The young man thrown off a Southwest Airlines flight over a facial mask has clarified his story, appearing on a popular conservative podcast with the woman who filmed the onboard discrepancy. Does the interview tell us anything more about what occurred?
Young Man Thrown Off Southwest Flight Over Mask Issue Speaks Up
Dave Rubin, host of The Rubin Report, hosted Philip Ndifon and KrisAnne Hall on his program. Ndifon is a young man who was removed from a Southwest flight this week and Hall is the woman who filmed and provided narration for the video. She’s also a constitutional law attorney and hosts her own conservative podcast. You can see the video clip of what happened onboard as well as the interview below:
Unfortunately, Rubin failed to ask what I deemed the most important question: asking Ndifon to respond to Southwest’s statement that he had been repeatedly told by multiple people before he even sat down that he had to wear his mask. Instead, this is the closest we got:
Rubin: Did the flight attendant give you any warning before what we see on the video?…What were you eating? What were you doing?
Ndifon: I was actually eating a bag of trail mix and a cup of coffee as well. I even have a video of myself drinking the cup of coffee and then putting the mask back on as they required over the nose, which is the only warning that they even told me was to put the mask over the nose, not under the nose. That was the only warning I received from anybody.
I find the answer interesting. First, the video of him drinking the cup of coffee is not part of the clips posted online. Why hasn’t that been released? Second, Ndifon admits that he was not wearing the mask properly. We saw that again in the video itself.
Ndifon and Hall are not seeking to sue Southwest. Instead, they want Southwest Airlines “to do the right thing.” Hall wants Southwest to “make things whole” without litigation. That’s a legal term implying compensation. But Hall also spoke fondly of Southwest and added she simply wants assurance that this was just a “triggered flight attendant” and does not represent the viewpoint or practice of the airline as a whole.
Does This Interview Change My Opinion?
I offered my initial assessment of the situation yesterday and was very direct in voicing my concern over inconsistencies in the story, which Southwest’s statement only magnified. While those concerns were not mitigated by this interview, I do want to make clear that I was not present and my conjecture is just that: my conjecture.
I’ve flown Southwest during the pandemic. Gate agents are very clear that masks must be worn over the nose. Southwest is free to make that rule, whether rational or not. It does appear that Ndifon was not wearing his mask properly (in its statement, Southwest goes even further and claims he was not wearing it all during boarding).
In this age, I don’t give people the benefit of the doubt any longer. Nope, sorry…I’ve become a jaded old man who trusts no one without deep vetting. But I’ll say this. I also had an incident when a flight attendant lied and acted irrationally. In fact, I got thrown off a flight for taking a picture of my seat.
So, no…I cannot totally discount the story onboard. Nor can I set aside my strong feelings that this man was targeted not for his Trump mask, but for failing to wear one even before he started eating or drinking.
We’ll see. I’ve reached out to Ndifon to see if he wants to chat. He’s always welcome on Live and Let’s Fly and we can do the interview live on YouTube to ensure there is no selective editing going on. Hall is welcome too. Any flight attendant who was onboard is also welcome.
I want to get to the bottom of the story. I’d love to be proven wrong in terms of my initial assessment of the matter. I still remain highly skeptical. And I still think slowly eating and drinking to avoid wearing a mask is not being a good neighbor.
CONCLUSION
Ndifon and Hall seemed like very reasonable people in the interview. I appreciated that Ndifon is not looking to sue, but simply looking for clarification from Southwest. But now that Ndifon has mentioned a third video, I’d very much like to review it.
image: The Rubin Report
Why does he feel the need to plead his case on a conservative show? He was inviting scrutiny with his attire and he even admitted he was not wearing his mask properly. Most of the listeners probably deny the effectiveness of masks.
It seems like the implication here is that he was thrown off because he’s a Trump supporter..otherwise why the need for that detail in the headline ….if a non Trump supporter gets thrown off for the same reason..does it make the headlines?
On this blog, yes. But since the man claims he was thrown off due to his Trump mask, it becomes part of the story.
