It’s not uncommon to see passengers misbehaving on flights, and for law enforcement to be called. However, in this case it seems that a crew member may have taken matters way too far.
In this post:
Terrell Davis has incident on United flight
Former NFL star Terrell Davis (who played for the Denver Broncos until 2001) took to Instagram to share an event that unfolded on Saturday, July 13, 2024, while he was traveling on United Airlines from Denver (DEN) to Orange County (SNA). 51-year-old Davis was traveling with his wife and two kids. Let me just share his version of events verbatim.
Here’s how Davis claims that this event unfolded:
During the beverage service, my son politely requested a cup of ice. The flight attendant either didn’t hear or ignored his request and continued past our row. I calmly reached behind me and lightly tapped his arm to get his attention to again ask for a cup of ice for my son.
Then here’s how Davis claims that the flight attendant responded:
He shouted “don’t hit me” and left the cart to hurriedly approach the front of the plane. I was confused, as were the passengers in front of me who witnessed the exchange. I thought nothing of it other than this particular employee was incredibly rude and blatantly wrong in his accusations of me hitting him. I did not see or interact with him further for the duration of the flight.
Then here’s what happened when the plane landed:
As we landed in Orange County, the pilot asked all passengers to remain seated, six FBI and law enforcement agents boarded the plane. The FBI agents and local authorities proceeded directly to my seat and immediately placed me in handcuffs, while seated and without any explanation, in front of my wife and children while the entire flight of passengers watched in silence. I was — and remain — humiliated, embarrassed, powerless, and angry.
During questioning, it was rightfully determined by the agents that this flight attendant was inaccurate in his accusations and the agents profusely apologized even offering to support me and my family in any way possible. I have yet to hear anything from United Airlines.
United investigating, suspends flight attendant
In a statement, United Airlines has confirmed that it has “removed the flight attendant from duty while we closely review this matter.”
The airline also stated that “this is clearly not the kind of travel experience we strive to provide, and we have reached out to Mr. Davis’ team to apologize.”
Davis has retained legal counsel, and also added the following about what his requests are:
I demand a thorough and proper investigation into the flight attendant who blatantly lied and placed undue harm on me and my family. These lies and the ensuing events have the capacity to tarnish the reputation I have spent decades building, and this person should not be able to do this again to anyone in the future.
The handling of this sounds unacceptable
Let me of course acknowledge that we have only one side of the story here. However, everything I’ve seen about this story makes me believe that this isn’t too far off from what transpired. Davis has a reputation for being a stand-up guy (or so I hear), and the way he describes the events that transpired also seems quite level-headed.
Now, in my opinion, you should never touch a flight attendant, even to get their attention. Unfortunately it is something that passengers do all the time, and I’ve even seen some flight attendants start to announce over the PA to please not touch the crew members.
That being said, simply touching a flight attendant shouldn’t be a reason to have the FBI called. I mean, if it were, we’d see the FBI meet just about every flight. It would have been totally fair if the flight attendant politely said to him “please don’t touch me,” but this level of escalation is absolutely wild.
Was there really a single interaction between the flight attendant and the passenger, and it escalated this much? Based on what we know (and hopefully a full investigation is performed), this sounds like a power trip on a completely different level.
Bottom line
A former NFL star was flying United Airlines with his family, and touched a flight attendant to get his attention, and ask for a cup of ice for his son. This resulted in the flight attendant reportedly yelling “don’t hit me,” running to the front of the plane, and the FBI meeting the flight.
Assuming the details here are mostly accurate, United has some serious training to do when it comes to deescalating conflicts.
What do you make of this United incident?
I fly quite extensively both domestic and internationally. This why I boycotted United Airlines years ago. I will tell you bad attitude and poor customer service has long been the "tradition" of United Airlines. Even airlines like ANA who are run by United has some FAs that should not be with people. Too bad it had to come to this, but United will not change because even though they say they care, they don't...but, hopefully...
