On the one hand, I do appreciate much of the sentiment expressed by the American Airlines captain who “laid down the law” concerning onboard ettiequte ahead of a flight. On the other hand, his patronizing tone and one specific phrase rubbed me the wrong way.
American Airlines Captain Was Patronizing, But He Was Also Right
The pre-flight announcement from an American Airlines 737 captain was recorded and posted on Instagram. Here it is:
Remember, the flight attendants are here for your safety. After that they’re here to make your flight more enjoyable. They’re going to take care of you guys but you will listen to what they have to say because they represent my will in the cabin, and my will is what matters.
Be nice to each other. Be respectful to each other. I shouldn’t have to say that. You people should treat people the way you want to be treated. But I have to say it every single flight because people don’t. And they’re selfish and rude and we won’t have it.
Do your stuff. Get it out of everybody else’s way. Put your junk where it belongs. Everybody paid for a space. Don’t lean on other people. Don’t fall asleep on other people. Don’t drool on them, unless you’ve talked about it and they have a weather-resistant jacket.
Alright, a little bit of fatherhood here the other thing. The social experiment of listening to videos on speaker mode and talking on a cell phone in speaker mode, that is over. Over and done in this country. Nobody wants to hear your video. I know you think it’s super sweet. It probably is, but it’s your business right? So keep it to yourself. Use your airpods, use your headphones, whatever it is. That’s your business, okay? It’s just part of being in a respectful society.
Middle seaters, I know it stinks to be in the middle. Raise your hands. Raise them up. Anybody in the middle? Like five people. Yeah right that’s full. Alright nobody’s listening. Fine. You own both armrests. That is my gift to you. Welcome on board our flight.
And the recording:
A few thoughts on this:
- I greatly appreciate his admonition not to disturb others with loud electronic devices – this sadly needs to be said and I am amazed at how many people seem oblivious to those around them or worse yet, selfishly choose to disturb others anyway
- Yes, those passengers in middle seats should be given priority to use both armrests. It is the one upside to being wedged between two passengers
- Generally reminding everyone to be nice and respectful is helpful (as we will see in my next story today…)
- I found his tone quite patronizing, though I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt
- While true that the captain is god onboard the airplane, the whole “my will is what matters” line seems rather egotistical and I’m not sure that flight attendants represent the will of the captain (instead, I think they carry out the will of American Airlines per the terms of their collective bargaining contract)
View From The Wing says, “I appreciate it, mostly because I think it’s great when pilots are engaged with passengers in the cabin and communicate.” However, I’m curious what you think about his opening spiel. Was it helpful or not? I mostly agree, but I certainly do find it patronizing.
CONCLUSION
An American Airlines captain laid down the law prior to a flight. Though he came off in a patronizing way, he expressed several important points, most notably that it is unacceptable for electronic devices to emit noise. While I would have said it differently, I do appreciate that the captain appeared in the cabin and engaged with passengers.
image: American Airlines (I added the fourth stripe…)
The pilot certainly comes off as being on a power trip. The condescension is impressive and tough to reconcile with the message of patience and grace. Overall, I’d say the pilot just needs to learn some people skills.
Not a power trip. The Captain is solely in charge on that airplane
Exactly. While the FAs certainly are expected to abide by the policies of the airlines, those policies as well as every code the FAA has written can be overridden by the PIC (either the captain or FO).
The pilot COULD have been a bit more diplomatic. However, seeing the huge increase in the number of anti-social/violent acts by passengers in the past few years, I like the fact that this captain has just put EVERYONE on notice that he will is in absolute charge of the plane and everyone on board and will not tolerate any deviation from what is acceptable conduct. Since we don’t have air marshals anymore (to my knowledge) he was right to do this. Yes, it was a tad patronizing, but I’m not offended because I’m not one of the potential problem passengers.
All passengers are operating in some level of toddler. They need this speech before the flight takes off. Unfortunately some of them need the speech repeated after the flight takes off. And a subset of those also need to be put into their playpen to keep their problems away from the other passengers on the flight. Playpen being some duct tape around their mouth and hands. Or better yet just duct tape their hands to the armrest.
I agree. Some people act like their at home, or feel since they paid $$$ they can do or say anything they want. Not true….. Flying is not your right, it is a wonderful privilege, unless you own and operate your own aircraft. Flying use to be fun, expensive, but fun. Unfortunately, it is only going to get worse…..
Excessive and idiotic. The airlines can and should respond to bad behavior or worse by simply banning the offender for a minimum of 10 years and levying huge fines.
