AA Flight Attendant assaulted allegedly

[SKY HIGH]

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Passeger-Escorted-Off-Plane-After-Fighting-Flight-Attendant-111077744.html

NBC Miami says "the passenger was asked to sit down, but he did not comply and instead proceeded to follow him (the flight attendant) toward the galley at the front of the plane."

The passenger is then accused of "verbally insulting" the attendant before he allegedly poked and shoved him, according to the Herald.

 

[737823]

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Passeger-Escorted-Off-Plane-After-Fighting-Flight-Attendant-111077744.html

NBC Miami says "the passenger was asked to sit down, but he did not comply and instead proceeded to follow him (the flight attendant) toward the galley at the front of the plane."

The passenger is then accused of "verbally insulting" the attendant before he allegedly poked and shoved him, according to the Herald.

This is outrageous. The flight attendants, passengers and other airline employees are entitled to a safe working environment without fear of assault by passengers. If this is true, I hope this passenger is charged to the fullest extent of the law and should be banned from flying AA in the future.

Josh

 

[jimntx]

AA will investigate thoroughly; determine that the flight attendant was totally at fault; and, they will award 50,000 (or more) AAdvantage miles to the (I'd be willing to bet) drunk passenger for his trouble.

It's why I have no problem cutting off the liquor to a passenger if they are drinking heavily--such as, ordering double vodka on the rocks, then ordering a refill less than 15 minutes later. A lot of f/as think it's not our job to control their alcohol intake, but it is an FAR violation to get a passenger intoxicated on the flight. And, remember, intoxicated does not mean acting drunk. It is a legal term which specifies blood alcohol content. Also, we have no way of knowing what the passenger consumed in the airport bar before boarding.

 

[Bob Owens]

AA will investigate thoroughly; determine that the flight attendant was totally at fault; and, they will award 50,000 (or more) AAdvantage miles to the (I'd be willing to bet) drunk passenger for his trouble.

It's why I have no problem cutting off the liquor to a passenger if they are drinking heavily--such as, ordering double vodka on the rocks, then ordering a refill less than 15 minutes later. A lot of f/as think it's not our job to control their alcohol intake, but it is an FAR violation to get a passenger intoxicated on the flight. And, remember, intoxicated does not mean acting drunk. It is a legal term which specifies blood alcohol content. Also, we have no way of knowing what the passenger consumed in the airport bar before boarding.

I think you're right, if it was a coach passenger maybe they would do as Josh says but since it was a First Class passenger it will be "just a misunderstanding".

 

[737823]

I think you're right, if it was a coach passenger maybe they would do as Josh says but since it was a First Class passenger it will be "just a misunderstanding".

There shouldn't be two standards of behavior from airline passengers and AA's policy of handling the situation. Obviously some customers are more lucrative than others and AA maybe afraid to alienate a lucrative and influential customer, but this still shouldn't be tolerated. I'm not sure if anyone on this board knows about Sheila Jackson (Houston TX) Congresswoman was banned from flying Continental after threatening employees and other passengers for not receiving her meal selection and had significant history with CO too.

Josh

 

[jimntx]

Yes, Josh. You are absolutely correct. There shoudn't be a different standard of behavior from coach and F/C passengers. But, then, after 5000 years of fighting among those Semitic first cousins, there shouldn't be conflict in the Middle East. The reality is that at AA we have all seen cases where a F/C passenger acted like a jerk, the flight attendant got written up and reprimanded for "not handling the situation correctly", and the jerk got extra AAdvantage miles "for his trouble."

AA rewards bad behavior. We all know it. And, guess what, the passengers all know it.

 

[nbmcg01]

Yes, Josh. You are absolutely correct. There shoudn't be a different standard of behavior from coach and F/C passengers. But, then, after 5000 years of fighting among those Semitic first cousins, there shouldn't be conflict in the Middle East. The reality is that at AA we have all seen cases where a F/C passenger acted like a jerk, the flight attendant got written up and reprimanded for "not handling the situation correctly", and the jerk got extra AAdvantage miles "for his trouble."

AA rewards bad behavior. We all know it. And, guess what, the passengers all know it.

The problem lies in where the incident happened. In the air it falls under the jurisdition of the US Attorney BELOW the incedent. I'm guessing this will be a fine of $5000 which of course will go to the Gov. not the person assaulted. The f/a would have to sue in a civil court and AA has no say in that area. The only thing AA can really do is support the f./a by giving them needed time off for court hearings.

 

[737823]

Yes, Josh. You are absolutely correct. There shoudn't be a different standard of behavior from coach and F/C passengers. But, then, after 5000 years of fighting among those Semitic first cousins, there shouldn't be conflict in the Middle East. The reality is that at AA we have all seen cases where a F/C passenger acted like a jerk, the flight attendant got written up and reprimanded for "not handling the situation correctly", and the jerk got extra AAdvantage miles "for his trouble."

AA rewards bad behavior. We all know it. And, guess what, the passengers all know it.

Not sure about the need for a reference to the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict, but I largely agree with what you said. I may not reflect this is my posts, but I do respect that the FAs have a challenging task of keeping passengers of different ages, backgrounds, and cultures entertained, fed, and happy throughout the flight. It's not always easy and sometimes your job requires you to assume different roles (EMT in a medical situation, mediator for pax conflicts, etc). If I can ask truthfully-what protections do FAs have from violent passengers in-flight? I know from discussions with your colleagues that FAs are not covered by OSHA and other fair labor standard provisions. Is it the responsibility of the purser (if applicable on the subject flight) and captain to contain the incident in-flight and then follow-up with appropriate ground personnel?

In all seriousness, I imagine if there was a serious incident with an F/J pax AA would follow-up and pursue the passenger. I assume for a minor run-in they would be more willing to overlook the incident.

Josh

 

[jimntx]

Imagine all you want. AA rarely holds the passenger to account. As far as your other questions, you are asking things that are corporate/governmental security policies which are confidential. There are procedures, but we can not discuss them with people not authorized to have the information.

 

[telebender1956]

AA rewards bad behavior. We all know it. And, guess what, the passengers all know it.
[/quote]

Yeah, look at how much money the upper management of AA has given themselves since the 2003 CONCESSIONS of all other employee groups.

 

[nbmcg01]

Imagine all you want. AA rarely holds the passenger to account. As far as your other questions, you are asking things that are corporate/governmental security policies which are confidential. There are procedures, but we can not discuss them with people not authorized to have the information.

It is not up to AA to file the complaint. It is solely the responsibility of the person assaulted. The flight should be met and the local police will ask if the person assaulted wants to "press charges". The answer should ALWAYS be yes. It helps if a debrief report (with witnesses names) is available to send with the arresting police as well as one to turn in. Been there, done that. The FAA called me within several hours of the incident. When I told them I wa on TWA's Assault Team and had helped write our policy, they understood not only was I serious but all ducks were in a row. Guy was convicted and fine was issued. Sucked that it went to the Gov. instead of me..lol I chose not to pursue in civil court as I was only threatened and not touched nor hurt.