I fly quite extensively both domestic and internationally. This why I boycotted United Airlines years ago. I will tell you bad attitude and poor customer service has long been the "tradition" of United Airlines. Even airlines like ANA who are run by United has some FAs that should not be with people. Too bad it had to come to this, but United will not change because even though they say they care, they don't...but, hopefully they messed with the wrong passenger this time...
Airlines are no longer hiring professionals.
A serious lack of training is evident in the story.
On the other hand, Davis has been on every TV show possible sharing the story and trying to gain attention. Even down to hiring an attorney for monetary gain.
this is not due to a power trip. we all know exactly what this is. don't even have to name it to call it out. flight attendant was afraid of the Big Black Man. profiled him and his family the moment they boarded. don't HIT me?? C'mon. seems the accused was ignored by the FA, asked him twice? FA didn't want to serve him, didn't want to be bothered.
Are you guys really on here crying about him touching the flight attendant on the shoulder when y'all barely let people put their luggage in the overhead before you're bum rushing them and bumping into their asses and knocking them upside their heads to get past them either to get on the plane or off the plane people get real
Sick of the general public!--Flight attendants are mainly on the aircraft for your safety--If they tell a passenger to buckle their seat belt, stow their luggage all the way under the seat, bring their seat backs up, etc. If they don't do it they should tell the people around you "Be prepared in an emergency this guy was told to fasten his seat belt if he flies to the ceiling or around the aircraft in...
Sick of the general public!--Flight attendants are mainly on the aircraft for your safety--If they tell a passenger to buckle their seat belt, stow their luggage all the way under the seat, bring their seat backs up, etc. If they don't do it they should tell the people around you "Be prepared in an emergency this guy was told to fasten his seat belt if he flies to the ceiling or around the aircraft in an emergency just kick him away from yourself so he does not injure you, if he doesn't stow his luggage properly it can fly around in an emergency or Block your ability to get out of the plane quickly, if his seat back is reclined it will cause those behind his seat to not get out as quickly and it may also make his seat back project him forward since it is not upright and locked in the upright position. Flight attendants have to be able to evacuate the aircraft of all passengers with in 90 seconds--bet you can't do that when you have to go help the idiot that thinks they do not have to follow safety rules. That's why when I am on a plane and the flight attendant tells someone beside me to do something I back the flight attendant up and tell the idiot they are NOT going to put me in jeopardy because they are stupid so follow their instructions or get the HELL away from me and my family--go sit in the toilet!
and what does this have to do with lying and putting a black man in danger by calling the FBI for no reason?
Likely a 20 something who loses his s*** over anything because that's what the 20 somethings do today. They're incapable of handling anything. The most useless generation on Earth.
First rule that superstar football player did wrong, he striked or battered a flight attendant - relax you Karen's out there, by definition and wording of the law he did!
Second, there is more to this story than that being advertised by the mainstream news!!!!!! How did the passengers in the "row in front of him witness" this? The ONLY way a row of passengers in FRONT of him was if each one was standing...
First rule that superstar football player did wrong, he striked or battered a flight attendant - relax you Karen's out there, by definition and wording of the law he did!
Second, there is more to this story than that being advertised by the mainstream news!!!!!! How did the passengers in the "row in front of him witness" this? The ONLY way a row of passengers in FRONT of him was if each one was standing and turned 180 degrees as the seat backs prohibit the view to the rear of each seat - both a safety and security requirement.
So ex Football star, shut up and sit down. Your fame and glory days are well over. Hay, wait he hired a legal staff to go after a flight attendant that makes below the poverty level? Man, football star you are terrible!
Friend or coworker of soon to be terminated FA?
Only a personal relationship could cause this kind of unhinged response.
To get a good flight experience...You have to fly Emirates Air....Unfortunately the U.S. Domestic Carriers are are everything they can to prevent it...
What an idiotic comment. What were the allegations made by the FA and why did FBI respond and why was passenger not politely asked to deplane first?
But it's okay if that same Flight Attendant touches you on the shoulder???? And they do.....
I don’t know anything about how Terrell Davis is as a person- but I’m also inclined to believe the flight attendant was at least mostly in the wrong. United certainly knows more than we do- and their reaction tells me they’re likely thinking the same.
