Woman mistakes Preferred seat UG for biz class UG then is removed from AC flight
Jul 25, 2019, 8:14 pm
#47
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 5,169
I have had experience rude behaviour from AC a few times. Lots of times it is take it or leave it attitude. I can very well understand the frustrations of the passengers. I have worked in this industry for a very long time and the always taught how rude the passengers get never be rude to them. They get upset because they feel they have been wronged. So politely explain to them what is happening.
Jul 25, 2019, 8:39 pm
#49
Join Date: May 2012
Location: BKK/SIN/YYZ/YUL
Programs: DL, AC, Bonvoy, Accor, Hilton
Posts: 2,915
Edited to Simplify:
She is from small village NWT, and a Dene. She comes from a culture different from ours. I learnt some time ago that one must not talk to northern community First Nations people in the same abrupt manner as we talk to each other in a big city like Toronto, as our tone and body language can be interpreted as offensive and rude. It's no different than dealing with some Asian cultures like the Japanese or Thais where it is inappropriate when dealing with customers to raise one's voice or to use language that is overly aggressive or disrespectful.
My point here, is that the FA probably did not appreciate this person's background. Now, before anyone says, boohoo it's Canada and the FA shouldn't have to accommodate such things, please keep in mind that the destination was Yellowknife deep in First Nations territory/land and that their culture prevails. I believe that this is a misunderstanding caused in large part by not acting accordingly when dealing with a First Nation's person and expect that had a FA or GA with more experience of working flights into First Nation destinations been faced with this situation, we would not have had this result.
This pax most likely did not have much experience in the fast paced, "in your face" culture of the south, and the onus was on the customer facing person (the FA) to be prepared for that. Please take this into consideration before casting stones at the woman.
She is from small village NWT, and a Dene. She comes from a culture different from ours. I learnt some time ago that one must not talk to northern community First Nations people in the same abrupt manner as we talk to each other in a big city like Toronto, as our tone and body language can be interpreted as offensive and rude. It's no different than dealing with some Asian cultures like the Japanese or Thais where it is inappropriate when dealing with customers to raise one's voice or to use language that is overly aggressive or disrespectful.
My point here, is that the FA probably did not appreciate this person's background. Now, before anyone says, boohoo it's Canada and the FA shouldn't have to accommodate such things, please keep in mind that the destination was Yellowknife deep in First Nations territory/land and that their culture prevails. I believe that this is a misunderstanding caused in large part by not acting accordingly when dealing with a First Nation's person and expect that had a FA or GA with more experience of working flights into First Nation destinations been faced with this situation, we would not have had this result.
This pax most likely did not have much experience in the fast paced, "in your face" culture of the south, and the onus was on the customer facing person (the FA) to be prepared for that. Please take this into consideration before casting stones at the woman.
Last edited by Transpacificflyer; Jul 25, 2019 at 8:47 pm
Jul 25, 2019, 8:44 pm
#50
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE100K/*G, Nexus
Posts: 208
"Wow!! Do I ever have a story about ECE here in YK!! I’m rested up now!! I’m gonna start making some noise!!!"
"Media I will tell you our story now..Monday morning I’m heading the the news paper, CBC north..."
It could speak to a pattern of behavior.
Jul 25, 2019, 8:53 pm
#51
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,296
I'm confused. She was "verbally abusive" to the GAs, but she was still permitted to board?
Jul 25, 2019, 9:49 pm
#52
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,562
Edited to Simplify:
She is from small village NWT, and a Dene. She comes from a culture different from ours. I learnt some time ago that one must not talk to northern community First Nations people in the same abrupt manner as we talk to each other in a big city like Toronto, as our tone and body language can be interpreted as offensive and rude. It's no different than dealing with some Asian cultures like the Japanese or Thais where it is inappropriate when dealing with customers to raise one's voice or to use language that is overly aggressive or disrespectful.
My point here, is that the FA probably did not appreciate this person's background. Now, before anyone says, boohoo it's Canada and the FA shouldn't have to accommodate such things, please keep in mind that the destination was Yellowknife deep in First Nations territory/land and that their culture prevails. I believe that this is a misunderstanding caused in large part by not acting accordingly when dealing with a First Nation's person and expect that had a FA or GA with more experience of working flights into First Nation destinations been faced with this situation, we would not have had this result.
This pax most likely did not have much experience in the fast paced, "in your face" culture of the south, and the onus was on the customer facing person (the FA) to be prepared for that. Please take this into consideration before casting stones at the woman.
She is from small village NWT, and a Dene. She comes from a culture different from ours. I learnt some time ago that one must not talk to northern community First Nations people in the same abrupt manner as we talk to each other in a big city like Toronto, as our tone and body language can be interpreted as offensive and rude. It's no different than dealing with some Asian cultures like the Japanese or Thais where it is inappropriate when dealing with customers to raise one's voice or to use language that is overly aggressive or disrespectful.
My point here, is that the FA probably did not appreciate this person's background. Now, before anyone says, boohoo it's Canada and the FA shouldn't have to accommodate such things, please keep in mind that the destination was Yellowknife deep in First Nations territory/land and that their culture prevails. I believe that this is a misunderstanding caused in large part by not acting accordingly when dealing with a First Nation's person and expect that had a FA or GA with more experience of working flights into First Nation destinations been faced with this situation, we would not have had this result.