This is stupid! He didn’t comply with the rules! But because he supports trump that’s the reason!! BS!!
The airline did what it thought best to have a smooth flight without problems. Not everything is a lawsuit. Get over yourself.
It seems like the same situation here…it even looks like this guy below….
It is clear to me that this guy is using his trail mix as an excuse to not wear his mask and endanger others. The woman who claims to be his lawyer now who coincidentally was also on the flight staying his case knows fully well there is no law that was broken so they choose to try shame the FA & SW instead. Their pathetic people who need to get jobs or hobbies beyond Trump.
https://viewfromthewing.com/this-passenger-is-about-to-be-banned-by-delta-air-lines-for-refusing-to-wear-a-mask/
Just like Trump, his supporters try to provoke people and create as much satanic CHAOS as possible. We know what a disgusting, amoral, and disruptive human Trump is, to choose to support him says so much about their own character than it does about Trump’s. I can’t wait until this country can get back to some kind of non-chaotic normalcy.
He can fool some of the people some of the time but not all the people all of the time
I’ve flown four times (2 round trip) and it was clearly announced and posted rules about masks. In the video he stopped eating and drinking to speak. He did not put his mask over nose and mouth. It was at that time he should have. The was the final straw to me. If you’re eating, fine. When you’re chewing you can actually put it back on. Especially when you are talking to someone. He is WRONG.
Are people routinely thrown off flights for lowering their masks to eat something? Sounds like there are some angry people here.
To me the issue is why offer, nuts, coffee, anything if we cannot eat them without risk of losing flight status. I can guarantee you this no one who had the power to have him removed from the flight will vote for Trump.
It’s so when you can’t just follow the direction.It does not make others think that you were right.This is the only way Trump can get votes.To lie and cheap.
Such a load of crap
These people should apply the same attitudes they are expressing about this guy and his mask with the Floyds of the world that fight the police and suffer the consequences of their complete disregard for the rules.
If what he did was do wrong why did they put him on a later SW flight? Moving him to another plane just seems stupid.
Shelia President Trump doesn’t ask for this, but he reaps what others sow. You don’t like him so just vote for who you will, but think of what they stand for!
I’ve always flown Southwest, pretty much exclusively. However, seeing these kinds of videos and reading all of these encounters as put me off flying completely. I’m an old man and suffer from asthma and Afib which makes my breathing difficult at times. I’ve been told that exposing my nose and inhaling doesn’t affect others, just me as long as exhale through my mask. But I have concluded no airline will accept my doctor’s orders, so I’m just NOT flying!!!!
So how convenient the woman who filmed it has her own podcast wake up America this is more fake news for sure Trump’s
Larry, wearing a mask is a two way street. It helps protect you and it helps protect others. When the mask is under your nose, you inhale unfiltered air. The technique about exhaling through your mouth is not foul proof or studied. I suggest you do not fly because you are at high risk. Or you may find a respirator that is easy for you to breath through versus a mask. Or you may ask you doctor about portable oxygen concentraters (oxygen tanks are not allowed) and wear a nose cannula under your mask. This must be a prescription covered by you doctor showing you oxygen saturation’s are low. Many times wearing a mask is psychological but real. Keeping ourselves safe and this virus and mask use are real too.
I will say off the bat that I am NOT a Trump supporter. However, what I do support is this man’s right to wear that hat and that mask no matter how much I disagree.
That is tolerance and It’s supposed to be the American way.
Did he violate the airline’s rule about wearing a mask? Was this staged?
Doesn’t seem that way, to me.
I think we can all agree that one cannot eat while wearing a mask.
Reading this story, it seems the reason he was removed from the flight was because he was not wearing his mask properly. It had nothing to do with him being a Trump supporter and it should not be politicized as that. The headline should read, “Man removed from flight for not wearing mask properly,” end of story. We all need to stop adding to the conflicts that already exist. Maybe the “United States” would start to become “united” again if need stories wouldn’t initiate divisiveness.