The act of touching a flight attendant to get their attention is *mildly* rude, in my opinion. But- for what it’s worth- anyone working with the public is going to...
I don’t know anything about how Terrell Davis is as a person- but I’m also inclined to believe the flight attendant was at least mostly in the wrong. United certainly knows more than we do- and their reaction tells me they’re likely thinking the same.
The act of touching a flight attendant to get their attention is *mildly* rude, in my opinion. But- for what it’s worth- anyone working with the public is going to be dealing with ruder stuff than that on a daily basis, and I’d argue it’s a part of the job (provided it doesn’t cross the line, of course).
All you folks pointing out there is a call button, are you forgetting that FAs say the call button is not for ordering drinks?
A tap from a ex-NFL big fellow could feel like a bunch to a small individual?
Karen crew, most then ignore passengers for additional requests, as they believe economy is economy, service is down is all business environment this days .
I agree. Don’t touch a flight attendant. Maybe the FA overreacted, maybe the FA had just had enough of being poked, touched and most likely verbally abused by other passengers that day to the point he exploded in anger. I can see how easily it can happen. I do think calling in the FBI and police was way to much for the incident. I think the passenger was treated very unfairly and should get a...
I agree. Don’t touch a flight attendant. Maybe the FA overreacted, maybe the FA had just had enough of being poked, touched and most likely verbally abused by other passengers that day to the point he exploded in anger. I can see how easily it can happen. I do think calling in the FBI and police was way to much for the incident. I think the passenger was treated very unfairly and should get a sincere apology, but I also think the gentleman should have used the flight attendant call button instead of touching them. Speaking from experience as a careered flight attendant(retired).
a simple touch in an appropriate spot should be acceptable and F/As do it to passengers all the time so the reverse is totally apprpriate.
I am a pilot and own my own plane and fly myself almost anywhere except long flights for this reason. Flight attendants have too much power , too rude and too much attitude. They obviously don’t know how to read their attitude indicators . There are no cameras onboard to dispute their false claims.
If you don’t want to be tapped on by a passenger in need, then don’t freaking work in the service...
I am a pilot and own my own plane and fly myself almost anywhere except long flights for this reason. Flight attendants have too much power , too rude and too much attitude. They obviously don’t know how to read their attitude indicators . There are no cameras onboard to dispute their false claims.
If you don’t want to be tapped on by a passenger in need, then don’t freaking work in the service industry. Go work at a bank behind a glass counter.
If you want to work for the airlines but don’t want to serve drinks, then go become a pilot or are you not good enough to get through the pilot training courses? Sounds like he couldn’t pull off becoming a pilot so he settled for being a flight attendant and is unhappy about it .
So that's where all the Karen's live!
While I agree the FA over reacted. Each seat has a call button. During the announcement passengers are told for assistance please ring your call button. That simple.
I've had flight attendants touch, tap me to get my attention. It's not an issue if it's gentle to get one's attention, and one should always do it on the shoulder or the arm. This was always acceptable in the past.
We ALL know this type of flight attendant. On a power trip and probably a flat-out racist!. If the guy was abrupt or heavy-handed in touching him, just tell them not to do that...
I've had flight attendants touch, tap me to get my attention. It's not an issue if it's gentle to get one's attention, and one should always do it on the shoulder or the arm. This was always acceptable in the past.
We ALL know this type of flight attendant. On a power trip and probably a flat-out racist!. If the guy was abrupt or heavy-handed in touching him, just tell them not to do that again. To scream out and run to the front of the plane (well he picked the wrong black guy)
This is exactly what these types of people do and now he should be fired and face a massive personal lawsuit.
A huge lawsuit is heading to UA for sure.
Amen. All these MAGA folks feel empowered to be superior white folks... even though this FA is in a meager job. That doesn't excuse the lead FA and Captain doing some initial validation on the claim of "physical abuse". Also what is strange is why FBI responded. This is not an interstate bank robbery or kidnapping or murder. And why handcuff him on the plane without first asking passenger to step off plane first!
