An American Airlines gate agent earns my full praise for the way in which he handled a rude, obnoxious, and lying customer in Miami. Telling her to fly Spirit Airlines instead is priceless.
American Airlines Gate Agent To Pesky Passenger: Fly Spirit Airlines Instead
The incident took place while boarding a flight in Miami. Based upon the context of the video clip below, it appears that the female passenger was not wearing a mask, initially refused to mask up, and then called the gate agent a term for a female dog.
She was referred to the a supervisor, who informed her that she could not fly on American Airlines:
“I suggest you try Spirit” pic.twitter.com/VAibeYhjHz
— J- 🌎✨ (@MajorFactor2) July 20, 2021
I love the way the agent handled this – polite, witty, and protective of staff.
Some have disagreed with his choice of words. For example, Tim Dunn left a comment on View from the Wing questioning why the agent had to throw in Spirit Airlines:
He would have succeeded if he had left Spirit out of the conversation.
The irony, of course, is that Spirit is preparing for a massive expansion at Miami and, by its second month of service will be the 2nd largest airline there with service to about 20 cities.
So, yeah, it might be fun to tell a customer to take a hike – but when you suggest they go to a competitor that is out to each your lunch, the competitor might have the last laugh.
It’s true, Spirit Airlines is building up in Miami and will be a thorn in AA’s side. It’s also true the idea that Spirit Airlines is home to the worst passengers in the world is quite an exaggeration. But I still can appreciate the comment and frankly this sort of passenger is not one that American Airlines needs (nor does Spirit Airlines need). The jab against Spirit is humorous and I strongly doubt Spirit Airlines would have the last laugh if it managed to poach this passenger away from American Airlines.
CONCLUSION
Kudos to the gate agent for being calm, collected, professional, and firm. No airline agent should have to tolerate verbal abuse. Even Spirit Airlines doesn’t need to deal with this particular passenger.
I’m actually amazed there are GAs in Miami that are able to conduct themselves as professionally as this gentleman did. I don’t think I’ve ever passed through MIA without being shouted at by at least one AA employee for no real discernible reason. I figured that was just the ‘charm’ of the place.
And people wonder why they can’t get workers for low paying jobs that deal with the public. Most people that have a choice would rather avoid dealing with the public on a daily basis due to stuff like this.
A few years ago a server was telling me how a customer in the restaurant wanted to speak with the manager. This was an open air restaurant (the windows and doors open up when the weather was decent). Apparently a fly flew into this woman’s water and she demanded to speak with a manager. The manager came over to see what the issue was and the lady was upset at what happened.
The manager asked if the server had given the lady a new drink and she had. So she point out to the customer that it was an open air restaurant and these things happen. Apparently the customer thought she deserved a free alcoholic drink or something off the meal. The maanger wasn’t having any of that.
Rename this entire website to AAinMiami.con already
LOL!!! Not a single of these reported incidents that included masks, gate agents confrontations, brawls, etc… did not include the word Miami on it.
Yeah, I wonder if it’s because some other blogger and his child is there, too.
Yes!
Very upsetting for some when they are forced back into reality having to face the consequences of their actions.
Priceless … simply priceless. Kudos to American and that particular employee.
Good for this supervisor. More agents and supervisors need to take a stand and stick with the decision instead of some I’ve known/ had over the years who step into the fray but then end up coddling and rear-end wiping the passenger and still letting them fly. Anger and knee-jerk reaction seems to be the “norm” in almost every setting whether it be airports, banks, supermarkets, etc., everyone just wants their selfish way but there has to be allowance for someone of authority to be in control instead of allowing passengers or customers to just throw tantrums. He made his statement and walked away – Hope she (the passenger) had to hitchhike.
Amen to all you said. Perhaps we needs to stop being whores for a few dollars. Never an excuse for name calling or profanity.
I loved this. I also was sure I recognized him. I think this was DFW, though. Not that it matters THAT much. Class is class–and so is lack of it!
Good for you supervisor agent. I’m glad there are gentlemen out there. You handled it perfectly. She is a lying foul mouthed woman who has no manners.