@Domenica Cesare-
THANK YOU for being THE 1st person on this thread to stand alone in not bashing the POTUS.
I’ve never, in my 64 years, seen such blatant DISRESPECT for a DULY-ELECTED President.
It’s a disgrace & these people should be ashamed of themselves.
I know I’m ashamed of THEM.
The United States is the ONLY free nation in the WORLD & Pres. Trump is doing his best to keep it that way…in the words of the late Pres.Reagan “we are just one election away from SOCIALISM”.
A vote for biden/harris is a vote for 2 of the biggest racist criminals. DO YOUR RESEARCH people!! Pay attention to the news that’s just broke about the entire biden family selling us out to China, Russia AND the Ukraine!! Open your EYES!
And if you don’t like it here…GTFO.
NEVER have we had a president who has done as much for ALL Americans of ALL ethnicities in just 3.5 years, despite being under constant attack from all angles!
You should be thankful that we have a president who cannot be bought off by foreign powers, unlike the corrupt biden family.
SMH in amazement at how totally BIASED & IN AMERICAN the author of this story is as well as most of these comments.
Obviously staged. In the 4 min clip he doesn’t eat or drink anything but keeps his mask off the whole time. The bag of trail mix obviously just a prop.
Just a silly publicity stunt. Both parties and followers of both parties have been making asses out of themselves with propaganda this year.
Southwest just blew it. Probably a biden crew. I would think southwest would or should suspend this flight crew.
#idiot
He should be banned from future flights. People like him are going to kill the airline industry.
Are you kidding me… this is happening all over the world! People are rude an want to downgrade you for being a Trump supporter! Its the craziest thing I’ve ever seen! They didnt do this for ratings… they did this to show the people that this is REALITY!!!! IT’S NUTS”!
Wow! Amazing! Will Trump Worshippers go to no end just to try and always play the Victim Roll. Guess they follow their leader like puppets. Never taking responsibility for their actions, always throwing blame & passing the buck. What Cowards. This was just another Trump minion ploy l, played badly. Real Americans pledge their Allegiance to our flag & what’s best for America and true Christians worship God almighty and not someone who “thinks” he is almighty therefore the rules dont apply to him or his minions. The Majority of Americans are done with all this emotional crybaby, crap were flooded with DAILY! WE WANT A PRESIDENT WE DONT HAVE TO HEAR ABOUT EVEEY DAMN DAY! A PRESIDENT WHO LOOKS FOR SOLUTIONS RATHER THEN PLAYING THE BLAME GAME. A PRESIDENT WHO LEADS WITH THE IDEA OF A BRIGHT FUTURE & NOT BY RULING PEOPLE BY INSTILLING FEAR IN THEM. THAT’S WHAT DICTATORS DO. THATS HOW A COMMUNIST COUNTRY WORKS. ANY INTELLIGENT THINKING PERSON KNOWS THAT. WE WANT A PRESIDENT THAT DOESNT BULLY PEOPLE & CALL THEM NAMES JUST BECAUSE THEIR OPINION DIFFERS FROM THEIRS. AGAIN THATS HOW COMMUNIST COUNTRIES WORK! FRANKLY, I DONT SUPPORT ANYONE THAT WHITE SUPREMACISTS SUPPORT! GOD CREATED ALL OF US. AND GOD DOESNT MAKE MISTAKES. WE ALL MATTER! God Bless America and all Americans.
The Trump supporter admitted not wearing his mask during boarding. One or more flight attendants observed the man not wearing the mask. The flight attendants told the pilots and they called to the gate wear agent/agents are assisting with boarding at the gate.
Once all the passengers have boarded the agent came on board to take the customer off.
No one likes a person who doesn’t follow the rules or are difficult when you are 30,00/ ft. in the air.
He felt entitled and he should have been removed.
I will have a problem with the person who is walking around during taxing to or from the gate.
Ppl who don’t follow the rules need to be removed.