Keep your hands to yourself . How would you like to be poked , touched, have your clothes pulled on, hit with trash to get your attention . Use your WORDS. These passengers are so rude and feel like they don't have to comply with rules. The traveling public has turned into a bunch of greyhound Trailways travelers that’s unfamiliar with etiquette. They want to blast their personal devices without headphones, they are up out...
Keep your hands to yourself . How would you like to be poked , touched, have your clothes pulled on, hit with trash to get your attention . Use your WORDS. These passengers are so rude and feel like they don't have to comply with rules. The traveling public has turned into a bunch of greyhound Trailways travelers that’s unfamiliar with etiquette. They want to blast their personal devices without headphones, they are up out of their seats on takeoff and landing, the put their feet on someone elses seat and change their baby diaper on tray tables
The Traveling public is a nightmare for flight attendants I could go on and on, but the main thing is do not touch a flight and you don’t have a right to continue to put your hands on people this happens all day every day it’s Exhausting
If you don’t to be touched by passengers. Then DON’T BECOME A FLIGHT ATTENDANT. go work in a drive thru at a bank. Or a ticket counter behind a thick glass where nobody can touch you
And how many flight attendants tap seted people to order something? How is that any better?
Most people flying are NOT rude and follow most rules.......there are always exceptions, just like with rude flight attendants who are tired or have been bothered by another customer!!
Jodie, it's you along with this FA makes life intolerable on the USA. I have been in the USA since 1975 and it is disgusting to see rhetoric like yours where gentle touching in appropriate areas like shoulder or arm is common place all over the rest of the world! And even so, why make wild allegations by the FA that FBI came and did what they did.
I am actively seeking to relocate to another country where people are civil.
Just another day, just another case of US cabin crews escalating a non-issue into an issue, doing the very opposite of their job.
What frightens me is, that how many times does this happen and we will never know or hear about it, because the person or family it happened to, isn't famous to make headlines, and therefore it's never investigated and passenger sometimes gets labeled for life when it was just a power play of a nasty FA?
So passengers can't touch a FA to get their attention in a loud environment, but they can touch you as much they want, to ask what drink, to wake you up before landing to get your seat in position, or during Covid if while sleeping your mask moved a bit?
No, use your words! Flight attendants only touch you when words don't get your attention because you are sleeping. Yes for safety we have to get your attention to stow tray tables or adjust seat. If that means touching you then we will.
This World is going crazy I'm not traveling anymore, I'm going to Walmart and Costco, it's safer.
Good.. they need to terminate bad employees
Why do a lot of these flight attendants act like delicate geniuses. It's like they hate serving customers.. They truly believe that they're only for your safety and they do the rest of the work begrudgingly. It's like when I had employees and I told them they had to make sure the restroom was clean and they would never do a good job They did it very begrudgingly
I worked for a large airline many, many years ago. I asked a fellow employee who was a flight attendant if we could speak about an issue. I touched her on the back and asked her to move to the back of the aircraft as she was being inappropriate in front of customers. She reported me for “pushing” her. Thankfully, there were cameras on the aircraft. Once her fellow flight attendants were advised of this...
I worked for a large airline many, many years ago. I asked a fellow employee who was a flight attendant if we could speak about an issue. I touched her on the back and asked her to move to the back of the aircraft as she was being inappropriate in front of customers. She reported me for “pushing” her. Thankfully, there were cameras on the aircraft. Once her fellow flight attendants were advised of this they recanted their “support” of her. She was behaving very poorly and I got in “trouble” for deescalating a situation. Yes, flight attendants have too much “power”.
I was mortified that I was reported for “pushing” and being “aggressive” when she was the one that acted inappropriately.
Thankfully, I wrote up the incident and sent it off to the correct leaders. There was a thorough investigation.
If there had not been cameras on the aircraft I would have been “fired”. I don’t believe the cameras were rolling but once the “supporters” heard there were cameras they went into self preservation mode. None of them were present when the situation occurred. They couldn’t even “support” as they were not there.
