Originally Posted by
eastindywalrus
Without knowing the reason why he did it, I don't think saying it wasn't in the best interest of DL or the passenger is a fair statement. The pilot is on charge of that aircraft - he's not going to kick people off without a very good reason. Even if that reason is "it's too warm in the cabin without air," when it comes to the health/safety of passengers and crew, that is in their best interest, and it is in Delta's best interest, as they avoid the potential of someone becoming ill or finding themself in medical distress aboard the aircraft, which would just cause more issues for everyone in the long run.
The captain is not in full command of the aircraft until it has left the gate. He/she can refuse to fly for X reason but the gate agent and dispatch are also in control as long as it now attached to the jetway. Years ago I witnessed a CVG gate agent put a captain in his place. He kept whining about wanting to depart early and the gate agent told him the plane wasn't going anywhere until she said so. ��