for foreigners, non-Arabic speakers, etc.
So this passenger did nothing wrong, and he was for sure the victim here. While I wouldn’t have made the comment directly to the passenger in the first place (not because it was unreasonable, but because I’d fear exactly this outcome), I would’ve otherwise handled this the same, and wouldn’t have tried to push for a return to the gate. I totally get how he felt uncomfortable, and it’s a shame that there was no way to be reseated, or anything along those lines.
I really feel bad for the situations Qatar Airways crews are sometimes put in, where they almost fear being punished if they enforce basic standards. As much as I dislike the lack of deescalation skills some flight attendants in the United States have, there’s something very satisfying about true jerks getting kicked off planes.
Bottom line
A Qatar Airways business class passenger asked the person seated across from him to quiet down (after being told to do so repeatedly by the crew), and that caused a hostile response, telling him to “shut [his] f**king mouth.”
Nobody should have to tolerate this kind of behavior, but some people are just extremely rude, and you ideally don’t want to find that out in a confined metal tube, before you’re about to sleep next to that person for hours.
For me, this is a reminder of why I never directly confront other passengers. And also specifically in the Gulf region, I’ll do anything to avoid conflict with someone from the region, anything that could lead to the police getting involved, etc.
How would you have handled this situation?
Probably why I would not fly a Middle Eastern carrier. It's a different culture and they ain't changing for us. Just look at Europe.
Oh, FFS, if there was any returning to the gate happening is should have been to offload the 6 disruptive pax. If one person felt unsafe enough to complain, you can bet there would be a bunch of others who felt the same.
You know what would happen on a US airline, without question.
Imagine if they tried this on SQ
Understand that this article is just reporting part of the story. It seems like something is missing and that the details don't fully make sense. On one hand they crew cannot get involved unless the passenger had a physical problem but on the other hand offered to return to the gate. Furthermore, I wonder what lead up to the incident. I try to avoid such incidents when traveling. When you travel you understand that you will not be perfectly comfortable.
1. They can't get involved with the passenger. 2. They would return to the gate if the person who reported this story wanted to be off-loaded. No contradiction here.
After the crew told them to return to their seats once, as Aircraft taxiing....if they do it again, back to the gate and have police waiting to offload them.
I am sure it is a breach of any airlines terms of carriage for people to be moving around a cabin on a taxiing aircraft.
There should be zero tolerance for this sort of behaviour.
No matter what, you can rely on @TravelinPenis to bring up his favorite subject of....vaccines(!) Give it a rest, oh deflated penis.
My advice would be stay out of the Middle East...all the those people hate the United States and are certifiably NUTS!!
‘hovering over MY Qsuite’
that mandates an F word hahaha
I fly Qatar Airways monthly from the US to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia via Doha.
As good as the Saudi people are, they are sometimes like feral cats. And add alcohol into the mix, which I GUARANTEE those guys were drinking prior to boarding, they turn into high schoolers. A bunch of rookies out of control.
They typically don’t believe rules apply to them and literally 100% of the time, Saudis will stand up...
I fly Qatar Airways monthly from the US to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia via Doha.
As good as the Saudi people are, they are sometimes like feral cats. And add alcohol into the mix, which I GUARANTEE those guys were drinking prior to boarding, they turn into high schoolers. A bunch of rookies out of control.
They typically don’t believe rules apply to them and literally 100% of the time, Saudis will stand up the second tne where hit the ground , still rolling 300mph.
They never obey the orderly boarding method and do as they like. I can’t say I am shocked at their behavior but I promise you they wouldn’t do this on a US carrier. They all know they can get away with about anything and usually do. But when the Saudis are out of the Kingdom, they ALL drink like fish. All of them. And they don’t know how to control it !
If they are “sometimes like feral cats”, I’d maybe question the validity of the “good people” remark.
It really is simple. Stop flying muslim scum airlines.
Not a helpful suggestion...
