American Airlines Flight Sent Back to Gate After Flight Attendant Rants Over PA About Crashing

tysosweet2u

I FLEW IN FROM ATL AND ARRIVED IN DFW 10 MIN EARLY (ACCORDING TO THE PILOTS ANNOUNCEMENT), WE TAXI IN TO OUR PARKING SPACE WHICH WAS OCCUPIED BY ANOTHER PLANE. WE WAITED FOR APPROX 20-25 MIN, WE EVENTUALLY TAXI AROUND LOOKING FOR ANOTHER PARKING SPACE. THIS INCONVIENCE CAUSE ME TO MISS MY CONNECTING FLIGHT I ARRIVED AT MY DEPARTURE GATE AT 5:38PM FOR A 5:40PM DEPARTURE BUT WAS NOT ALLOWED TO BOARD. THEY RESCHEDULED ME A FLIGHT FOR 9:00 PM. I ASKED THEN FOR COMPENSATION DUE TO THEIR ERROR BECAUSE THIS WAS AN INCONVIENCE AND CAUSED ME TO MISS OTHER SCHEDULED ARRANGEMENT. IF I HAD FLOWN DELTA OR AIRTRAN I WOULD HAVE BEEN OFFERED A VOUCHER (RIGHT ON THE SPOT). I EXPECT A VOUCHER FOR A FLIGHT FROM ATL BACK TO WACO (ACT). THIS WOULD SHOW GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CONCERN FOR YOU CONSUMERS. THIS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE WEATHER... A PARKING SPACE FOR THE FLIGHT I WAS ON WAS BLOCKED BY ANOTHER PLANE CAUSING ME TO MISS MY CONNECTING FLIGHT. I DID NOT PAY FOR A 9PM DEPARTURE TO WACO, I PAID FOR 5:40PM. THIS RUINED MY HOLIDAY PLANS AND I EXPECT COMPENSATION.

Fund905

seems to me American Airlines doesn't hire Flight Attendants that are wrapped very tightly in the head.. Here is more evidence of ticking time bomb employees: http://on.fb.me/FO7sFa

SkyHag

I'm Baaack! FINALLY! My hubby has been home for a couple days and it was hard to make the time to get on here! His opinion...."why in the World would you sit and spend time reading all these comments from people who do not work with you and have no clue about anything except calling reservations, waiting at security, waiting at the gate and then getting shoved in a cramped seat for 3 hours? They don't know you, you don't know them and they don't know a damn thing about your job. I make 8 times as much as you do and my job is very important. When I am a passenger on an airplane it doesn't matter what the hell I do or make. There are two groups of people that are by far the most important thing in my Universe during that time, the pilot and flight attendant. How do I know that? Because I happen to be a very educated person and have quite a bit of brain power. Anybody who thinks or says different is one of two things, uneducated or jealous. You know who you are, our family and friends know who you are and most of them would give their right arm to do what you do. The people putting labels on you like waitress in the sky, peanut server, who really cares...yeah that's part of your job. You serve peanuts to Berlin and Oslo, Norway. Who cares. You get off work in a great place. They write 3 page reports instead of serving peanuts, get up from their desk and go to their employee cafeteria or Starbucks down the street. I'd rather serve peanuts if I had to do it over again. Get off these comment pages and enjoy our short life. Remember the old saying, Misery Loves Company. That's exactly what this boils down to. The people that have no empathy, sympathy, compassion and go around demeaning others for their career choices are not people we want or need in our lives. Please refrain from loading these types of pages on the computer. Now, back to planning our next trip my Dear SkyHag. They have no idea what they are missing."

This is the quoted lecture I received from my husband on Sunday. I think he says it all. To those people who have made hateful remarks, sorry. My husband is right. If you showed me your crew ID as a flight attendant then we could have a real conversation. If you don't walk in my shoes then you absolutely have no wings to fly around on and your opinion is issued based on zero knowledge of anything no matter how many miles you fly as a passenger.

Time to go, have a great week....Bye Bye. :-)

Paul

Thank you for your comments and perspective.

