AC Passenger ejected in headphone row; refuses to remove them off during take off
 

http://bermudasun.bm/main.asp?Sectio...rticleID=52205

FRIDAY, MAY 20: A Bermudian was taken off a flight by police after allegedly refusing to remove his headphones for take-off.

Howard Leroy Outerbridge, 22, from Devonshire, was travelling with Air Canada from Toronto to Bermuda.

The early morning flight was delayed for at least two hours after the captain turned the plane around and returned to the terminal.

Other passengers are believed to have cheered and clapped as Mr Outerbridge was escorted off the plane by officers.

He was released after Air Canada said it did not want to press charges.

Some people just won't listen.

Clearly, he was listening...

...to his headphones.

I am glad he got booted. I am not sure why people have to be so beligerant. Just take them off regardless if they are plugged in or not. The other people who were wearing them probably had the ear bud type but he probably was not listening when they made the announcement that they were allowed.

+1 - I've noticed quite a few people lately who try to listen to their own devices or not wanting to use the earbud style earphones.

I quite like being able to use IFE from gate to gate (when the FA's actually turn it on). I would hate it if this went away because of a few people who refuse to follow TC's rules.

Like c'mon.. causing a two hour delay.

If i was beside him, I would have been very tempted to remove his earphones myself. :)

i would appreciate it gate to gate but so many flights they forget to turn the system on until you are in the air. Then you have 5 to 10 minutes of repeated announcements. i just bring my own movies now it is easier. They need to find some way for XM pods to be able to use a screen for takeoff and landing instead of having to close it all down in J.

For some perspective:

1. I am shocked that a passenger would be so beligerent as to refuse to take of his earphones - even when he saw that the plane was turned around and headed for the gate.
2. Why would this cause a two hour delay - surely AC could have radioed ahead for the police, opened the door, had them "deplane" Mr. Outerbridge, shut the door an been on their way in less than half an hour - especially given that they elected not to press charges
3. How much did this two hour delay cost the airline? - It has got to be many thousands of dollars in salaries, added fuel consumption and re-scheduling of aircraft
4. How much did this delay cost the ~150 passengers on board - many would have been on vacation and some would have likely missed business meetings.

they would have had to remove his baggage also. I am sure the police would want to take statements from the crew...not quite sure that would take 2 hours though.

How long you think it would take until they would get a crew? 30 minutes? How long until getting a gate?

this probably added to the time.

Highly unusual one of the FAs or another passenger didn't just pull the earphones off the dude..

If not the courage.. a security guard shouldn't take two hours to deal with the guy..

He's lucky that he's leaving Canada. South of the border he might get sent to Guantanomo bay!

The pilot should be fired. Who cares if someone is wearing headphones or not? You can't force me to listen to the pointless announcements even if I am not wearing them!

When YOU purchase a ticket on ANY airline YOU automatically AGREE to the CoC (Conditions of Carriage). Don't want to agree?? It is simple: don't fly, OR charter YOUR own aircraft.

I have personally complained to a passenger next to me when the announcement was made to shut off mobiles and he kept texting. After he ignored me I raised my voice and stated: "So you think that your text message is more important than your safety and that of me and everyone else on this airplane?" The FA came by and asked me if there was a problem, and I said that the neighbour kept texting after the announcement was made to shut the mobile off. Clearly he was not interested in his safety nor in the safety of anyone else. By then folks were glaring at the fellow and he put his mobile away. No eye contact between himself and anyone else....

No, you (LondonElite) cannot be forced to listen. Your attitude reminds me of the child who (after being forced to sit down, at a table before eating, by his Mom) said "Mommy, I may be sitting down, but here (pointing to his head) I am still standing up."

The toughest thing to change is what someone thinks.

Do us all a favour and take your attitude next time with you on your own chartered aircraft :D

I doubt that anyone flying on AC wants their safety compromised by any passenger with "an attitude". :)