Originally Posted by
Gynob001
1. Is the FA's authority real? can they throw anyone out by just complaining about the passengers "attitude", "behavior" etc?
They can ask the captain to deplane anyone they don't like, and the captain is highly unlikely to undercut the FA's power.
2. Most often the baggage size is not enforced. Why make a" selective" fuss at one passenger? I have seen it happen again and again.
Pettiness, randomness, or insanity. All protected by workplace rules. Passengers have no leverage here.
3. Why do the police take the FA's word without any investigation of the matter? Are we guilty until proven innocent? Considering that most often the Airline eventually give in and compensate the passenger (In genuine cases), wouldn't it be worthwhile to have on on demad "jury" of other passenger?
God, no. An aircraft cabin is noplace to convene a kangaroo court judging a round of he-said, she-said. You do need to maintain command authority on an aircraft and not hand adjudicating power to passengers. What's difficult is the high number of airline employees holding that command authority who are nuts.
In the air you are guilty until proven innocent, yes.
Police summoned to a gate at an FA's request often throw their hands up, laugh, or march off in disgust when they hear the substance of an insane FA's case against an "unruly" passenger... but by that time the damage is done, to the passenger's psyche and often the flight's schedule. There is nothing you can do about this in real time... only complain after the fact.
No one would tolerate a drunk or belligerent passenger; on the other hand, no one would tolerate an abusive FA either.
You have no choice. That is why the prudent posture for a passenger is the lowest profile possible. Make no eye contact, ask for nothing, draw no attention to yourself.
Your flight attendant may be insane.