I have been an engineer for over 35 years.

I have advanced degrees in Engineering and Physics.

I get two comments from non engineers:

If it works, the comment is: "It is over-engineered."

If it doesn't work, the comment is: "You don't know what you are doing."

Do I care what non-engineers think about me? Short answer: No.

Do I care about the non-engineers and what the effect my actions have on them? Yes I do with every breath and heartbeat.

Does my satisfaction with my career depend upon the affirmation of people who know nothing about my career? No, not in the least.

Is my job bad at times? Yes it is, there are instances where I have had to wade through raw sewage to find out why a piping failure had occurred. Did I get any thanks or special consideration for what I had to do? Nope, not a one.

I am very satisfied with my career. I can look around and see the positive effect that I have had on people who have no clue as to my existence.

Please answer two questions for me Skyhag:

1) Please explain why a ticket from SoCal through DFW to a major city in the NE cost ~$300, while my ticket from DFW to the same major city in the NE on the same aircraft was ~$1200 and both tickets were purchased through the AA website on the same day within hours of each other.

2) Was AA responsible for the passenger screening at Boston Logan Airport the morning of 9/11/2001?

I truly hope that you find satisfaction in life. Satisfaction in life comes from within and not from the affirmation and adulation of others around you.

Life is too short to be miserable. If you are miserable or unsatisfied with the condition of your life, please find something else to do where you will find inner peace, joy and happiness.

get real

Answer to #2 and if you fly so much, as you have stated in the past, you should know that the screeners are not hired by the airline, in 2001 or 2012! The more I read your posts, the greater my belief that you don't fly too often.... only to a major city in the NE, approximately 10 yrs ago!

Paul

Prior to the formation of the TSA, the screeners at all airports were paid for by the tenants of those airports.

After the TSA was formed, the tenants of the airports were relieved of paying for passenger screening.

The "Airport Security Fee" was added to tickets to fund the TSA.

The result was that two things happened. 1) The airline company tenants and the airport operators were no longer arguing over the cost of the passenger screening operations. 2) The airlines scored a major PR coup in that they could honestly say that they were no longer responsible for what goes on for passenger screening.

Do you honestly think that if the airlines were still responsible for airport screening that there would be full body pat downs?

As tragic as the events of 9/11 are, I have never bought the argument that the hijackers used "boxcutters" to gain control of the aircraft that were flown into the WTC towers and the aircraft that crashed in Shanksville.

I still miss my friend.

So much for the flight crews that are there for our safety and are supposedly placing their lives at risk to protect us.

PS: The flight was not ten years ago, it was five.

ScottsMerkin

to answer #1, there could have been a fare sale from the SoCal city that was not going on in DFW, this happens everyday. AA has specific fare sales for each hub city. If you buy at the right time you too can fly from DFW to the NE for under $300

Paul

Hello ScottsMerkin:

Yes your explanation may be true. Now go and explain that to my lost client. I doubt that he will believe it.

I tracked the same fare for over 6 months and the cost differential between the two tickets was never less than $600. So much for the concept of a "fare sale".

You may also be overlooking the various studies that were done that showed that, on average, the cost to fly from DFW to another major metropolitan city was 15% to 25% higher than equivalent flight segments from other major US airports.

The reverse route ticketing was even worse. That is DFW to LGA and return was always more expensive than LGA to DFW and return.

Scruffygeist

Both of you have some serious issues. Be sure to take your meds! Bye!

Scruffygeist

Why does this woman deserve compassion? I'm sure I'm poking a hornet's nest, and for sure all details have not emerged, but if she was negligent in either medication or treatment of a mental condition it's entirely her fault. She placed an entire plane full of passengers and crew in danger--it's hard to feel too much compassion for that. The compassion is for her peers on that plane and the passengers.

The flight crew is perceived as being in control no matter what, whether it's true or not, and when one of them has tantrum the passengers, already feeling like they have no control or say in the matter, are put in a position that very few people can handle well. You expect an attendant to have their shit together--sorry, but it's a hazard of the job. And if she didn't, that's on her.