Don’t cross a flight crew. They will lie to cover their own assets.
What airline that have cameras recoding inside the cabin all the time?
The U.S. airline industry holds some blame. The buisness model is to make the flight experience so miserable that customers will pay extra for any semblance of comfort. Although, this particular event probably happened in the front cabin, the flight attendants are constantly in the front lines of very angry passengers due to the airline companies nickle and dime approach. This flight attendant was completely in the wrong and should be removed, but unfortunately we...
The U.S. airline industry holds some blame. The buisness model is to make the flight experience so miserable that customers will pay extra for any semblance of comfort. Although, this particular event probably happened in the front cabin, the flight attendants are constantly in the front lines of very angry passengers due to the airline companies nickle and dime approach. This flight attendant was completely in the wrong and should be removed, but unfortunately we will see this again and again by overworked and underpaid staff who feel abandoned by their companies.
Airlines will make products that customers want to pay for. The majority of Americans want the cheapest fare to travel. Few are willing to pay the premium to sit in the front with a better seat, food, and service. This site is dedicated to people who want F/J level service but get it with cheap award pricing.
I’m guessing his “tap” was aggressive. Much more than a tap. You just don’t touch people you don’t know. I don’t buy his story. And now this flight attendant is fired. That’s why there is a call button to call the flight attendants. Obviously he was angry after not getting the ice. And acted out aggressively. The flight attendant must have felt very threatened.
That does not appear to be the conclusion of the FBI agents.
I'm petrified of pressing the call button. Once, I pressed the call button after an FA ran out of a snack, promised to come back and didn't. Another FA noticed that my call light was on and asked me what my emergency was. Without waiting for an answer, she aggressively shouted at me to never use the call button unless it was an emergency. I'm a grown man but thought I would be tackled next....
I'm petrified of pressing the call button. Once, I pressed the call button after an FA ran out of a snack, promised to come back and didn't. Another FA noticed that my call light was on and asked me what my emergency was. Without waiting for an answer, she aggressively shouted at me to never use the call button unless it was an emergency. I'm a grown man but thought I would be tackled next. Luckily, the first FA showed up soon after and apologized for forgetting me.
Bottomline: Using the call button is not an alternative.
FAs and pilots have way too much power to completely f**k up someone's life. They are civilians, not law enforcement. In what other civilian profession is someone's word taken as the presumed truth in a dispute such as this?
None.
TSA
They "touch" me all the time with their cart with nary a "pardon me."
I trust the flight attendant!
I seen entitlement in action!
SNA, ALOT OF ENTITLEMENT!
I trust the flight attendant!
I seen entitlement in action!
SNA, ALOT OF ENTITLEMENT!
Agree, especially in the US the FAs have way too much authority or assume the airline will automatically back up their staff. I wonder what he will be requesting from the airline as a result of this situation
This employee needs to be fired. Pure and simple! Another reason not to fly United!
I would never touch a cabin crew member in today's world. Nevertheless, the reaction appears to be way over the top and must have been based on a biased attitude. Obviously this flight attendant colored the story to involve law enforcement. For years I have been stating that if we give all this power to cabin crew we must also hold them responsible for false statements.
There have been multiple similar stories involving Jews,...
I would never touch a cabin crew member in today's world. Nevertheless, the reaction appears to be way over the top and must have been based on a biased attitude. Obviously this flight attendant colored the story to involve law enforcement. For years I have been stating that if we give all this power to cabin crew we must also hold them responsible for false statements.
There have been multiple similar stories involving Jews, most recently two young girls flying Virgin Atlantic. Not having the name recognition of this case and having no video VA is denying any responsibility and has publicly maligned any witnesses.
Retired Boston airline person. "Do not touch me" I would hear from many Attendants. Militant, no. Tired of the pawing, yes. Simple respect, long gone.
The thing that I do not understand is why many flight attendants in the US act so differently than those of international airlines such as Emirates. What has made the culture so different in the US compared to on premium airlines abroad?