I believe he did a great job
I would have rolled my eyes and stopped listening at that point. Some useful reminders (especially the no speakers) but I agree it comes off like talking down to children.
The people who were offended are indeed, children. I listened to it and didn’t get offended at all.
Exactly. The people who feel like it’s patronizing to them are the ones who are most in need of the admonishment.
What a child.
That is because many people flying ARE children. They show up with their blanky and pillow dressed in pajamas without doing their hair, like they are ready to lay out on the floor to watch cartoons. I’m a frequent business traveler, and even when I’m not heading straight to a meeting or I am flying on a weekend, I still attempt to dress to an appropriately professional level with a collared short-sleeve shirt and some real shoes. As a Private Pilot, even I am required to provide my passengers a safety-briefing. So glad I don’t allow immature people to fly with me in my airplane.
“aS a PrivATe piLoT” lol you absolute clown please stop posting comments that make the rest of us normal humans who happen to have pilot certificates look stupid the way you do.
Love it, sadly it’s stuff that many of the people flying today need to hear. I’d like to think the posters here are experienced enough in flying to understand these basics, but the reality is many on flights don’t.
While it may come off as over the top to us, everything he discussed is currently a problem on many flights. Kudos to him.
A bit arrogant and finger wagging, but hey, all true. Somehow I expected it to end with “anybody got a problem with what I said?”. Which could be helpful to determine before departure.
I’ve learned in life and professional work that how you say something is as important as what you are saying. I agree with what the pilot is saying but I do not like how he expressed it. Given a choice between flying an airline like Singapore Airlines where I can’t imagine a pilot talking down to their customers like this or an American one where I feel like I’m being scolded off the bat without doing anything wrong, I’ll fly the former.
I believe a message covering all these points could be made without the I-am-your-father and my-will-is-god tone.
I’ll leave it to the advertising and social psychology experts though to say which type of message is actually more effective.
Does everyone get offended by everything these days. We need to have thicker skins.
I agree with you, Jason sounds like he needs to lighten up a lot. I don’t see anything inherently wrong with what the captain said. While stern, I don’t view it as having a god complex like some think. Everyone gets so worked up the most trivial things.
Depends on the culture of the individual hearing it. So, in the US, definitely needs to be the latter.
Patronizing? He was speaking like a true Captain. I don’t like it when the Captain is completely silent. The Captain needs to lay down the law. Especially these days.
I completely agree. Anyone who says he’s being condescending while it might come off that way to some, I wholeheartedly believe he’s just tired of having to repeat the same thing repeatedly that should just be common sense. People don’t have common decency these days and don’t know how to act, it’s sad that a pilot has to explain ehat should be common knowledge. Kids are one thing (depending on age) but if you’re a grown adult you should know better so act accordingly or get treated like a child. Simple as that.
His little speech suggests that he’s an arrogant jackass who enjoys his little wedge of power a bit too much.
Despite my words on this blog, I’m quite polite in real life and I don’t need some condescending pilot lecturing me about etiquette. Probably most people aren’t paying attention anyway, so his oration likely accomplishes nothing.
You certainly don’t get out much. People are so entitled. I paid for a flight I should get respect too. The captain is certainly right. I would like my captain to fly the plain and not have to babysit a cabin full of entitled and rude passengers. Maybe you should try driving if you can’t cake rules.
Would it be better to list all the rules and expectations from the airline on the back of the safety card in the pocket in front of you?
Bullet points would include, but not limited to:
– no drama queens or kings (unless you want your premiere on TikTok, You Tube, etc)
– keep you feet on the floor and off the seats (same thing as back home)
– put you carry-on overhead and purse/backpack under the seat in-front of you (unless you want it tossed on the tarmac just prior to departure)
– no watching porn while in flight (unless you share it with the Captain)
– cheap earphones will be provided upon request, quiet in the cabin gets you an extra soft drink with a commemorative swizzle stick (collect & trade with your fellow PAX!)
– you will be held responsible for any diversions, resulting in extra fuel, airport fees, crew time out, etc (and we doubt your tapped out credit card could handle it)
– dress appropriately: no tank tops for the gents (or what ever you call yourself), nor halter tops for the ladies should your body mass index exceeding two or more (deodorant is appreciated)
– no arrogance, entitlement, nor shaming when refused a seat swap request. (please be considerate of others and plan ahead accordingly!)
– Be happy with the blob of inedible food mass on your tray. (just think of the poor schmucks in Polaris class who paid thru the nose, eat “not beef” burgers with smelly cheese and think it’s gourmet!)