Let's dial back on any rhetoric that being a flight attendant is inherently more dangerous than other professions--it's not. Of course there's risk and danger, but also let's keep in mind the thousands of flights DAILY that take place without a hitch. The incident rate is rather low. The drive to the airport is statistically far more dangerous than being on the plane. Talk to the framer balanced 30 feet in the air working on a roof truss about danger. Or the factory line worker who could lose a finger or hand if it gets caught in equipment. Or the police officer. Or the school teacher who could be in a classroom with a mentally unbalanced kid who really can't control their state of mind. Or the delivery driver out on the road every day. Or the electrician. Shall I go on?

Sorry, flight attendants, you don't corner the market on dangerous, stressful occupations. The woman in question has issues and happens to be a flight attendant. It's not condemning the profession at all, but you're not going to get a ton of sympathy for your occupation either since a lot of the population is doing something just as risky and stressful, just in different ways.

get real

Thanks for proving my point.... not only do I have to fly, I also have to drive to the Airport in order to get to work!! Then, when I get to my layover city, I have to take the van to the hotel and back to the airport.... to fly again! Triple danger!

TheRealDirtyP1

Thanks Scruff.Couldn't agree with you more.This article has brought in a lot of FA's and pilots, and there's been a constant:1. These people think every day they're at war, whether it's passengers, their company, or terrorists. 2. Passengers are rude, ungrateful, etc.3. FA's don't do it for the money because if we didn't already know, they're underpaid. They do it for the flight benefits, etc.

I'm sure I can add a couple more, but they're being so Chris Chris about their job. No offense to anyone, but you're glorified customer service reps. The ride attendant at Six Flags checks more passengers into their ride in a day than you do, and does it in the 100+ degree heat making far less than you. They also wear uniforms, clean up vomit, etc. I know a few of you got upset about the ageism, but it is what it is. Don't tell me your job is dangerous, don't use the "when that door closes, that could be the last time I see my family"....really????? We as passengers have given up our liberties to greatly reduce the chance of terrorists getting on board. There aren't going to be any terrorists, like, EVER, on the DFW-ORD flight, so please spare me all of your post 9/11 scare tactics.

Tip:-If you feel you are underpaid, underappreciated, etc., get a new job. There are plenty of websites around to post your resume or you can network. It seems like I see more of those remarks from the older "Skyhags"(your name not mine). If you love your job, don't come on here saying you love your job in one breath and complain that you're underpaid in the next one. There are people that work for non profits and state agencies, make less than you do per hour worked, etc. etc. If you think you're the only ones that have stress in their job, seriously, kiss my ass. I'm so tired of hearing about it.

get real

I'd reply to your tantrum, but my time would be wasted on at least two people who have no grasp on reality!

Kergo1 Spaceship

Oh yeah, welcome to the new dynamic. Life is a real struggle.

Kergo1 Spaceship

In my book two equates to 2 million........just sayin'. It's not a tantrum, it's stone (or Tone!-he he) cold reality......the one that stares one in the face when inflicted by the jolt of humbled reality-sorry?

Kergo1 Spaceship

Wow, that about nail the coffin shut!

Kergo 1 Spaceship

poke dat hornets nest senior!

bobs your uncle

So what kind of FEDERAL OFFENSES can we expect to see this woman to be charged with ?Clearly she disrupted the flight crew. She assaulted people on the aircraft .

An Example needs to be made !

Dgb8585

I think it is sad that "crazy" people use this "comment" opportunity to act like idiots.My heart goes out to that woman. My heart also goes out to people flying that morning who were nervous to begin with, and now might never fly again. In the back of my mind is still the question,"Was there a mechanical issue that was debated that morning that might have put the already unstable attendant over the edge?" We have not heard a word from AA concerning what might have set her off.To end my comment, there has to be a way to prevent the comment area from becoming a sounding board for morons. They can do that on their own personal facebook.Sincerely, a good day to all, and I hope everything gets straightened out and the friendly skies remain friendly.

Larry

Nice to see turnabout from the usual FAs abusing their police powers on passengers. far too little 'live and let live' on planes. every little thing gets escalated to a shouting match.

