Originally Posted by
oneant
Mistake 1: The OP chose to use the F word
Mistake 2: The FA threatened to use an unnecessary level of security
Mistake 3: The OP chose to argue his position
Mistake 4: The FA followed through on her threat and unnecessarily employed said level of security
From a pax standpoint, I can completely undertand the extreme frustration of being delayed and not knowing any timing information other than "not yet." I've used a few choice words on occasion while flying, but I take care not to use them in a way that could be deemed threatening by a "reasonable" person.
From an FA standpoint, I know that all it takes is that one last passenger to push them over the edge after a particularly delayed or difficult day. They're human, after all. The OP may have been that last straw, however calm his statements were.
In the end, both parties share equally in the events that led up to this outcome, however the FA (being in the professional role at the time) had an obligation to act accordingly by not abusing her power due to frustration.
I agree with a lot of what has been said, both the above and comments from others. Using the F-Bomb (even if not directed at the FA) was a poor choice. However, things seem to be getting really bad for many US domestic travellers.
(1) Flights are very full
(2) Most flights arrive late
(3) It's rare I'm on a US domestic flight that operates as usual; flight delays, crew shortages, crew no-show's, ATC holds/ground stops, wx and mx issues, waiting on inbound equipment, you name it. The system is ready to burst.
(4) Tickets are more expensive. The cheapest tickets I've bought this year have been about $350-$400 for SDF to MCO/TPA, which I used to get for $158 without problem. Sure, the $158 fare exists, you just need to buy 2-3 months in advance to get it these days. I'm paying a lot more for my tickets, getting less, and facing more hassles.
Long haul international is a breeze these days compared to some domestic trips.
When stuck on an aircraft like the OP, I'm the one paying for the ticket. The FA is the one at work being paid. Being an FA, one needs to expect upset customers and they should be assisted to the best of your ability.
Things like weather are outside of the control of the airlines, but many of the ATC delays are "indirectly" the result of the airlines. Many carriers are flying too many planes at once (especially regional jets) & they are scheduling beyond what some airports or some portions of airspace can handle. I expect my evening flight to ORD or EWR to be delayed as a result. Flying out of LGA during rush-hour, I expect delays and am surprised when I depart on-time.
Airlines are running too trim - too few employees and in some cases pax having trouble getting help. Pick up one of those "rebooking" phones at a "rebooking station" or call a carrier for assistance and in some cases you'll get an individual in India who is clueless.
Bottom line is many of todays problems today are "indirectly" the fault of the carriers.
Airline employees have had cuts, they're staffed at the min, and sadly, I'd bet many are frustrated too. However, it seems too many airline employees are calling the police instead of providing customer service these days.
To the OP: Don't swear and never question an FA. If you're frustrated, take a deep breath, try to relax, and then make your inquiry. Or like many of us do, ride out the bumps in the road and if you need to make a complaint, finish your trip, give it 24 hours to clear your mind, and then if you find it necessary, complain by email, mail, telephone, etc.
Best of Luck!