At the bottom would be a disclaimer to the effect of:
“If you have any concerns, gripes. or issues, now is the time to get the hell off the jet!!”
My only carryon, a backpack, is going in the overhead bin. End of discussion.
As a 38-year flight attendant, I have only heard a captain make such a PA a couple of times and am thankful it has only been a couple times. Unfortunately, those that make those type PA are the type who refer to the crew as “my flight attendants” or “my First Officer”.
We all know who is in charge of a flight once the aircraft door is closed. But for a Captain to get involved with the mundane social issues of a flight demeans his or her responsibility for the safety of the crew and passengers and the safe operation of the flight.
Flight Attendants are, or, at least, should be capable of managing the cabin issues, especially in regards to the social issues that they deal with daily.
Spoken like a true non-pilot. That captain is 100% right! His will, i.e. desire to depart and arrive safely, is ALL that matters. Don’t like it? Tough sh*t.
And as for “patronizing tone”, have you seen the gaggle of itinerant f***bags who fly now?!?! When did we start letting degenerate retards onto planes??
Bring back high fares. Let’s get the ghetto turds out of the air.
I have when I felt the occasion merited it reminded pax to be civil to one another or my inflight crew. But I don’t see any need as a general rule to talk to customers like they are a bunch of rowdy teenagers. I fly a lot obviously and very rarely encounter people whose behavior requires some sort of correction.
I don’t think an announcement like this is a good idea. As others have noted it can come off as being arrogant or as if the Captain is talking down to his customers. I also question how much it will impact the behavior of those entitled individuals who would need to be reminded of proper behavior in a public space.
Quit acting like children. Only children get offended by tone. Nothing wrong with what he said or how he said it. No one can dictate what his tone should be. Example: No, is no, is no. Know matter what tone is used.
We should be ashamed that he thinks it’s necessary to preach decency and consideration to those of us who feel entitled and better than the rest of us.
I totally agree. The message is important, not the tone. It is 100 % on the listener to hear a speaker’s words, not to judge the speaker on his personality, mood or motivation. Unless you and the speaker are involved in a personal relationship, he/she has no obligation (nor is it possible) to formulate their message to make each and every person feel comfortable. Grow up America.
I agree with the Captain. People are jerks these days. Everybody thinks their shit is more important than anyone else’s. If they act up or create a flight diversion….. ban them from flying for life!
I recently discussed this type of announcement with a captain friend (not for American) and he is very must against these messages as he feels it can trigger more bad behavior than it prevcnts.
Reading some of the comments here, how many flyers want their flight diverted because of a passenger who cannot behave? How many want to miss their connections? How many want a passenger to open a cabin door in mid-flight? How many want to have their premium seat taken by someone who pay for it? I avoid flying as much as possible be a use there is no etiquette any longer.
Get out of here with your 9/11-esque “MUH DANGERS”.
If you’re so scared, stay home.
Unfortunately in our society today people feel entitled and if it takes an airline pilot who in the air when you’re on his plane his will will be done then so be it. For those who felt he was condescending or rude you obviously were never disciplined as a child. I would rather have a direct tell it like it is pilot then fly on a Plane full of rude inconsiderate passengers. Makes me want to book a flight on American Airlines
No, the flight crew does not exist to express the will of the captain, and this egotistical blowhard doesn’t belong in the cockpit with such a patronizing patriarchal attitude. Maybe he spends a little less time on the ridiculous lectures and more time working with the pilots union to keep drunk pilots out of uniform.
You’re right- he was over the top.
On an airplane, the Captain is responsible and accountable for everyone and everything, it’s his livelihood on the line, and, yes, the Captain *is* the boss of the flight attendants. He has the title, “Captain”, not “random guy who just drives the plane at his leisure” for a reason. His comment about that is only weird to people who don’t understand that, and I think it’s because most people don’t respect flight attendants enough and don’t realize that their power is an extension of the Captain’s power. That said, that paradigm works both ways. A good Captain knows that the flight attendant isn’t always right and that sometimes the customer is.
The only think I didn’t appreciate about the schpiel was the same nit I have to pick with then all, which is that – the flight attendants’ role was never created for safety. It was created for service, of which, safety is a small part most of the time. Obviously, listen to them when they say to stay buckled up during the flight, else risk bashing your head on the roof. But this whole thing where service gets to get ignored because they’re here for “safety” now is bullocks.
