FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Can a pilot ask you to leave his plane?
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 3:24 pm
  #11  
aluminumdriver
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,123
Yes, the captain can ask you to leave the plane, he is in charge of the plane. That said, from what you wrote this looks like it was handled about as well as could be handled.

We're at war, and some people get nervous if they hear someone speaking in another language from a middle eastern country. Once passengers said they were concerned, the FA had to act on it, and that involved the captain. He followed proper protocol in having you come off the plane to talk to you. This was to keep the conversation private, and away from other passengers so as hopefully not embarrass you. If the captain has any concern about safety, he has to follow it up, like I think you would want if it were someone else onboard folks were concerned with.

Having the TSA reclear you gave him the reassurance to calm the concerned FA or passengers. Those that were determined to be uncomfortable were told they were free to disembark and fly another flight. If they were just doing it to get you thrown off so they could get your seat, it failed miserably, which is good. The Captain stood up for you as you were put on the plane. IMO, the Captain did his job, and dealt with the matter in as good a manner as I think possible.

Suggesting that the airline take off all the other passengers so that you could fly if they were uncomfortable doesn't really make sense, from an economic standpoint at least. The airlines are there to make money.

While profiling by passengers isn't right in my opinion, in today's environment it does happen. It's a very tough call for airline crews because they have to balance everyone's concerns and rights.

Whether you're due any compensation from United is up to you and the airline, you can always ask. You sound like a nice gentleman with a good natured temper, so I hope that these passengers don't keep you from flying United in the future. Good luck to you.

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Last edited by aluminumdriver; Jan 27, 2010 at 3:39 pm
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