I think this is among the best threads I have participated in at FT.

It brings up so much:

9-11 fears,

Rule follower vs. rule challenger,

Conservative vs. liberal, but that is not so clear;

Lots of frequent traveler experiences and perspectives; and

Intense but polite debate (and this is always frustrating too, because threads/emails can get sometimes so antagonistic, for little reason).

But, assuming both people are “wrong” to a somewhat similar degree, I think the FA should be held to a higher standard; I think he should have defused the situation and I think he exercised an abuse of power.

As for the consequences, I don’t think there are or will be any beyond this debate, except, AA might increase conflict resolution training. The FA might learn from it too.

At heart, I do fear this a 9-11 over-reaction; that that people in power positions are increasingly abusing their power, etc.

My guess is most people are reacting on this visceral level, on way or the other.