Unfettered capitalism
This was taken way to far, however customers should know that touching someone with out their authorization can be legally challenged as the FA can feel assaulted.
Further learn to keep your hands to your self and use the FA call button above your head. End of the story!
Retired F/A here. From what I see, the UA FA was totally in the wrong. Very bad reaction.
However, the disdain that many of you hold towards crew members is so sad. I have had incredible service by UA crews in F, J & Y. And not so much. But look inward people, you folks are NOT a joy to be around. You frequently are rude, selfish and unreasonable.
None of you knows...
Retired F/A here. From what I see, the UA FA was totally in the wrong. Very bad reaction.
However, the disdain that many of you hold towards crew members is so sad. I have had incredible service by UA crews in F, J & Y. And not so much. But look inward people, you folks are NOT a joy to be around. You frequently are rude, selfish and unreasonable.
None of you knows what it's like to get up at 0300 for an 0600 departure with about 40 people in your area that have 40 different agendas, attitudes, reasons for being on the plane etc.
Folks, " Thank You" goes a long way. And yes, We ARE there for your safety.
And yes, we are supervised not only by our lead/purser whatever but every one of you has a phone....
Thank You. I will leave my soap box now.
I believe this is something Ben regularly highlights, but maybe not ins so many words. I have a lot of Respekt do FA generally and beliefe their working conditions are not at all reflected in their salary. I think the comments by no means address all or even most FAs, but as we go on to highlight the raising bad behavior of passengers, we also need to look at the few FAs that might be...
I believe this is something Ben regularly highlights, but maybe not ins so many words. I have a lot of Respekt do FA generally and beliefe their working conditions are not at all reflected in their salary. I think the comments by no means address all or even most FAs, but as we go on to highlight the raising bad behavior of passengers, we also need to look at the few FAs that might be bad apples. Having a better hierarchy like in non-US airlines would do a lot to improve this IMHO
Response like this is why you lose respect.
You ask us to look inward?
That's the hazards of your job.
You don't get extra sympathy if you hate animals but you're a vet.
If you're a football player but afraid to be hurt.
If you're Tim Dunn but hates Delta.
A Walmart cashier probably encounters similar situation but you don't see they call the cops on everyone who yells at...
Response like this is why you lose respect.
You ask us to look inward?
That's the hazards of your job.
You don't get extra sympathy if you hate animals but you're a vet.
If you're a football player but afraid to be hurt.
If you're Tim Dunn but hates Delta.
A Walmart cashier probably encounters similar situation but you don't see they call the cops on everyone who yells at them.
If you can't wake up and perform your job, maybe this job isn't for you.
And yes, I always thank flight attendants if they are doing a superb job. Yes that job that has it's own hazards that you think deserves special entitlement.
Also yes, everyone has a phone. But like all other live coverage, you didn't warn us that you will abuse your power so please have our cameras ready either.
Thank You. Your soap box reaffirms everything.
Many flight attendants act like bad cops in the sky, especially in the U.S. I always try to minimize any interaction with them even though I fly on business class most of the time.
The is a huge problem that's been left free for way too long and no one is doing anything about it.
These cabin crew have way too much authority with zero accountability. The whole story would never see daylight if it wasn't an NFL star.
This is not just United. All US carriers seems to be plagued by this problem. Even the premium Delta isn't immune.
Imagine an average Tim in this situation.
I'm sure he's Dunn for by the FBI.
I don't necessarily agree with you but I also recognize the is truth to what you are saying. ALL people given position of authority, some will abuse it be in on a plane, at dmv, or police station. However, i think people need to remember we only hear about over the top cases. Most employees are not that quick to be trigger happy. Now consider all the bs they have to put up with day...
I don't necessarily agree with you but I also recognize the is truth to what you are saying. ALL people given position of authority, some will abuse it be in on a plane, at dmv, or police station. However, i think people need to remember we only hear about over the top cases. Most employees are not that quick to be trigger happy. Now consider all the bs they have to put up with day after day. Can you really smile and be gentle every day of your job and not have a single moment of F this.