Thats crazy because if you look at the video, the dude right in front of the camera in the video is not wearing a mask and nothing was said about it.
Wow. I’m getting so tired of these Snowflake Trumpies. He was not, “Thrown off of SW because he was a Trump supporter,” he was thrown off because he refused to wear a mask while boarding the flight and not wearing it correctly during the flight. These people are the the biggest whiners! (And I’m a snowflake?) Bah! Good riddance to these people when their Orange Messiah is voted OUT!!
How convenient that the people sitting next to him were all outspoken. The man said he’d leave if the guy was kicked off. The lady is this big lawyer. Something is fishy.
I am so sick of these people exposing me to a virus I am trying to avoid. I am uncomfortable, unhappy how my life has changed by this virus. I am annoyed at these people causing this virus to continue by spreading it because they think who they are and what they think is their rights. Wear the dammed mask and lets stop this virus in it’s tracks. The mask is really a small payment in this.
Lol he’s not looking to sue because there are no grounds to sue. He’s a shameless opportunist. The whole thing was staged. Not a race issue not a trump issue get over it. How convenient that this civil rights lawyer was there and how they only filmed a small part. She was so quick to respond too in the video, likely also not wearing her mask just like her con artist buddy. Then their other buddy appears to leave with the con artist. But the best was the older woman who immediately said on cute, yes he was wearing his mask for eating. How long is he going to be eating those 6 peanuts in that tiny bag? It’s an excuse to not wear the mask. Shame on you both. The flight attendants job is hard enough as it is and no doubt knew the race and trump card would be played, but did what was right that he would have to do for any passenger.
Obvious setup.
Firstly, the video proves nothing, except for the political statement the Lawyer is making. The “witness”, who pulls her mask down to speak (which makes her maskless) could not have been watching the man in question and his enter actions the whole boeaeding process.
Secondly, no flight crew is going to remove a passenger over one warning. So I call bullshit on that.
I have flown recently for the first time since the epidemic. It was beyond clear that how and when your mask must be worn and that you jeopardize flying that airline. Signs and announcements to this are everywhere and frequent, even during the flight. This includes covering the nose and mouth.
This is all about safety to all who fly. These are close quarters and people sneeze and cough and speak loudly and laugh which create droplets that project and potentially infect others. So the only reason I flew is that I knew these strict policies were in place.
On a normal day of flying you witness people not following safety rules like self-centered idiots do. And when an flight crew see these things they correct them. Like, “sir, you must remain seated while the seatbelt sign is lit”. And there is an announcement on every flight about failure to comply. So for this frequent flyer to act this way seem deliberate and hazardous. As a nurse,
I find that this situation is just as hazardous as me working in the hospital with Covid Patient. I am comforted by knowing that SW air is following these steps to help us be safe.
Also, why does one video himself drinking and eating?
No it won’t make headlines, I’d like to believe because people that stupid don’t exist who are on the other side
Exactly, just wear your mask!!!
Because a liberal show would never have him. You know this!!! They obfuscate from any news that even on the surface gives an edge to conservative values. If he was wearing a Biden mask this story would never have happened!!!!!
If he was wearing any mask it wouldn’t have happened…
How dense.
Why do feel inclined to question what this man said.It couldn’t be that he’s a black Trump supporter…could it? I am also and have endured so much hate from the white liberal cult. You people are the true racist.
I have a very similar situation happened on American Airlines recently I had taken my mask off to eat and when the flight attendant walked by she pointed that I needed to have it on and I held up my bag of food with my mouthful and pointed that I was eating she wrote me up and the airline was going to suspend me from flying on them.
My husband said he would obtain a lawyer , Magically it was dropped.
This mask stuff has gotten out of control.
I don’t feel personally I should have to put on a mask when I’m not sick nor have I been near anyone sick. If you’re one of those people in doubt then where are mask but we all shouldn’t be penalized.
