Thanks for the updates on the events that transpired. I posted what I had heard from someone else onboard, however I did see the older gentlemen that was in the coma led off the plane first with the IV still in and his hands tied behind his back, but then I saw another man led off clearly with his hands handcuffed behind his back, and then presumably the families of the 2 guys led off next. Many passengers had their cameras out trying to take photos of the events.
The next day we were unable to use the kiosks to check in for the flight and had to queue up at the ticket counter, but we all got our original seats back.
While waiting to board the gate agent announced Business class passengers first, followed by Sky Priority members, but everyone queued the line, and she gave up and said "Everyone can now board"
I agree Hilton and Delta handled this event quite well.
Originally Posted by
soxfanndc
I was on this flight (and just arrived in Shanghai) and I had a different understanding of events. It was not that two pax were duke-ing it out (as I was talking to the purser) but it seems an older gent had fallen into a diabetic coma and was violent and combative towards his wife so the flight crew restrained him in an effort to treat him. there were a number of medical personnel on board (I heard one comment that "there are more doctors on this plane then passengers) and the guy in front of me in BE actually stepped in for a bit. I think the way that the OP stated it may lead some to think that two pax were brawling it out and I'm not sure that's an accurate portrayal but it is true that the guys did become combative. I agree, the flight crew and DL and the Hilton all handled this incident w/ aplomb and professionalism. As we queued up this a.m to re-board the flight, there was talk that that offending pax was going to be onboard but the flight crew told me he had been "accommodated on another airline."
this whole incident must've cost DL a pretty penny: we dumped fuel before landing in ANC, hotel rooms for all the pax, cancelled flight from this aircraft not arriving in time in PVG, dinner and then breakfast in ANC for everyone. Wow.