Well, this was interesting. I flew from Madrid to New York (via Mexico City) this past Saturday. Just as we were about ready to depart, a man charged up from coach. He started arguing with the flight attendants and gate agent that had come on board. You can watch the video below and then some more information.
Thankfully the guy did not take it to the next level that required something like being dragged off the jet (like this lady) or the cops showing up and being forcefully removed from the plane.
What set him off? Here is what I gathered from both a flight attendant involved and the passengers that were the focus of the man’s anger.
The flight attendant said that he refused to wear his mask correctly (his nose was constantly out) and became upset when requested again (and again) to pull it up over his nose. Beyond that, the flight attendant seemed to think that he had been drinking. What about the passengers?
I spoke with them and they said he was very upset and began arguing with them. The man seemed to really want the lady involved also tossed off the jet but instead the AeroMexico crew, after seeing the man off the jet, upgraded the lady and her husband into two empty seats in the mini business class cabin I was in on the Boeing 787-9.
As they were escorted to business class those in coach clapped and cheered and did so also when the man had left the jet. I have no idea what happened to the man next as shortly after he walked off the boarding door was closed and we left about on time from Madrid.
A few thoughts on yet another event that has become all too common flying nowadays.
As I have blogged about recently, like it or not we must wear our masks and we must wear them correctly. We may disagree if they are still needed but those are the rules and if you break them you may not get to fly as planned (see video above). Also, if you choose to drink you had better do so in moderation to have a clear head when flying!
As a side point, beyond the incident itself, after the couple were moved from coach to business class it was only the seat they got “free.” The AeroMexico flight attendants brought them their meal from coach for both dinner and breakfast before landing. You may say that is because there were not enough meals loaded and you may be right but there were many on the flight, that departed after 11 PM Madrid time, that went right to sleep so I doubt that was the case.
Bottom line, folks: a mask is not worth being kicked off a flight. It is not worth the risk of being banned from flying an airline or possibly ending up in jail if things go from bad to worse. – René
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Hi Rene,
I just completed this MR on 1/16. You would think folk would begin to understand mask rules on aircraft. Gosh, this guy boarded in Madrid where a mask is required everywhere….even outdoors!
Always good to see a post from you. When do you think AM will allow booking USA to Europe again?
@Bill – Thank you. My guess is after they are done with the bankruptcy later this month.
Based on what I’ve heard, it’s likely that ability to book from the States to Europe should resume early next month. Again, that’s likely — not a sure thing. Fingers crossed.
I was there as well….in row 3. Was never clear what happened……now I know. He was so loud I hear it through my noise cancelling headphones