[Wineshine]

I'm a frequent flier, having spent over 30 years flying for buisness. Not everyday, not every week, but I would certainly be considered among the top 10% of Americans in terms of miles flown.

I understand the responsibilities and duties of FA's, and comply with ALL requests. I turn off my phone as the cabin doors are closing, my seat back is always upright and tray table up when taking off and landing. You get the idea.

I also realize that there is a large amount of the flying public that make unreasonable demands, and that has elevated expectations of their airport and flight experience, simply because the price of their ticket is a larger-than-normal expenditure for them. I get all that. I know that in some cases, emotions, and anxieties work to bring out the worst behavior in some passengers.

It should also be said that many people are just unaware of their surroundings, inconsiderate of others, and plainly, just don't care about how you or I feel, as long as they're okay. Okay? Do I seem like a lucid, mature adult?

That said, what's your take on this experience I had on DL 6209 this past Friday:

This was a fairly full flight from RDU to LGA, about 1 hour, aboard a regional jet, seating of 2x2. I boarded with my group, and as always, kept my broad shoulders are far from the aisle as I could, and waited patiently for the boarding process to complete. There were two young girls in the aisle, and one of them had a backpack which stood out, no exageration, a full 12" off her back. At one point, said backpack came within one inch of my face, before I took 1 finger, and pushed it out of the way. At that point, the girl apologized, and I acknowledged. No words exchanged, that was it.

Except that this was apparently witnessed by FA "Jessica". Immediately afterward, I heard a male passenger say, "yeah, I saw that". I knew right away that Jessica must have said something to the guy. One minute later, this FA approaches my seat, and told me that I'd have to take the material I had in the seat pocket out, due to FAA rules. I took it out immediately, and dropped them on the floor.

Not good enough for Jessica, she looked staight at me and said, "are you okay with that", in an antagonistic tone. I told her that I guessed I would have to be. She repeated the question. I responded, and I quote, "If you're looking for a fight from me, you're not going to get it". (Remember, I have complied with all requests, and rules) Still not satisfied, the FA then says, "Oh, I think it was you who was looking for the fight". Am I wrong or was I being harassed? I should tell you all that I was in seat 15B, and the seat pocket of the passenger in 13C, which Jessica passed by twice, was JAMMED with a book and water bottle.

I turned around and asked her what she would do. I said, "would you just let the backpack hit you in the face?" Now she says, "I would politely ask the girl to move her pack". At that point, I said, "Oh, come on" and just turned away. Not being able to bait me must have frustrated her because she took just took off up the aisle.

I really tried to get over this, but could not. Her behavior was wrong, and I feel that someone like that should not be in the position of watching out for my safety. To wit, instead of watching out for my safely, and trying to prevent me getting hit in the face with a heavy backpack, she instead became the chivalry police.

What is your take on this?

[cortney]

First of all, this flight attendant, the way it sounds, was just looking for a fight lol. I now know (from some of the flight attendants I have seen and witnessed, obviously lie through their teeth to get the job) cause there is no way this would have handled well in an interview. With all this said, be lucky she didn't abuse her powers more and through you off (that imo would be a over reaction), you can write to the airline, not delta, but whichever delta carrier it was, skywest, shuttle America etc. And just let it go. You know her behavior was wrong.

[Wineshine]

Thanks Cortney. You're right about letting it go. The bizarre part of this was that during the incident, I felt like I was actually having some sort of lovers quarrel, where she was concerned about my sensitivity. Just leave me alone.. that's all I ask. Thanks for the advice.

[jimworcs]

The problem with "letting it go" is that they continue with impunity. I would copy the text of this post to the airline. The airline will not take it seriously and will simply file it, when the FA denies it went down the way you said it did. However, over a career, Jessica's attitude will continue and hopefully more passengers will also write. Sooner or later we can hope the skynazi will get her cumuppance.