If that happened on my plane, we would return to the gate and deplane the passengers. Verbal is considered threat level 1. The rule of thumb is, verbal on the ground could lead to something more in the air. Qatar may have their own policies given different cultures and how they deal with high dollar customers.
Exactly and you don’t know how things may escalate. The assailant should have been offloaded as he made a threat.
I would second that and am surprised Qatar didn't do it. Most airlines have close to zero tolerance to agressive behaviour and in the vast majority of cases would return to the gate if they are still at the airport.
I take "Things that never happened" for 500, Alex!
In Saudi there’s a ton of “royals” often with a tenuous relationship with the actual throne, but with lots of cash and who are generally unaccountable to anyone but MBS himself.
Take that on top of a culture that stays up late and talks louder than most at the baseline…and this is what you end up with.
That situation would of been rectified immediately by slapping loud Saudi on a mouth with a pork sausage. They're super afraid of those. I always carry one in my pocket to pacify aggressive Ishmaelites.
Undoubtedly, you are a sick and disgusting person, if not mentally retarded as well.
There is not one detail in the story that makes thenationality/religion/race of the man relevant. And yet, it was cited and now this thing is full of trash-talking of "Saudis". Gross.
I've seen exactly this behaviour in airplanes and airports, where the disgusting behaviour was done by A Canadian, an Australian, an American, a Chinese, an Israeli, a Brit. So what? It isn't just "not the point" of the story, it's useless information. Me, I'd...
There is not one detail in the story that makes thenationality/religion/race of the man relevant. And yet, it was cited and now this thing is full of trash-talking of "Saudis". Gross.
I've seen exactly this behaviour in airplanes and airports, where the disgusting behaviour was done by A Canadian, an Australian, an American, a Chinese, an Israeli, a Brit. So what? It isn't just "not the point" of the story, it's useless information. Me, I'd have gotten off if that option was presented. Sounds like the complainant chose to stay on board when getting off was an option. If that's true, I'm out of sympathy.
QR, for the reasons cited by Ben and others, isn't likely to give satisfaction in these circumstances, so disembarking is the best resolution available. Take it.
Very relevant as Ben points out as they have the upper hand with the local authorities.
That’s the whole point, more comments means more traffic which means more money, nothing else matters.
When did this blog ever care about anti-Arab racism?
Fully support you and agree. This blog is a sick one that thrives with such characters, and Ben deliberately likes to stir up mischief, as I can see.
The intersection of their nationality and the airport makes a huge difference.
As Ben points towards: Saudis in Brisbane, or Australians in Doha and requesting a return to gate would be very different.
Arabs are very loud by nature. It’s cultural and relevant.
go to any flight leaving Vegas. you find rowdy and drunk Americans
And those drunk Americans will have their as*es handed to them by the crew/airport police (+ possible lifetime ban from flying said airline). What's your point?
Saudi males are an unruly DYKWIA mess (source: many of my colleagues are Saudi males - they would agree 100%. They are raised to believe they are little gods). As someone else said, give alcohol to this developmentally stunted cohort and brace for disaster. I pity the foreign...
And those drunk Americans will have their as*es handed to them by the crew/airport police (+ possible lifetime ban from flying said airline). What's your point?
Saudi males are an unruly DYKWIA mess (source: many of my colleagues are Saudi males - they would agree 100%. They are raised to believe they are little gods). As someone else said, give alcohol to this developmentally stunted cohort and brace for disaster. I pity the foreign cabin crews who must deal with the entitlement and hostility so prevalent among Gulf males.
I avoid certain airlines because of the 'locals". Is that racism? I don't care, it's my choice to reduce my risks.
A@@eholes exist in every culture but if sth kicks off and you are the foreign 'kaffir' - good luck!
I never fly these middle eastern airlines, don’t support the terrorists and fund their terror projects. Absolute scum.
Let's see for how long
Some of us have the advantage of being Deaf . We know nothing .
@Ben how did this situation end? Was the rest of the flight peaceful or did the offending Saudis continue to cause trouble?
