Flight attendant threatened to ‘spank’ me
Sep 5, 2018, 3:13 pm
#46
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: IAD / DCA
Programs: AA EP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Diamond, United Silver, Bonvoy Titanium.
Posts: 158
This thread has made me smile today and has actually restored my faith in FlyerTalk as a community. The flight attendant made a joke. Personally, I find it hilarious and think we need MORE humor and playfulness from AA staff (they're far too often dour). The social justice warrior young girl needs to grow up and learn that it's a JOKE and it's funny. 
I thank goodness the VAST majority of threads here "got it" and didn't devolve into "how many points and compensation is this worth."
I thank goodness the VAST majority of threads here "got it" and didn't devolve into "how many points and compensation is this worth."
Sep 5, 2018, 4:15 pm
#48
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: In the Land Beyond OHare
Programs: 3RR, UA, BA, AA, HH, Marriott RW,
Posts: 202
"Flight attendant threatened to spank me....."
Read this and nearly choked on my beer. I was reading this thread, while having Animal House on in the background watching the scene where Kevin Bacon is getting the paddle and thought...
"Thank you ma'am may I have another?"
Read this and nearly choked on my beer. I was reading this thread, while having Animal House on in the background watching the scene where Kevin Bacon is getting the paddle and thought...
"Thank you ma'am may I have another?"
Sep 5, 2018, 5:29 pm
#49
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
While I completely agree this was nothing more than harmless flirtation and people are way too sensitive there is a point about the shoe on the other foot though. Seriously...if a male flight attendant said this to a female passenger the ramifications are possibly much worse of an outcome. Yes that is wrong in itself but that's they way society is today with this over the top PC crap.
Sep 5, 2018, 6:42 pm
#50
Join Date: Oct 2015
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 89
First of all--OP felt embarrassed by the exchange.
I think the FA was attempting to be light-hearted. But her choice of words was poor, and a more appropriate way to jokingly admonish would be to say you would be reprimanded (or put on time-out). Was she flirting--who knows.
But--using the 'spanking' verbiage has the potential to be interpreted as sexual. That's why it is inappropriate for a business/customer situation.
I have sons the age of OP and I totally understand why he felt awkward.
The seat mate saying that 'she's your momma tonight"--that is outright piggish. And any of my 5 sons would agree with that. Not appropriate public comment amongst strangers and not particularly funny.
The female seat mate speaking up was a little excessive. But don't say piggish things in public if you don't want to get called out on it.
Go ahead and flame me. Lol.
I think the FA was attempting to be light-hearted. But her choice of words was poor, and a more appropriate way to jokingly admonish would be to say you would be reprimanded (or put on time-out). Was she flirting--who knows.
But--using the 'spanking' verbiage has the potential to be interpreted as sexual. That's why it is inappropriate for a business/customer situation.
I have sons the age of OP and I totally understand why he felt awkward.
The seat mate saying that 'she's your momma tonight"--that is outright piggish. And any of my 5 sons would agree with that. Not appropriate public comment amongst strangers and not particularly funny.
The female seat mate speaking up was a little excessive. But don't say piggish things in public if you don't want to get called out on it.
Go ahead and flame me. Lol.
Sep 5, 2018, 6:58 pm
#52
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: American Airlines Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 3,790
I remember flying across the Atlantic when I was 14. One FA came up to me, looked me up and down and said, leeringly, “You’re my kind of man!”
Sometimes it’s tough to recognize humor (if humor is intended), so some remarks just shouldn’t be made in professional settings.
Sometimes it’s tough to recognize humor (if humor is intended), so some remarks just shouldn’t be made in professional settings.
Sep 5, 2018, 7:08 pm
#53
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Western PA
Programs: AA EXP/2MM
Posts: 441
The choice is not between "fun, cool FA" vs "mean, nasty FA"
The choice is professional vs unprofessional and respect vs disrespect
I don't fly to be entertained and I certainly don't pay for business class to banter with flight attendants.
I don't expect that in a restaurant and I definitely don't want it from someone who is "primarily there for your safety"
I'd prefer that flight attendants do their jobs in a professional way and save their humor for when they're off work.
I'd prefer that other passengers mind their own business.
If I want jokes or socializing, I can get that from friends.
That's probably why I find flying JAL, CX, or QR about 10 million times more enjoyable than AA
The choice is professional vs unprofessional and respect vs disrespect
I don't fly to be entertained and I certainly don't pay for business class to banter with flight attendants.
I don't expect that in a restaurant and I definitely don't want it from someone who is "primarily there for your safety"
I'd prefer that flight attendants do their jobs in a professional way and save their humor for when they're off work.
I'd prefer that other passengers mind their own business.
If I want jokes or socializing, I can get that from friends.
That's probably why I find flying JAL, CX, or QR about 10 million times more enjoyable than AA
Sep 5, 2018, 7:14 pm
#54
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Rapid Rewards, AAdvantage, SkyMiles
Posts: 2,931
I guess it was only a matter of time before the SJW's took over flights as well (as evidenced by the girl who made the comment to OP/the gentleman beside him). Time to go back to minding our own business.
Sep 5, 2018, 7:17 pm
#55
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: TUS
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 35
I knew you were a parent by this point in your post. One thing I've learned over the years is that parents, especially single parents and those with young children, often forget how to talk to other adults. This results in becoming offended by things adults might say to each but not necessarily say in front of children. Not flaming, just making an observation.
Sep 5, 2018, 7:26 pm
#56
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Western PA
Programs: AA EXP/2MM
Posts: 441
In a nice restaurant? In McDonalds? In a store at the mall?
How about when I call the EXP line to change an itinerary? Maybe when I ask a gate agent if my upgrade will clear?
Sep 5, 2018, 7:30 pm
#57
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: トロント
Programs: IHG Gold
Posts: 4,820
Classic busybody. Did she do yoga in the aisles as well?
Sep 5, 2018, 7:59 pm
#58
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Bonvoy LT Titanium ANA Diamond
Posts: 763
Sep 5, 2018, 8:44 pm
#59
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: TUS
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 35
I can't think of any context when it would be appropriate for an employee to say to a customer "You're going to get a spanking."
In a nice restaurant? In McDonalds? In a store at the mall?
How about when I call the EXP line to change an itinerary? Maybe when I ask a gate agent if my upgrade will clear?
In a nice restaurant? In McDonalds? In a store at the mall?
How about when I call the EXP line to change an itinerary? Maybe when I ask a gate agent if my upgrade will clear?
Sep 5, 2018, 8:46 pm
#60
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
The choice is not between "fun, cool FA" vs "mean, nasty FA"
The choice is professional vs unprofessional and respect vs disrespect
I don't fly to be entertained and I certainly don't pay for business class to banter with flight attendants.
I don't expect that in a restaurant and I definitely don't want it from someone who is "primarily there for your safety"
I'd prefer that flight attendants do their jobs in a professional way and save their humor for when they're off work.
I'd prefer that other passengers mind their own business.
If I want jokes or socializing, I can get that from friends.
That's probably why I find flying JAL, CX, or QR about 10 million times more enjoyable than AA
The choice is professional vs unprofessional and respect vs disrespect
I don't fly to be entertained and I certainly don't pay for business class to banter with flight attendants.
I don't expect that in a restaurant and I definitely don't want it from someone who is "primarily there for your safety"
I'd prefer that flight attendants do their jobs in a professional way and save their humor for when they're off work.
I'd prefer that other passengers mind their own business.
If I want jokes or socializing, I can get that from friends.
That's probably why I find flying JAL, CX, or QR about 10 million times more enjoyable than AA