@Anon…you’re absolutely correct. Flight attendants really aren’t there for your safety at all. The Captain can just look in his big huge rear view mirror and see everything going on out in the cabin. If there is a problem he can just put it on autopilot and get out of his seat to go handle it. Eye roll….
Love the message but not the delivery. Actually a good idea to establish etiquette on each flight including including row by row exit. Maybe the pilot has experienced aborted flights because of disruptive passengers.
@Larry Kelley – Agreed. Both what you say *and* how you say it matters. IMHO, it would’ve been so much better if the pilot kept it simple. “Please be nice and respectful. Here are some ways to make that happen – A, B, C, and D.”
I don’t care much for American Airlines. I recently made a trip to Nairobi and ended up being a super expensive one. The first AA flight from Kansas to Dallas Fort worth was over 90 minutes late. The second flight from Dallas to London was also very late. When our family of five got London, the British Airways bound for Nairobi had already left. We were handed to Qatar Airlines bound for Doha then Nairobi. To make the matter worse, Qatar charged us 1000 US dollars for the luggage since AA or BA didn’t pay for it. AA reimbursed 400 dollars month after and we ate the other cost.
Its Refreshing to hear a Captain address his passengers, although to many he may be condescending, he is speaking for all passenger’s, in the 60s and 70s passengers dressed up for their trip, they had r3spect for the responsibility of the pilots and flight crew, and would be mortified to see a bum dressesd in shorts and sandles in those days
I for one , was one of the dressed passengers when Airbuss was first flew it said a lot about how flying has degraded good for you Captain
I would love to have him as Captain! He says what has to be said, and he knows some of the adult passangers are still just spoiled children. Love the comment about armrests.
People are so sensitive and feel entitled… but the Captain’s will is what counts… They don’t understand the chain of command that comes with the ultimate responsibility of getting a plain up the air… and then landing it
I have nothing but respect!
Thank you sir! You are the captain and responsible for the lives of hundreds of people and it is your “ship”. Too many flights have been turned around because of passengers squabbling and this is a HUGE inconvenience to those who need to be somewhere for important grown-up issues as well as costing millions of dollars to other passengers and the airlines. When you cost the airline money, my ticket price goes up.. I flew this month in business class and actually had to ask the grown man next to me to turn off the volume on his phone. And why is someone talking on the phone after the announcement was made to put phones in airplane mode. I am actually in favor of collecting peoples’ phones if they violate any rule. Talking to your boo is never as important as preventing your device from interfering with the instrument panel. If you can’t turn off your phone for a couple of hours you have a serious problem! You are NOT more important than MY safety…EVER!!! This pilot is responsible for my safety and shouldn’t be tasked with babysitting. Speaking of which, parents with little children in flights you need to keep them quiet. I’m not talking about the babies who are experiencing ear discomfort,; I empathize. I am talking about the new age parenting that doesn’t believe in disciplining their child or who thinks the child is the boss. Save your experiments in parenting for a time when you aren’t disturbing a hundred people. Bring them toys to occupy themselves or hold them when they cry. F*** you and your inconsiderate BS!!! You and the precious little angel are not the center of the Universe. Many people have well behaved little ladies and gentlemen in restaurants and on airplanes trained in proper etiquette and you could learn from them. I didn’t ever get spanked but if I had acted out like a banshee on a plane I knew I would be in serious trouble. If your child is hyperactive bring the tools along you need to entertain them for a couple hours. Jeez, am I talking to grown-ups? And the flight attendant who thinks the captain is out of line, you can call the shots when you learn to fly the plane. Until then, take your job seriously and listen to your captain. They call him captain because HE’S THE CAPTAIN! Thank you.
@P. Patton…somebody is in a bad mood today.
He has my vote 1000%! Its his plane, do what he says! If ya don’t like it, get off. I wish there would be more of these speeches. People no longer have any social graces in this country….it’s time to remind them it’s not all about them! Jerks.
Unfortunately too many of todays flyers never got proper instruction from their parents and this captains “readers digest” version of how to behave is maybe the only introduction to how to act on a plane that they have received. Setting expectations is important.
The ones complaining about what the captain said are the ones he was directing it to. When you get on an airplane you need to understand that there are 100 other people in there with you. You are not important. You are not special. Sit down and mind your own business.
You know, while yes, it was certainly borderline (maybe slipped over the border) condescending. it all had to be said because many of the traveling public today are either morons or self-absorbed, self-important cretins. So, a captain doing what he/she feels is necessary to protect his flight crew, lay down some basic expectations and being very clear about it is sadly what it takes nowadays.