Not to discredit the person, however, I'd like to point out that flying to war zones 150-160 times per year seems a little too frequent to be true. That basically would mean going to war zone > spend around 48h > depart > repeat for the entire year to get in the vicinity of 160 war zone legs per year.
I agree, I was doing the same math. That makes me think that he likes to exaggerate and therefore, the story was nowhere near as intense as he describes it.
Another entitled snowflake (who is flying to war zones) story. Instead of letting professionals (cabin crew) do their job and calm the passengers down, he decided to take on the role of *air police*. He was probably assuming the crew was blind and couldn't see what was going on. Mind you, this story happened in a relatively short timeframe during boarding, according to the story. I guess the poor crew didn't meet snowflake expectations and...
Another entitled snowflake (who is flying to war zones) story. Instead of letting professionals (cabin crew) do their job and calm the passengers down, he decided to take on the role of *air police*. He was probably assuming the crew was blind and couldn't see what was going on. Mind you, this story happened in a relatively short timeframe during boarding, according to the story. I guess the poor crew didn't meet snowflake expectations and didn't instantly provide him a resolution. Instead of taking Saudi *life advice*, the snowflake melted and felt threatened by it and feared for his life? And oh no, crew wasn't aware of all internal drama going on inside the *victim* head and didnt throw Saudi out of the door for use words *f*ck* and *shut up*. Clearly life threatening situation.
You never know what’s going with people anywhere. On the ground or in the air. Or in what mental state they may be in. I never engage with other passengers other than being polite, insert ear plugs, and then put on the head phones.
You are the snowflake. I bet you beat women. Loser.
Did someone offend you? Poor thing. Maybe go cry to your mommy and tell her your mental health is compromised. Loser.
Oh, I am sorry, my dear. You can't hurt my feelings. Would you like to add anything relevant to the topic?
Agree with you. He was "shattered." Then he didn't want the plane to go back to the gate because he didn't want to disrupt the other "souls" on the flight. Guy sounds entitled.
I don't disbelieve the complainant, but it's very hard for me to digest this. Having spent many years in the Kingdom, I've seen all kinds of situations – I've even been involved with arguments with Saudis, and I have NEVER heard a Saudi speak like this. Sure, there are all types of people in every culture, but in the hundreds of Saudis I've interacted with, I've never seen or heard anything like this.
You know all 35 million personally ? Why is there a reason for anyone to invent it. There are some pretty vile people who travel. A friend used to work in a very prestigious hotel on Park Lane in London. A family from KSA completely wrecked a suite during a party they hosted. When approached by the management, the response was appalling laced with a profanities.
They may not speak like that at home, but the are very different in my experience when not at home.
It depends. Recall the flight scene from the film Due Date (2010), starring Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis. In some cases, just by speaking out against the abusive passenger, you, too, may be wrongly lumped in with them, regardless of who started it or who was in the right/wrong. So you do take a risk that an airline will ban you, remove you, etc., just by association. Still, feels right to stand up for yourselves...
It depends. Recall the flight scene from the film Due Date (2010), starring Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis. In some cases, just by speaking out against the abusive passenger, you, too, may be wrongly lumped in with them, regardless of who started it or who was in the right/wrong. So you do take a risk that an airline will ban you, remove you, etc., just by association. Still, feels right to stand up for yourselves and others, but just know the risk. Good intentions… can be punished. You can do everything ‘right,’ and still get screwed. Oh, and if you see a Zach-like-character on-board… run-away.
Guten Morgen! In more important matters: Celine Dion has a new hit song out. "Bonjour, Pardon, Merci" is oh so very good. Why Ben hasn't covered this very important occasion is beyond me.
Listen to that song then go back to yelling why DL is worse than Lufthansa. ooops Sorry this is about QR.... though i have a feeling it could end up in the DL territory. Celine Dion people!!
QqqqSuiiiiiites tho.
His very favourite thing in the world (after Lufthansa First Class)
I didn't know Celine had a new song out, Pardon! Bonjour and Merci!