@Bob
But "all the bs they have to put up with day after day" is part of the job.
You don't see police shooting people around recklessly. And if they did, never would they get away without consequences.
Abuse of power happens, but abuse and get away is the issue here.
Love seeing that United 737 at Narita!
Guam based crew
Tapping a person to get their attention is reasonable in a loud environment like, say, a jumbo jet.
No it's not. Keep your mitts to yourself. A simple excuse me is warranted or use the flight attendant call button.
Oh but it's ok for them to touch you? Or to hit you with the cart and not apologize? Maybe the flight attendant should have offered ice with the beverage in the 1st place.
That’s why you have the call button. Even if I’m next to you, DON’T TOUCH ME.
Do you reach over and touch the bartender for a drink in a loud environment, like let’s say a bar?
Former flight attendant for United. That flight attendant needs to find another job.
While sounds like FA completely in the wrong there’s something to be said about not further escalating a problem in the sky and waiting to confront on the ground if the “event” seems to be controlled. But I hate the power trip FAs seem to go on sometimes
Consistently disappointment at the general attitude of service on UA. As a general rule, I completely agree FA's shouldn't be touched - and they shouldn't touch passengers - but I can't help but wonder if the culture at United fosters this combative attitude I've witnessed far too often flying United.
Another silly over reaction by a flight attendant.
The one part that is jumping out at me a bit is Davis' explanation that
[he] calmly reached behind [him] and lightly tapped [the FA's] arm to get his attention to again ask for a cup of ice for [his] son.
That's a lot of attention paid to how delicately Davis supposedly approached the situation in his written quasi-statement about the incident. I wasn't there and I won't pretend to know any more than what's...
The one part that is jumping out at me a bit is Davis' explanation that
[he] calmly reached behind [him] and lightly tapped [the FA's] arm to get his attention to again ask for a cup of ice for [his] son.
That's a lot of attention paid to how delicately Davis supposedly approached the situation in his written quasi-statement about the incident. I wasn't there and I won't pretend to know any more than what's presented, but I'm generally leery of over-explanations of this sort when we only have, so far, one side of a story and it's the first one to hit the streets. It sounds as if it were absolutely corroborated by witnesses, but the wording still feels obtuse.
idk, it seems like a reasonable thing to underscore given that the degree of force applied during the contact is the only issue in dispute here
Part of this is the plot to "Anger Management".
Anyway, where are the DEI racists on this subject? Probably hiding in their corner, silently cheering the F.A for their swift action.
You okay?
I hope the flight attendant is charged with slander and spends some time in jail. That might may him think twice next time
In the US, Slander, when enforced at all is a civil matter not criminal. No hope for jail, here.
That's not entirely true.
While there's no federal criminal statute for it, nor even MPC outline that I know of: slander (as a specific subsection of defamation) is criminally punishable in 23 states, most notoriously Texas, but also including the likes of Massachusetts, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, etc.
@ConcordeBoy, you are correct - and it truly depends, but is highly unlikely here. It is "possible" to be criminally prosecuted for slander in some states. However, the statement must be severe enough to provoke a breach of peace or have large public consequences. Also violating a restraining order against defamation (considering recent events) is also punishable. However, I doubt that this incident would rise to this standard.
In a similar situation, I would press the attendant call button to (hopefully) get the cabin crew’s attention. I’ve never intentionally touched any airline employee. However, I’ve been touched (arms and shoulders) by flight attendants in friendly onboard encounters without any issue. Based on Mr. Owens’ description, it seems like an overreaction by the flight attendant.
I recall a flight last year on DL from ATL to DFW. Our ‘flight leader’ wore a ‘Don’t Touch...
In a similar situation, I would press the attendant call button to (hopefully) get the cabin crew’s attention. I’ve never intentionally touched any airline employee. However, I’ve been touched (arms and shoulders) by flight attendants in friendly onboard encounters without any issue. Based on Mr. Owens’ description, it seems like an overreaction by the flight attendant.
