Flight Diverted When Man Demands to Use the First-Class Bathroom
Jackie Reddy September 29, 2019
An LA-bound Alaska Airlines flight had to be diverted on its journey from New York on Thursday after a passenger became disruptive when he was prevented from using the first-class lavatory. The man became argumentative with crew members and the plane made an unscheduled landing in Kansas City, MO.
A Los Angeles-bound Alaska Airlines flight from New York was diverted to Kansas City earlier this week after a passenger became disruptive when prevented from using the plane’s first-class lavatories, The Mirror reports.
The incident occurred on-board Alaska Airlines Flight 411 on Thursday afternoon, CBS New York confirmed, sharing cellphone footage of the male passenger, who can be seen apparently arguing with cabin crew, who are out of shot.
Despite being told that it’s not possible to use the first-class bathroom, the man continues to protest. According to The Mirror, the flight’s pilot became involved and made an announcement to all on-board, saying, “I understand there’s a gentleman in the aisle making kind of a fuss. We need you to return to your seats and to calm down.”
“Following my crew members directions is a federal requirement and is a federal law violation,” the pilot adds.
Due to the man’s disruptive behavior, the plane was diverted to Kansas City and he was taken off of the flight by police. The flight arrived in Los Angeles just over four hours behind schedule.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident on-board the Boeing 737 and said that it would undertake an investigation into the disruption.
It was initially reported that a passenger had attempted to enter the cockpit, but Alaska has clarified, saying, “We currently have no indication he attempted to breech [sic] the flight deck.”
Flickr/Richard Moross
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As usual, key facts are omitted. What was the man saying was the basis for his demanding to use the first class lav instead of that in economy? Was it an urgent situation ( in which case there should have been room to make a executive decision to allow an exception), or was he trying to make a point that he had an egalitarian right to go there? Was he drunk and had otherwise been a disruptive dick ( no pun intended) the whole time so the crew felt they needed to divert? I frequently need to use a restroom even if I drink no wine and very little fluid flying, so therefore may buy tickets up front on long-hauls (always aisle) to increase odds of no or shorter lines. If everyone in back starts insisting they have a right to go up front due to line, the value of my purchase diminishes. But if people have been confined to their seats for hours due to turbulence ( often needlessly for just tiny bumps) and some are desparate, crew should have discretion to let them temporarily use all the rest rooms.
Just from a factor of time and economy wouldn't it have been in every ones best interests to let the guy use the lav that was available instead of diverting and probably causing some people to miss connections along with the cost of fuel and time for the crew? Defuse first then find a workable solution.
Some airlines do not have this restriction. The official policy is inline with FAA regulations, which restricts you to your cabin when flying internationally on a flight TO THE US. I would rather have someone use the first class lav instead of having an accident in their pants. " Following my crew members directions is a federal requirement and is a federal law violation,” I doubt anyone has ever been convicted for going to the toilet against the directions of a flight crew.
Everyone thinks there is an "exception" and everyone thinks it applies to them. The guy should use the lav in his class of service and get over himself.
So he argued and was stubborn? Isn't handling these situations part of the crew's job? Pretty sad to see passengers here demanding more involvement of State violence rather than blaming incapable pilots and crews.