Pilot praised for diffusing Trump-inspired air rage
A United Airlines captain has been forced to intervene over the cabin intercom to diffuse an air rage incident between opposing supporters following last week’s US election.
A black passenger began ‘crying and freaking out’ on a San Francisco-Puerto Vallarta flight after the man sat next to her said he was glad for a Trump win as he will be able to ‘keep his guns’.
The woman then started ranting and crew members were forced to separate the pair after a reported scuffle.
That is when the pilot decided to mediate.
"I understand everybody has their opinion; that’s fine. If you support (Donald Trump), great. If you don’t, I understand," he said.
"However, we’re out here to go to Puerto Vallarta, supposed to be having a good time, and what I do ask is that as people we have the common decency to respect each other’s decisions so that we can have a good time when we get down there," he said according to a video clip posted on YouTube.
"Nobody is going to change their minds by arguing. And let’s keep our opinions to ourselves on this particular matter at this particular time."
Anyone who not wanting to abide by these ground rules was welcome to leave the flight, he said.
If there’s anyone that has a problem with this, that needs to vent or rant or rave, there’s another flight tomorrow," he said.
It was followed by a warm round of applause from other passengers.
United Airlines confirmed the incident and said in a statement the captain ‘used the intercom to diffuse the situation and ensure the safety of everyone on board’.
"The flight continued without any further reports of disturbance," the United statement concluded.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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