I recall a flight last year on DL from ATL to DFW. Our ‘flight leader’ wore a ‘Don’t Touch Me’ button, which I respected. She appeared wary of people, which isn’t ideal for a service industry role. One drink service was all we got from her in FC and she retreated to the galley to read. The flight experience was quite awkward.
*Davis, not Owens. Apologies for the confusion on my part.
Don’t touch a flight attendant. Period. End of story. EOM.
Next time a FA touches me on my shoulder and demands "what drink?!?" I'm calling the FBI to meet the plane (aka I'd be calling once a week/month)
Do i get to call the FBI the next time a FA bumps my elbow with the cart, or taps me on my shoulder to wake me up for a damn cookie and water.
Exactly, I've been bumped by flight attendants on numerous occasions, without so much as an excuse me. But if you lightly tap one of them - the FBI is going to arrest you? Only in the U.S. do flight attendants go on power trips like this.
I hope the flight attendant is fired for cause, reason being lying about the incident. This is necessary to check flight attendants from exaggerating or misrepresenting pax actions. As it stands now, pax are at mercy of FA’s story
I don't understand. What's wrong with touching/tapping someone on a non-sensitive part (arm for example) to get their attention?
In some cultures it’s downright rude. I also would be unhappy if someone did that. It’s the same as clicking the fingers to attract the attention of someone.
On the other hand, Brazilians are very tactile. They often touch someone on the arm when chatting.
The FA could have responded in an entirely different way, however it sounds suspicious to me and think there’s far more to it.
United and its "friendly skies", huh...
Why are Americans so sensitive to being gently touched like that? In most other cultures it is perfectly acceptable to gently tap somebody on the shoulder or arm to get their attention. Sometimes calling or waving doesn't do the trick.
Many Americans, especially RWNJ snowflakes, feel their "liberty" is being threatened when they're gently tapped on the shoulder or elbow.
Fortunately, the RWNJs are in the minority in the USA.
Willy,
Absolutely zero need to politicize this.
What tf is an RWNJ
Guessing "right wing nut job".
Another lunatic flight attendant out of control.
Sounds like UA was in the wrong, but two light counterpoints are:
1.) I would never touch someone to get service. Sometimes I raise my hand and try to make eye contact (and often they miss)
2.) this probably wasn’t their drinks service as the FA wouldn’t skip the whole row and forget to get drink orders. So this was most likely an FA walking past them with different duties or to do something else....
Sounds like UA was in the wrong, but two light counterpoints are:
1.) I would never touch someone to get service. Sometimes I raise my hand and try to make eye contact (and often they miss)
2.) this probably wasn’t their drinks service as the FA wouldn’t skip the whole row and forget to get drink orders. So this was most likely an FA walking past them with different duties or to do something else.
None of this is to excuse UA, but those are two factors I see in the other direction.
Some attendants touch me to get my attention.
Do I get compensation? I’d rather have miles than put him/her in cuffs.
@Beachfan, this is a good point; FAs often touch me to get my attention as well. Personally, I don't mind at all but I can certainly understand others feeling differently, so I don't touch FAs to get their attention. It seems the rule should be applied consistently in both directions.
FAs have missed an entire row on a small number of occasions. My last flight the FA served one side of the row, but forgot my side…not a big deal to me or the other guy on my side of the row, and another FA immediately jumped to provide service when she saw we had nothing…but it definitely happens on admittedly rare occasion.
And yes, I’ve often been touched by FAs in as a very...
FAs have missed an entire row on a small number of occasions. My last flight the FA served one side of the row, but forgot my side…not a big deal to me or the other guy on my side of the row, and another FA immediately jumped to provide service when she saw we had nothing…but it definitely happens on admittedly rare occasion.
And yes, I’ve often been touched by FAs in as a very friendly gesture, or once when I was in transcon J and couldn’t eat anything as my tummy was out of whack…the FA was super caring. Then again, also touched by British Airways FAs twice when flying long-haul F, with very obvious sexual intentions…one of them even left a rather long letter in my Fast Pass documents. Maybe I should have called MI6/007 ?!?!