[i_luv_toronto]

I would like to report a situation I had encounter with Air Canada on April 1st, 2011, flight: AC 088flight from Shanghai to Toronto; departing time 1710. It was very unfortunate that during my 10-day tour to China, I was suffering from a medical condition which lead to a temporarily loss of my speech.

I would like to make a complaint regarding the ineptitude and rude behavior of one of the Air Canada cabin attendants. There was a flight attendant (Mandarin-speaking Asian young male flight attendant with short dark hair, middle frame, approximately 5”10-5”11) who came to me and asked me chicken or beef during meal time, I tried to speak but it was very difficult due to my temporarily loss of speech. He repeated it approximately 5 times in a very angry and loud shouting tone. He became very annoyed as I cannot verbalize much for myself due to my medical condition. He then made a comment "are you deaf or what?" I was shock. His rudeness was also witnessed by another male passenger who sat very close to me. The other male passenger shook his head because he realized that the male cabin attendant was totally inappropriate. We looked at each other totally shock after he made that discriminating comment and false accusation on a passenger having a permanent disability (being deaf). I kept quiet as I didnt expect that the discriminating comment would occur in someone who should be well educated in Canada and work in the biggest airline representing Canadian as a cabin attendant. A few passengers nearby were looking at me as if I had committed a criminal act that I cannot speak for myself. It was very embarrassing and humiliating and I was furious for the whole 13.5 hours flight that other passengers really thought Im deaf. The situation could easily have been handled in a quiet and courteous manner if a passenger is suffering from a loss of speech. I felt very uncomfortable and I couldnt see his name tag/identification badge on his uniform. I asked another flight attendant to enquire if I can get the rude flight attendants name because I would like to report this act of discrimination and humiliation to Air Canada. Unfortunately, I was told by another cabin attendant that his name cannot be given out to any passenger due to Air Canada policy, security reason, and Confidentiality issue. I briefly told another flight attendant that one of the Mandarin-speaking Asian, tall, short hair, male flight attendant was very rude to me (with my limited speech due to my medical condition). Then there was a supervisor who came to check on me. I cannot verbalize and explain the situation to the supervisor but he was very comforting and professional.

The flight attendant who made that discriminating comment was very rude and very unprofessional. This discriminating behavior towards passenger is not appropriate. Fortunately, I do not have any hearing impairment and permanent loss of speech. Making a comment accusing me of being deaf is absolutely inappropriate and Im sure it is against the code of conduct at Air Canada. There is no excuse for rudeness and discrimination against people with any medical conditions. It is expected everyone including people who suffer from any form of disability should be treated with dignity and respect. I cannot imagine how a deaf-mute person would be treated by this rude flight attendant. I hope there are policies in place to protect everyone from discrimination. Prejudice against persons with a medical condition/disability is against the law.
Air Canada is the biggest airline in North America. It should be zero tolerance for discrimination in an Airline that represents Canada. Although Im in the Economy class, it does not mean I should be treated in an unprofessional manner. I wish this rude flight attendant will not fly on any international flight again because he can ruin the reputation of our country and affect our tourism industry.

Ive flown on many airlines like United, AA, Cathay, Continental, JAL, Korean airlines, Delta airlines that this is the first time that I encountered such poor service from a cabin attendant that just simply discriminate people who cannot speak for themselves. On the while, I was just disappointed and insulted by his behavior and service. He made me feel like a second class citizen and did not seem to care because I cannot verbalize for my need due to my medical condition. In many years of flying this is the worst customer experience I have ever experienced on an airline.

I wish this rude cabin attendant can be educated to communicate effectively and professionally to all passengers. He should demonstrate Air Canadas Values and Standards. He should learn to use a wide range of communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with all passengers. He should be trained and showed ability to maintain effectiveness and professionalism when faced with new unexpected or challenging situations. He should also demonstrate self-awareness and objectively maintains a positive attitude at all times.
I expected a much higher level of communication skills and basic knowledge of respect from the Cabin Attendant, and I am quite disappointed. Unfortunately, I find that I am no longer comfortable flying with Air Canada because of mistreatment and discrimination from the rude cabin attendant. I really enjoy traveling and I feel badly that I are very uncomfortable flying with Air Canada again.

Unfortunately, Air Canada customer relation only responds to an email with an apology and a 15% to resolve this matter. The damage is done to the customer with a serious act of discrimination and Air Canada is happy to compensate with the damage for 15% off on your next trip with Air Canada. Of course, I refuse to take it! Because I will not fly with them again. They tried to cover for each other. I’m sure this flight attendant is still flying on the plane and insulting everyone with disability on the plane. Sign…. I thought Canada is free of discrimination but I guess Air Canada is completely ruining our reputation as Canadian. I am embarrassed to be a Canadian because of how air Canada representing us as a Canadian and discriminate against the disable. Sign……..

[Gromit801]

That's not discrimination. It's rudeness and stupidity.

[YouJustMe]

Originally Posted by i_luv_toronto

I briefly told another flight attendant that one of the Mandarin-speaking Asian, tall, short hair, male flight attendant was very rude to me (with my limited speech due to my medical condition).

But you couldn't reply beef or chicken? Just want to be clear before I comment...