[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

I think it comes close to an offence to lie to the captain and interfere with the normal operation of an aircraft..

Based on the fact that customers have been charged with this offense, it obviously is. If it was possible to document, with the testimony/deposition of witnesses, cases where nothing happened to a crew member who behaved like that Express Jet (Continental Express) flight attendant a customer, who was charged with a similiar offense, could use the argument of selective prosecution as a basis to overturn the charges. Indeed, a major attitude change, on the part of crew, would probably take place if someone prevailed on that argument. Unfortunately, since it's a near impossibility to obtain the needed witnesses and documentation, such an event is highly unlikely. At the present time the only things a crew member can expect consequences for are: setting a fire in-flight; stealing drink receipts; or being drunk.