This pax most likely did not have much experience in the fast paced, "in your face" culture of the south, and the onus was on the customer facing person (the FA) to be prepared for that. Please take this into consideration before casting stones at the woman.
Jul 25, 2019, 10:14 pm
#53
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 41,986
Based on the FB post, shortcomings on the intelligence/education front also appear to play a role. It's too bad (for the lady) that she spilled her guts on FB. I still believe AC will offer them a decent settlement to bury the issue, but the FB posts gives their counsel a lot to work with.
Last edited by moondog; Jul 26, 2019 at 6:44 am
Jul 25, 2019, 10:15 pm
#54
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: UA
Posts: 444
Jul 26, 2019, 1:37 am
#57
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
You'll note in Canada they use the term "First Nations". I believe this is because they believe those people were there "first".
Jul 26, 2019, 5:18 am
#58
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Programs: AA, HH, UA, Amtrak
Posts: 270
AC FT Glossary 
Fly Once a year To See Grandma
See this page, post 92 and a few after
FT Acronyms and Terms for Dummies
Fly Once a year To See Grandma
See this page, post 92 and a few after
FT Acronyms and Terms for Dummies
Jul 26, 2019, 6:52 am
#59
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE100K, Bonvoy Platinum Elite, IHG Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 2,132
The passenger has more detail on their FB page which is being shared around:
"Boy do I ever have a story about air canada from Vancouver!! I got kicked off the plane because I paid for an ungraded so my daughter could experience first class..we get on the plane
and I have a regular seat. I asked the flight attendant, why did I pay for a regular seat that was paid for already. I asked for my money back and they were so rude! My daughter didn’t say a
thing and she got kicked off because they said we were flying together. So the youth flew back with William thank God. Two chaperones get kicked off a plane because of an upgrade that
they didn’t give me...I got ripped off and kicked off from air canada!! I don’t even drink, I was stating my option and they couldn’t handle it...media!! She discriminated me and basically told
me that I couldn’t afford first class!"
and
"Now that I have the money for a lawyer I’m suing Air Canada!!"
The passenger had the full f word on the post.
"Boy do I ever have a story about air canada from Vancouver!! I got kicked off the plane because I paid for an ungraded so my daughter could experience first class..we get on the plane
and I have a regular seat. I asked the flight attendant, why did I pay for a regular seat that was paid for already. I asked for my money back and they were so rude! My daughter didn’t say a
thing and she got kicked off because they said we were flying together. So the youth flew back with William thank God. Two chaperones get kicked off a plane because of an upgrade that
they didn’t give me...I got ripped off and kicked off from air canada!! I don’t even drink, I was stating my option and they couldn’t handle it...media!! She discriminated me and basically told
me that I couldn’t afford first class!"
and
"Now that I have the money for a lawyer I’m suing Air Canada!!"
The passenger had the full f word on the post.
I believe the FA way overreacted. I also believe this woman likely was somewhat aggressive. Lastly, I am bothered by the inconsistencies in the stories. Fully true stories don't change each time they're told.
Last edited by tcook052; Jul 26, 2019 at 7:13 am Reason: edit quote
Jul 26, 2019, 7:26 am
#60
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: トロント
Programs: IHG Gold
Posts: 4,817
Edited to Simplify:
She is from small village NWT, and a Dene. She comes from a culture different from ours. I learnt some time ago that one must not talk to northern community First Nations people in the same abrupt manner as we talk to each other in a big city like Toronto, as our tone and body language can be interpreted as offensive and rude. It's no different than dealing with some Asian cultures like the Japanese or Thais where it is inappropriate when dealing with customers to raise one's voice or to use language that is overly aggressive or disrespectful.
My point here, is that the FA probably did not appreciate this person's background. Now, before anyone says, boohoo it's Canada and the FA shouldn't have to accommodate such things, please keep in mind that the destination was Yellowknife deep in First Nations territory/land and that their culture prevails. I believe that this is a misunderstanding caused in large part by not acting accordingly when dealing with a First Nation's person and expect that had a FA or GA with more experience of working flights into First Nation destinations been faced with this situation, we would not have had this result.
This pax most likely did not have much experience in the fast paced, "in your face" culture of the south, and the onus was on the customer facing person (the FA) to be prepared for that. Please take this into consideration before casting stones at the woman.
She is from small village NWT, and a Dene. She comes from a culture different from ours. I learnt some time ago that one must not talk to northern community First Nations people in the same abrupt manner as we talk to each other in a big city like Toronto, as our tone and body language can be interpreted as offensive and rude. It's no different than dealing with some Asian cultures like the Japanese or Thais where it is inappropriate when dealing with customers to raise one's voice or to use language that is overly aggressive or disrespectful.
My point here, is that the FA probably did not appreciate this person's background. Now, before anyone says, boohoo it's Canada and the FA shouldn't have to accommodate such things, please keep in mind that the destination was Yellowknife deep in First Nations territory/land and that their culture prevails. I believe that this is a misunderstanding caused in large part by not acting accordingly when dealing with a First Nation's person and expect that had a FA or GA with more experience of working flights into First Nation destinations been faced with this situation, we would not have had this result.
This pax most likely did not have much experience in the fast paced, "in your face" culture of the south, and the onus was on the customer facing person (the FA) to be prepared for that. Please take this into consideration before casting stones at the woman.
As for the FA not understanding northern/first native culture...if you are flying to Yellowknife regularly presumably you have picked up some of the cultural norms of the passengers who regularly travel there.