Well stated BDAGuy, The Captain’s message should be included in every safety brief of every US carrier. I pay for business class when traveling internationally so I can avoid all the idiots he was alluding to.
I concur – well said! It’s sad things have gotten to this level, but IMO, we are all reaping the bitter harvest of the “time-out chair” parenting philosophy.
When I heard the audio on social media, I assumed it was a satirical parody. A little surprised it was necessary to be so condescending. Maybe it was an intra-Texas flight?
A bit patronizing, sure, but if it prevents a delay due to bad behavior (or worse, a diversion), then I’m all for it.
Bravo for him! All you crying that it hurts your feelings, wake up and get a spine! “His will”, yes, it’s his plane, his responsibility! Our society is out of control, people are disgusting, rude and a danger to flight crew. Pax wearing pj’s, fighting, and having mental breakdowns are the ones who are patronizing, narcissistic, condescending to everyone else onboard. People need to behave, show class, and dress accordingly, or stay home!
He’s the captain. He can talk to you however he chooses. He’s there to get you to your destination safely. And as captain, he’s COMPLETELY AND UNILATERALLY in full command of you and his crew. On a plane or a ship, you do what you’re told. Period. If you have a problem with REAL AUTHORITY, stay off planes and ships. The only dysfunctional thinking is by passengers who think they are to be coddled. Grow up and do what the captain orders you to do.
Lol, people like you are delusional and absolutely pathetic. First, even on planes and ships you are bound by laws set forth by the country you are in. So it’s not complete and unilateral command. Second: if the pilot told you to jump off, would you do it? No, because there are some things he can’t tell you to do. People like you are truly pathetic and a danger to the world. I say we ban people like you from flying. Or better yet, deport you all to North Korea, where you can have all the authority over you that you please. Otherwise, be quiet and sit down.
As a part of the crew, the flight attendants quite literally carry out the will of the captain. It is the Captain’s responsibility to ensure that is in keeping with the company’s mission. You clearly don’t understand how a crew works. “I’ve been on lots of airplanes” doesn’t mean you know a thing about commanding an airplane. Your opinion is worthless.
Blah blah blah. Are all the flight attendants who disagree with you fake too?
If you want to see someone who’s not only “fake,” but also dumber than a box of rocks, Doofus, look in the mirror.
It’s okay Warren, I still like you.
Matthew Klint seems to hate Flight Attendants.
Matthew Klint loves flight attendants.
I Love It!!! The public has become so entitled and hateful that they need to be talked down to. I started flying in 1984 and absolutely loved my job. I took early retirement in 2015 because I never had a desire to work for USAir and their less than stellar management. The airlines(management sitting in the Crystal Palace)are so afraid of offending someone and prosecuting bad behavior that flying has become intolerable. I bought a beach property that I can drive to and have no desire to fly with the dregs of society.
I think his opening was pretty good. It made some valid points and even had a little humor in it. I like having a pilot who is in a good mood, they tend to fly better than those who are in bad moods with a ‘to hell with them’ attitude about the people in the cabin.
He said what I want to say myself.
didn’t come across as “patronizing” to me….more like…people have become emotionally stunted and retarded due to WI-FI/cellular brain damage (On airplanes – LOL) along with silly social trends which have been going on for decades now – “it’s normal!”
Thus…the need for an announcement like this. What was “common sense” is no longer…with emotions running wild.
Oh…and vast majority reading this will think wireless is harmless…brainwashed. Heartwashed. Best lessons / experiences / suffering is to come.
we’re learning — the very hard way.
WI-FI = 2.4 Ghz. Same frequency as a microwave oven….but worse – as it’s digital, not analog.
Know how a microwave oven works?
Dear Matt- patronizing? Seriously? That is not patronizing. That is a pep talk for idiots that do not know how to act as adults on an airplane. Sadly society is going downhill. Here is the definition of patronizing for future reference
apparently kind or helpful but betraying a feeling of superiority; condescending.
“we both occasionally experienced patronizing attitudes from staff”
He was not condescending or acting superior in any way. He was telling you grow up
Respectfully, I disagree. He may have needed to stay what he said, but I found the tone and attitude off-putting.
It’s sad how society at large has sunk to the level it is today. I also think it’s sad that the Captain needs to remind his passengers how to behave in public. Yet, because some people choose to leave decorum and manners elsewhere, it’s necessary … condescending or not.