So, next time an FA abuses you, just ask if he/she is off her meds....

Susy

Do you realize that there are FAA rules and if a FA does NOT do her job she is personally fined as much as $10,000...there are FAA inspectors on random flights watching them to make sure they are telling people to stoww their luggage in the correct places, turn off electronic devices, etc...what the public doesn't seem to realize is that they are constantly being watched and ultimately fined...and do you realize there are Federal Air Marshalls on many flights??? also there is a briefing before every flight as to what is going on in the world and possibly that specific flight...you have no idea what goes on behind the scenes...absolutely NO idea...and you really don't want to know...

get real

Like it or not, Flight Attendants have "police" powers onboard! It's mandated by the FAA! There is very little "live and let live" on a crowded plane and the rules are the reason crew members are onboard in the first place! Obey the FAA rules and you have a smooth, enjoyable flight... If I had a dollar for every time I was abused by a passenger, I'd own my own Island in the South Pacific!

TheRealDirtyP1

Really? And just how do passengers abuse you, officer?

FrequentFlier

Much as I'd like an island too. The hostile cattle-prod wielding AA skyhag, is completely unnecessary. I vote with my feet. My company continues to issues me AA tickets, but I fly LAN or TAM, its worth it to me. I get stuck with AA flights just enough to remember its worth it. Getreal.

johninlongmont

how about IDENTIFYING the flight attendant so we can avoid her in the future?

Cookie Monaco

Erika starting her S**T again.Obviously,off her meds!!!!!!

Cetopfed

Hmm, bankrupt airline....nothing like going out on a medical.......

Susy

Wow, these comments are so disturbing and heartbreaking...I'm an AA flight attendant and just turned 50...I have made a career out of working as a Flight Attendant because I have 3 boys I'm raising with my husband...I hope I am raising kind, compassionate men who treat people with respect...I fly international and am appalled at how women are treated in other countries...really thought we were treated better here...I'm just trying to do my job, earn a living and raise 3 teenagers...makes my heart break to read the comments about old flight attendants...any comments about old pilots, or agents, or management?? no...really thought this country had come a long way, but guess not...I'll continue working, being kind to people and working with air marshals to keep an eye out for terrorists...a little kindness always goes a long way...

Capetown5

Amen Susy! The general public has long forgotten about 9/11 and don't understand, nor realize the stress we live with on a day to day basis... I love my job as well and I'm not going to let these derogatory comments get the best of me. Every day that I go to work, lock the front door, I realize it might be the last time I see it or my loved ones inside. When I arrive at work, I see the 9/11 Memorial, which takes up an entire wall in Operations, reminding me of the sacrifices made by my co-workers on that terrible day... I'm constantly reminded that there are people who still wish to do harm to this country and I study every single face that walks onboard my flights, sometimes 3 or 4 flights a day. I still carry a picture of a terrorist that the F.B.I is still looking for since 9/11, it's in my lunch pack..... yet the "average Joe" is still only concerned about the appearance of my outsides, instead of the content of my insides! I have a college education, 20+ years on the job and haven't seen a raise since the 90's.... but I'm here to stay a few more years, so they might as well get used to it!! Yes, I am flirted with regularly, handed business cards on the way out the door (including one's by men wearing visible rings on their left fingers)... but let's get REAL... I have a life at home, I have a job to do and if I needed a date, the last thing I'd be wearing would be blue polyester! Life has changed since the coffee, tea or me days.... if these guys want to google at Flight Attendants, go ahead and fly the airlines with a young work force.. be my guest! Frankly, you won't be missed! The seats are full and I'd rather have a plane full of elderly passengers, dressed in their Sunday best, than the "average Joe's" making ridiculous "noise" on this blog!

TheRealDirtyP1

The "average Joe" is the one that would be saving your ass if there was a hijacking, not the other way around. Passengers had to help subdue this wacky FA, did you hear the tape? How are you going to stop a hijacker if you can't even subdue your own?