Unfortunately, crews not being empowered to deal with disruptive guests is a common issue at QR, you will find dozens if not hundreds of stories like this. It's one of the reasons why I avoid the airline, no matter how nice their fares may be.
If this was a US carrier.
Normal daily routine.
Alert Alert!
Level 3 threat on board.
Must divert immediately.
End up in small airport middle of India.
Crew timed out.
No immigration facilities.
Passengers deplane to a cornered off warehouse with no a/c or food.
Now rescue flight stuck in ATL because ATL is having issues.
Then paperwork in India preventing departure. More delays.
After...
If this was a US carrier.
Normal daily routine.
Alert Alert!
Level 3 threat on board.
Must divert immediately.
End up in small airport middle of India.
Crew timed out.
No immigration facilities.
Passengers deplane to a cornered off warehouse with no a/c or food.
Now rescue flight stuck in ATL because ATL is having issues.
Then paperwork in India preventing departure. More delays.
After 72 hours, finally arrived at CGK.
All this because someone said “Shut Your F**king Mouth" and the crew feel threatened.
You called ? Be right there .
If you go to where scum exists, you might encounter scum.
Qatar is full of the most verminous scum you can imagine. Some of them happen to come from Saudi Arabia.
If I was the purser we certainly would have returned to the gate, and offloaded the Saudis. All six of them. Can you imagine anyone doing this on a flight in the US, Australia, or Singapore? They'd have been marched off the aircraft immediately.
Why? in US, telling someone to shut your f**king mount is protected under first amendment. I don't see how this is a threat.
stop picking and choosing what and who can be free.
I guess I’m a little confused. The crew was ”very willing” to return to the gate and/or, the purser said if it wasn’t physical they couldn’t intervene?? ♂️
They were willing to return to gate if OP wanted to get off, but they weren't able to intervene with the disruptive customers.
I have had to sit across (economy or business class) to loud passengers so many times. Countless. I learned not to engage because the other guy could be peaceful or a criminal, you never know. Millions randomly fly and the chances are so even to find the wrong person that it is really not worth the risk. I made an investment and bought two different types of headphones that seal my ears perfectly and couldn’t...
I have had to sit across (economy or business class) to loud passengers so many times. Countless. I learned not to engage because the other guy could be peaceful or a criminal, you never know. Millions randomly fly and the chances are so even to find the wrong person that it is really not worth the risk. I made an investment and bought two different types of headphones that seal my ears perfectly and couldn’t bother what my fellow passengers are doing. But it the issue is not the noise and rather a different kind of disturbance then the flight staff mostly is trained to deal with any kind of situations. In conclusion, don’t engage directly ever.
This reader sounds like a snowflake. He/she was “shattered”? If this person flies to war torn countries as often as they claim, I think they’d have a little thicker skin. This reminds of the type of person, who during the pandemic would tell people to wear mask and give them “some space” whatever that meant. Plane should have gone back to the gate and the reader could have gotten off and take another flight where they felt “comfortable”. SAD
So you’re one of those people who would’ve told the passenger to “fuck his feelings,” amirite?
And vaccines are worse than the illnesses.
Good grief you people are tedious.
Tedious, for sure, and usually the most insufferable crybullies you can possibly imagine.
Yes. People are rude all of the time. If that hurts your “feelings” then maybe stay home. What did I say about vaccines?? You’re probably someone who walks around with paper on their face and thinks you’re “protecting others.” Good grief you people are dumb.
Sitting in an aircraft and being abused is not acceptable. I’m sure you’re the kind of person that does it frequently. Naturally there should be consequences, and the assailant should have been offloaded. You sound like a t-
If that’s your definition of abuse then you must live a very sad life. Snowflake.
Yes. “Feelings” don’t matter. Learn to suck it up and move on.
And what did I say about vaccines? Let me guess, you still run around with a piece of paper on your face?
Good grief you people are dumb. When does the next Covid come out??
Yeah, Brian, you'd have punched him in the face and shouted, "Murica!" Wouldn't you?
You're full of it, mate, and it stinks.
In British English, shattered means tired.