Lol….and we’ve got a “Karen” here to comment. haha
unfortunately this disease is spread by people who don’t think they’re sick because they have no symptoms. And yet after every Trump Convention of none mask-wearing people the pandemic rises in those areas. Where the damn mask!
I’m a black Trump supporter. I wear my mask probably in public places. This dude was only looking for attention and he got it
After seeing this outrageously ridiculous treatment by Southwest airlines to these folks I will NEVER fly with them!! But I support them and I think that they are doing the right thing by contacting Southwest Airlines and giving them a chance to rectify this situation. It is just getting ridiculous, this is all about control. Not stupid masks!
Why would he speak to anyone other than a conservative talk show? He was wearing Trump mask and that is most likely the reason he was removed!
The left always attacks anything with Trump so why bother with them?
It reminds me of how gov’t tried to do away with phonics in the 1930s to slow down people learning to read. If people are tired from lack of oxegon from wearing masks and are poor readers, they are easier to manipulate. All these things have to do with control of gov’t.
The lady a row back said he was wearing his mask until he started to eat. Also, the man next to the lawyer who left with them didn’t have his pulled up at all plus there were other people who had their masks down. I’m not against wearing masks especially on a plane but I think kicking him off was pretty extreme. Considering also that masks are not a life or death matter. If someone has covid and they sneeze, the mask ain’t gonna help.
I found the supervisor’s attitude and refusal to clarify policy disturbing and it came off as a personal attack. It wasn’t professional.
I think your point is reasonable. The supervisor was not a gifted communicator. But the guy admitted in the video that he was reprimanded earlier for not wearing his mask properly and look at the way he refused to wear it when speaking to the supervisor. Perhaps this could have been avoided, but I still am deeply suspicious of this story.
Because major news networks won’t cover it. If it were a BLM mask we should see riots now. I’m sick and tired of all this biased attitude towards Trump supporters.
I hope southwest goes bankrupt.
Its blatantly obvious that Matthew Klint and his little band of Left Wing Merrymen all have Trump Derangement Syndrome. Yeah I watched the video too, and the deranged commie lefties HATE black Trump Supporters. I flew a major airline in August and was allowed to lower my mask to eat and wasn’t thrown off the airplane (American Airlines). I called Southwest and the rules say you can lower your mask to eat. And when did you Marxists care about “following the rules”? When Hunter Biden and the Big Guy are being uncovered as we speak for treasonous pay for play acts going on for years and being covered up by the corrupt FBI and CIA. The truth will be exposed, meantime our USA is going down the toilet. Because of the SWAMMP. FOUR MORE YEARS.
@ Matthew — It is great to know that God did not discriminate based on race when handing out brains.
…and along comes Gene – spewing hatred already.
I know Mrs. Hall and the young man. Neither one will take advantage of the situation. If he or she says something, it is the truth.
Ive had my own issues with all airlines. I have severe sinus and respiratory issues and my dr. has written a note stating that due to that, I cant wear a mask .The airlines wont honor it at all and forbid me to fly. This has caused me a big loss of income.
Its unfair to shut out people with legitimate issues.
The airlines are arrogant and not service oriented . THIS IS DISGRACEFUL. If you can pull down a mask and eat and drink for any length of time , then wearing a mask is stupid anyway.
The airlines say they are following CDC guidelines. Well, they need to look again , because the CDC is now saying that masks do nothing .
SHAME ON TJE ARROGANT AIRLINES.
I just want to go back to work
It’s too bad Article 1 section 10 exists. Seeing how you are friends with such great Constitutional scholars, that whole freedom of contract thing is right up their alley, I am sure.
Masks are political and being used to suppress ppl into submission. Its being treated as a medical device and no govt or company has a right to force to anyone to wear a medical device. This video and supporting story has only made ppl show their true colors and make many look like political bigots.
@ Steve — And, no company is under any obligation to provide you with a service. Perhaps you can afford your own private jet?