SkyHag

RDP!, next time I'm at Recurrent I'll be sure and look you up. Test in 1 minute on Exotics and Threat Levels. Are you prepared? I thought not.

Kwaccts

I think it's disgusting tHat passengers videoed this tragic incident. This poor woman had an emotional breakdown and needs compassion not criticism. Leave her alone and let her heal. It's unfortunate that it happened. How would you and your families like it if you had a breakdown and it was posted all over the media. Shame on all of you who think its funny. Shame on you Bethany christakos. My heart goes out to his poor woman's family, hopefully they can get her the help she needs.

econwriter

Did AA then actually fly those passengers on THAT plane to Chicago? Talk about tone-deaf corporations!

The flight attendant may have been crazy, but that doesn't rule out the plane also having problems that weren't shared with the passengers. The article is silent on whether that was the case, something responsible journalists would have told us. I'm sure, though, that would be about the last thing AA would like to be discussed.

Mervis

Did you click the 2nd page of the story? All the details are there concerning takeoff and landing times.

Colby1labrador

I'm sorry I ever even looked at this site. Clearly the gene pool the readers come from is very shallow indeed.

ScottsMerkin

yet you still commented. Where do you normally post your greatness at. Id like to go check out that gene pool

Chinzie

Reply to ScottsMerkin..I get the impression from your comments you've had a bit of education. Too bad, you should have played hookey from school,then you'd have an excuse for being so dumb.Pilot

ScottsMerkin

threat? Where was the threat? An honest discussion is more likely to happen in person. Im the least violent person u would know. Its ok to call me dumb, but tell me why at least, otherwise its just another internet insult that rolls off my back

Capetown5

ScottsMerkin, you should know better, with a wife working as a crew member!!! Best not to threaten a pilot who has the ability to throw you off the D2 list and the plane!

ScottsMerkin

Lets discuss, what is dumb about me? We can do it here or let me know the next flight you pilot and i can hop aboard and talk about it.

PhilanderingMoustache

Hope the flight attendant is ok. After watching the video, I would have grabbed my stuff and removed myself from the plane.

Chatele49

How sad for the flight attendant -one never knows about another person and after reading some awful comments made - it just reinforces how people are always thinking of themselves FIRST -especially Bethany Christakos with her comment "We're going to be stuck here forever," Christakos said.

Amercan111

This is sad.

But remember, give up your liberties because the TSA and Homeland Security is here to help you fight those scary, nebulous foreign terrorists lurking around.

TheRealDirtyP1

What is your solution to keep crazies from flying jets into buildings?

Amercan111

Stop invading their countries, raping their people and resources, and installing our regime governments to foster the fore-mentioned. I don't support violence/terrorism of any kind. But you have to admit, the US is looking quite barbaric these days. We don't even treat our Vets well--I should know, I work at a VA Hospital and also was at Walter Reed. Disgraceful. PERIOD.

XangDeee

Well that certainly makes a lot of sense dude. I mean like yeah!Total-Privacy dot US

DayTraderBarbie

The audio is shocking! She clearly snapped and had a nervous breakdown. If you had any idea of the high suicide rate among "Pilots" you wouldnt make such immature comments about this subject. The pressure under bankruptcy, the pressure to maintain watch for security issues, always on guard for possible fire, explosions, mechanical issues,or terrorist attacks. Now job security threat, yet ANOTHER paycut, and a hack job on pensions and health benefits. I say we pray hard for this woman and all the rest of the people suffering in this economy. I'm actually shocked with close to 20k flight attendants, its the first mental crisis situation onboard I have heard of !

Sotiredofitall

As someone who flies out of DFW almost weekly; I feel sorry for the poor woman. She lost it while on the job, god knows I've seen people wigout at the office. We'll likely never get the whole story.

As to air travel; come on people it isn't the 70's (or 80's) any more. I'm sick of whining passengers. More passengers are a pain than the bored flight attendants.

BelKaye

To clarify one thing the Inflight Team start getting paid once the boarding door has been closed, not twelve feet after push back. Also, age aint nothin' but a number. People are mean/crabby/bats at all ages, whenever they want to be, and in varied job positions.