American Airlines controversy

[Pacolovestacos]

The passanger to blame in my eyes on this one. Why is it so hard to follow simple instuctions.

100% truth. I'm actually growing tired of all these incidents that stem from people not following direct instructions. This is the cause of everything, absolutely everything. Do what you're told and you won't have a problem.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

We fly internationally in a couple of weeks. I'm not afraid of the airlines at all. I'm afraid of the crazy passengers.

 

[bcla]

Language barrier can't be used as a justification to disregard instructions on a plane (or anywhere really).

I agree to some extent. It can be pretty obvious that something isn't allowed when you're being blocked from going forward. And she seemed to understand enough English to express her displeasure. But sometimes a language barrier can be an impediment to understanding what the problem is.

Even if the rules say that a small stroller is allowed on board, that's usually a matter of available space. That can be rescinded at any time if there's not going to be any space. I was told once that I had to gate check my luggage and I didn't fight it.

 

[Snap Crackle Pop]

She was told there was available space which is why she brought the stroller in and then the FA who wasn't the one who told her it was okay yanked it from her hands.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

I agree to some extent. It can be pretty obvious that something isn't allowed when you're being blocked from going forward. And she seemed to understand enough English to express her displeasure. But sometimes a language barrier can be an impediment to understanding what the problem is.

Even if the rules say that a small stroller is allowed on board, that's usually a matter of available space. That can be rescinded at any time if there's not going to be any space. I was told once that I had to gate check my luggage and I didn't fight it.

I agree. It happens to me all the time when I travel internationally. And I use my hands, make gestures, draw pictures in the air, until the person and I have an understanding. Just shrugging my shoulders and moving ahead without understanding isn't acceptable.

 

[Squirlz]

I applaud the FA who called out the big talker. Too many people think they can say anything to service personnel without repercussions.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I applaud the FA who called out the big talker. Too many people think they can say anything to service personnel without repercussions.

I totally agree with you. It's getting out of hand.

 

[Westcoastwild]

I can't imagine they would ever say yes to that. It would be a nightmare trying to get down that narrow aisle. Then everyone would have to back up off the plane to let her back out with it.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Double strollers aren't petite- or at least I've never seen a petite one before. I've never seen anyone try to use a stroller on a plane before though- simple visual estimates suggest that it would be more trouble than it's worth.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Random question- every time I've travelled with a stroller, the stroller has to be gate checked. But it sounds like there are exceptions? What are the exceptions? I can imagine a simple umbrella stroller fitting into an overhead but the big strollers we've used don't collapse that small, unless...strollers have made significant advances in the last 10 years (family generally hands that stuff down).

 

[bcla]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Double strollers aren't petite- or at least I've never seen a petite one before. I've never seen anyone try to use a stroller on a plane before though- simple visual estimates suggest that it would be more trouble than it's worth.

I think I could get a cheap umbrella stroller through the aisle of a plane. However, I definitely couldn't get a Peg Perego or Chicco stroller in. I wouldn't generally even think of taking a deluxe stroller with me on a trip since it would be a huge pain to try to transport when I've also got luggage. I never really wanted to deal with trying to stow a stroller of any size in the cabin of a plane.

 

[mjkacmom]

She was told there was available space which is why she brought the stroller in and then the FA who wasn't the one who told her it was okay yanked it from her hands.

I've had to gate check carry ons, but I've never heard of an airline allowing a stroller as a carry on.

 

[piccolopat]

Are you sure a flight attendant is allowed to help seat a passenger or handle their baggage? I thought I read disabled people had to have a companion to help them (if needed) and that FA's couldn't left someone's heavy carry-on into the overhead compartment. Sounds like this woman had way too much stuff to handle along with her twins and perhaps should have had a friend or relative with her to help.

 

[piccolopat]

Maybe, but the reaction of the flight attendant was so beyond anything but completely inappropriate that it really doesn't even matter at that point. The flight attendant was the one in the professional position, at work and has a duty to react in stressful situations...even if he hadn't yanked the stroller, possibly almost hitting the woman child, his behavior to the other passenger is still 100% unacceptable and he should most def. be fired. It is not acceptable to taunt your customers while at work, it is not acceptable to intentionally attempt to escalate stressful situations. It is just not that difficult to comprehend and if he doesn't have enough self-control to stay professional, then he has no business in that career.

It's also illegal for a passenger to threaten the flight crew. He should have been removed from the flight and perhaps arrested or detained by security.

 

[brockash]

It's also illegal for a passenger to threaten the flight crew. He should have been removed from the flight and perhaps arrested or detained by security.

Oh, absolutely, but the problem is, that's not the issue in this scenario. Had the flight attendant acted appropriately and professionally and the passenger behaved as he did, then absolutely, the story would be completely different and about the irate passenger. My point is, when you have a situation such as this where the employee acts so irrationally and escalates a situation as he did, it almost negates any wrong-doing of anything else, because the flight attendants actions are so bluntly extreme.

 

[dlavender]

It's also illegal for a passenger to threaten the flight crew. He should have been removed from the flight and perhaps arrested or detained by security.

Did he threaten him?

He simply said, "if you would have done that to me, then x would have happened."

He didn't say, "I'm going to hit you"

There's a real difference between the two.

 

[DaisyJ]

There was no language barrier. She is speaking English just fine in the video. She doesn't deserve a dime. No one was hit and no one was hurt.

 

[DaisyJ]

Oh and sign that woman up for acting classes. She needs to sell it better next time she sees herself being filmed.

 

[4Hawks]

I have witnessed several passengers acting unruly and/or having meltdowns during boarding. Including a woman who pushed a FA out of her way to bring an over-sized bag into the plane and had to be escorted out by Atlanta police officers.

Every single incident was handled by calm and collected (Delta) crew members who did their best to de-escalate the situation. It's part of their job and training. No matter what the woman did (or her state of mind for that matter), I think the FA acted like a dick.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

Did he threaten him?

He simply said, "if you would have done that to me, then x would have happened."

He didn't say, "I'm going to hit you"

There's a real difference between the two.

Do you find that appropriate? Helpful in any way?

And I would love to see that tough guy lay his hands on an FA. Would love to see it.

 

[dlavender]

Do you find that appropriate? Helpful in any way?

I find it just as helpful as the FA continuing to escalate the situation.

Since the passenger wasn't being paid to be helpful, his actions are excusable.

It's ok to stand up for people. He was there, he saw the entire event first hand and felt that it needed to be said.

I'm not going to say, "ooh, he threatened the guy, kick him off". Because he didn't threaten, he just felt based on the circumstances that he needed to step in and defend that lady.