Originally Posted by jfirstenberg

On a recent flight from TPA to IAD (apparently rebooked as a result of TPA-EWR delays), two law enforcement officers (not in uniform) were escorting a prisoner (handcuffed) on our flight. I understand that this must happen and probably has happened to me more then I realize but in this case, it was very obvious. The question are, what are your rights?

a) Can you ask if a prisoner is on your flight?
b) if yes, can you ask to be re-booked?
c) Can you ask about their alleged crime? - I'm okay with immigration issues but probably not cool with someone who committed murder being on my flight?
d) Can you ask if law enforcement is carrying a weapon?
e) Can you ask what group the law enforcement represents (DHS, CIA, FBI, State Police, etc.)?

I have seen this several times over the years, last time was couple of years ago from HKG to EWR with a guy in cuffs attached to one of the two escorts....must have really pissed someone off for them to go to Hong Kong for him


The boarding process was bit weird. It started with your usual pattern but the people in question jumped the line early and stood out to everyone. The agents didn't get them on board so they stood around with everyone else for about 10 mins. which was just creepy.

It would have been better had they reached the plane from the ground level up to the jetway in the same way bags are returned to you. They should be on the plane and not in the line with everyone else.

The entire flight was uncomfortable.