The flight that caused all this confusion: it was a cat fight between two lgbt+ guys with the Flight Attendant being a bit more flamboyant. The Captain should never have inconvenienced well over a 100 good actors to support a Queen who was offended being called a waiter. That was it, her called her a waiter. So he/she goes to the Captain with his/her altered story to convince him to return the plane to the take off spot. She/he needs to be placed on short turn arounds where her feelings with not financially affect such a large number of decent passengers who were not part of her girl on girl fight. That is all it was and TSA, the police and the surrounding passengers confirmed the passenger did nothing to have justified a turn around flight.
The Captain should also face repercussions for disrupting the life plans of so many. He really does not seem capable of a command position if he can be swayed but such drivel.
The passengers need to do a class action suit against the FA, Captain, and Airlines. I am still waiting for the FAA investigation and fine assessment.
Maybe pilots should just not say anything. Fire all the flight attendants. And airlines should just lock the doors and hope the passengers don’t kill each other on the way before they land.
Or, what he did.
I’d take a pilot with an opinion like this any day over one who is slowly slipping into despair as they shuttle people who think their behavior on planes has no affect on their/others safety, etc.
I prefer going back to the days of a DUEL.
Can you imagine having a pistol duel on an airplane? Multiple. All airplanes should be retrofitted with bulletproof glass. (Already?)
1) TSA only needs to screen for bombs – not pistols. Yeah, we can restrict machine guns as well.
2) Disagreement – duel!
3) Dead bodies unloaded upon landing. No refund to families.
4) No extra insurance needed by airlines — fly at your own risk!
5) Blood stains….xtra pay for cleaning crew. Win-win!
6) Blood stain on your shirt from spurting blood….that’s your problem.
7) No announcements necessary. The “market” will self-police itself. Loser out of line – duel! Have a spare pistol on offer for those without.
The market is always right, no? Capitalism!
Fly your way!
Duel can happen in a more “empty” part of the plane. Would have to remove a few seats, but since airlines will no longer need to pay for IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT (As the passengers will self-provide), that will offset the loss of revenue from the removed seats.
I think this is genius….upvote this if you agree….oh you can’t upvote here.
He’s the captain just like the captain of a ship. A lot of you people don’t think in those terms, he was mean, he shouldn’t have, that was wrong, wank, wank. So he took care of matters before they blasted off. I was amazed at how many were offended, put off by his talk. LMFAO he didn’t say anything harshly, but our coddled little snowflakes had a problem, grow up! If he offended you, you must have felt guilty! With all the fighting and crap happening daily this is way late!! Give the captain a raise and a pat on the back, maybe have him do a few crew talks about this. So something comes up and he’s been called back by a FA, he’s in the back trying to work out whatever and something happens in the cockpit. Depending on the serious nature, afterward he may be talking to the head pilot, his management, or an NTSB board. Regardless, “When the incident occurred captain what did you do/see”? And he has to say he wasn’t there, he was back with adult aged children scolding the wankers.
I wasn’t as hard or strict with my kids as my parents were with my brothers and I. At one point my daughter was 19, living with us working part time. I told my daughter she needed to help out around the house, help clean, with meals, etc, She said NO! When I lived at home my dad charged me $100 a month. I told my daughter $150. She was furious, she moved out to moms. About a year later she told me she appreciated all the little lessons I taught her. Said I shoulda been more stern. I was shocked. She’s an experienced 5 th grade teacher now in a big city, she’s taught 4th and 5th and doesn’t put up with anything, tells her kids she got it from dad. The other teachers can’t believe her class will stand in line quietly, no talking, fidgeting.
I’m a Captain and I would never make an announcement like that. The passengers are customers and we do not need to talk to them like that. If the “passengers” are irritating to him, then rant about it to your buddies, but not over the PA.
This Captain forgot to mention some other bad and rude habits of airline passengers; they include not wearing deodorant, and making life miserable for passengers who are seated near them. Also, passengers who continuously kick the seat in front of them, or dig their feet into the underside of the seat in front of them. Some of them are perverts who deliberately do that to other passengers. Then, there are passengers who can’t seem to keep their hands from going in back of their seats. The worst and most despicable passenger behavior, are the idiots who refuse to get off their cellphones, while important announcements are being made. Sometimes, they have to be told several times, to turn off their cell phones. One time, I had to shush this idiot in front of me, who was talking so loud, that I couldn’t hear the Captain’s announcements. I’ll never forget the glares that she was sending me way, at the end of the flight. I regret that I didn’t confront her, over her big mouth. Really, at times flying on a commercial aircraft, is tantamount to riding the NYC subway!