Masks are not political, period. Where is your evidence? Perhaps the current president ignoring science and medicine has made masks political. Since this president doesn’t govern Europe and Asia, this contagion is world wide with many nations applying masks as a safe guard against transmitting Covid-19. And least of all, ignoring every doctor and nurse in every hospital imploring masks as they see plain evidence of mask ignorance adds to the worldwide death toll. No politics in hospitals as they attempt to treat every person infected with Covid-19 whether wearing or not wearing masks. Even our ignorant president became infected along with many in the White House. All from ignoring masks.
And then we have Sweden.
No mask mandate.
No closed economy.
Schools open.
Restaurants open.
Hospitals not overwhelmed.
Dems are masters of playing victim
Victim=Dumba**
People in Sweden respected social distancing and limited their interactions outside of a their “bubbles.” Americans clearly aren’t able to do that.
I feel so bad for you. Tragic delusion and a hateful soul where the devil has made their home. I would say bless your heart but I’m afraid it’s just too late.
Agreed. No doubt that there is a really bad bug out there. But NO worse than the H1N1 in 2009, which was largely ignored. In fact, almost 60 million FEWER cases than 2009. I have article after article of airlines gleefully kicking people off their flights for non-compliance with their mask mandates, then putting them on “no-fly” lists. Those billion-dollar bailouts they received…has it even been considered that those bailouts came with “stipulations”? Why else the militant attitude? Sorry, the public is being PLAYED.
Wear a mask honey. We don’t want your contagious stupidity spreading out any further.
The President’s policy is if you cannot sociably distance, then wear a mask. The same as the CDC and WHO so your assertion about ‘not following science’ is wrong. Remember when Fauci said they give people a false sense of security? Well he’s right because covid is teeny tiny and no mask will stop it. It may hinder droplets that house the virus from getting directly into an orifice but people do not follow the proper protocols therefore making masks even less effective. Mask wearing is not as sciencey as you believe it to be.
This is a test. This is only a test. Had this been true martial law, masks would be government mandated and repercussions would come from law enforcement and not perfect strangers assaulting and battering without being charged with any crime.
The smoking gun is right there on the video! He still isn’t wearing a mask while taking to the Southwest employee.
Why is it that so many people can’t eat with a mask on? Just use one hand to slightly lift the bottom up, insert food into foodhole, and put the mask back? Then you can chew and breath while protecting those around you. It should not even be a named exception to the rules that you can take it off when eating or drinking. It’s just not necessary, barring another disability like a missing arm.
Are you kidding me!! You people are braindead!!! Masks do nothing to stop a virus. Thousands of doctors are speaking up and proving this is all a sham!!
Yeah, all those doctors who go around doing surgery and meeting patients w/o masks, they are everywhere these days.
GTFOH.
Big Al, who even told you that is lying. There are not thousands of doctors who say this. As a nurse, I know that microbiology studies of Disease droplet transmission has Been studied for nearly a century. Sneezing, coughing and simply talking create airborne particulates that can be inhaled by others. The mask is simply a filter. It’s very logical reasoning. Your car and home have filters and they work. Why wouldn’t a mask work.
He probably stood a better chance of keeping his seat if he’d put his mask on while talking to the flight attendant. He never helped his case by actively breaking the airline’s mask policy while stating that he didn’t break airline policy.
I’m sure it’s just a total, absolute, infallible coincidence that “a constitutional law attorney who hosts her own conservative podcast” was seated across the aisle from him. Nope, no set-up there at all, totally natural.
@ UA_NYC — I believe that they state that they were travelling together in the interview.
You really didn’t read the article did u? U really are a grade A moron. The constitutional lawyer is HIS BOSS, Dumbo!!! They were going to a constitutional conference and he is her videographer. The guy that said he would leave with him is the lawyers HUSBAND!! if u had just taken 5 mins to watch the video they told u all that. Gtfo!!!
