[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

failing to identify unregistered passengers on flights boarding

MaryAnn: I’d be interested to hear some clarification as to this point. It sounds like someone needed assistance in boarding and someone, other than airline/airport staff, (like an unticketed family member) were doing the assisting. If that was the case it’s possible some gate agents might go crazy for good reason. Also, for my future travel plans: Was this a gate agent (stay away from Boston on Delta) or a Delta flight attendant?

With respect to travel on ANY US-based airline: From what I’ve seen the more conversation or requests one has of ground staff or of a flight attendant the greater the chance there is for a verbal conflict. My strategy on some recent flights has been to try to limit my responses to “yes,” “no,” or, if necessary, “I wish to remain silent.” Refusing all meal and other in-flight service is another way of avoiding conflict. Some large airports sell food and drink on the “airside” of security, so you can carry-on something to eat. Hopefully, the flight attendant won’t decide to steal (make you hand-over) your food.

I’m glad to see someone decided to “call” one of these airline egomaniacs on their threat and, in effect, say PLEASE call the police. That may be one reason why “Linda” got so p****d. She’s not used to people “calling” her on her threats. Indeed, having the phone number of the airport police, before you travel, is not a bad idea. That way you can call them yourself! Airport police should get to know the nut cases among airline employees.

Again, it’s sky/airport Nazis, like Linda, that make the extra cost of a fully refundable ticket worthwhile. That way you can just walk away.