Masks are not a political thing, several countries already had people wearing surgical masks when they were sick. America has made masks a political thing, despite the Center for Disease Control issuing the idea of using masks, because they protect other people from getting an extremely contagious disease. The Center for Disease Control is not a political organization, they operate on the basis of protecting lives, not who wins an election. The amount of misinformation and misappropriation of context during this crisis is ridiculous. People cite the right to freedom and liberty for their reasoning to not wear a mask. Those people forget other people have a right to safety, and a right to not have their own rights infringed upon, which endangering them by choosing not to wear a mask will do that. People who had the virus are now becoming susceptible again to the virus due to a lack of remaining antibodies. People who had the virus are now exhibiting permanent and sometimes significant neurological damage, including brain functionality, sense of smell and taste, paralysis, and the inability to feel hot and cold temperatures properly. People need to stop focusing on the death rates of the virus, and realize any death is unacceptable, and that the virus has additional consequences. We all need to work together or we will never beat this virus. My information is my derived opinion from reading numerous news sources from multiple political spectrums. I do not follow under Republican or Democrat, I follow under survival, and we all need to start taking this seriously, before we all stop living.
Totally agree, an (ideal) solution to the anti-maskers would be next time they have surgery, the surgeon and operating room staff don’t ware masks, or not even gowns and gloves, and why not walk in straight off the street and not even wash their hands – and go straight to work poking about inside the anti-masker. If the anti-masker even survives, the nasty case of sepsis will remind them of their lifestyle choice !.
I had two trumpers on my southwest flight. They had a bag of munchies but never took a bite. Of course they had their masks off the entire flight. One if them fell asleep for an hour without his mask. I think they think bringing a bag of peanuts is a way to break the rules. Looks like the airline is catching on. Put your mask on properly. There’s no reason to be a dick nose. It’s hard to say if they over reacted. Filming everything you did right sounds fishy as hell though.
Maybe they were following Nancy Pelosi’s lead.
If you’re going to advertise for probably the most hated man on Earth, you just might get some pushback.
So you admit to being a jaded old man who takes no one at their word, but you go on to take SW at their world. Adjust your kilt, your bias is showing.
I don’t take Southwest at its word. I just said that Southwest’s story contradicts what the young man and his boss have said.
#Matthew, the lady sitting behind them, also contradicts Southwest’s story. So, it appears your bias is strong. Let me guess; you also believe that Twitter doesn’t ban conservatives to protect Biden either. Most of the dialogue on this blog is acting like he was blatantly disregarding policy. Just by the comments on this post alone, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that people act maliciously toward people with pro-Trump gear. The actions of NDifon and Hall do not reflect people that have malintent (think David Harris Jr. and American Airlines). From the videos of the incident and the interview given on The Rubin Report, it appears likely that a triggered flight attendant lied to remove a Trump supporter from the plane. However, the flight attendant happened to choose the wrong people. On a separate note: this is the first time seeing your website. I look forward to reading your other posts on flying.
This whole thing was a setup to make the trump supporter appear to be a victim. By now everyone knows the mask rules. No exceptions, I have copd which makes breathing with a mask on uncomfortable, but I wear one.
This is about keeping everyone safe, not about freedom.
Better to live like a lion and die like a rat than live like a rat just to stay alive.
Trump supporters I support your choices and pray that you get your wish to die like a rat.
Oops. That came out wrong. I meant get your choice to live like a lion.
If you don’t feel like giving anyone the benefit of the doubt anymore shouldn’t that include the airline also? After all their PR people were not even present yet you’ll accept their account over the first hand account of the victim and a witness….guilty until proven innocent I guess.
I don’t take Southwest’s word for it. I just find it very odd and suspect that an airline would so stupid as to throw off a black man (or anyone) for wearing a Trump mask. For what possible reason? If the FA was rogue, why would Southwest dig in? They apologized last week when the rogue gate agent denied boarding to the woman who was wearing clothing that was too revealing. I don’t take Southwest’s word for it in a vacuum…it is but one more piece of the puzzle.
It is quite prejudiced to me that anyone thinks the man was removed because he is black OR a Trump supporter… The truth should have been….No mask, no flying, period. A retired FA with Southwest Airlines…
We flew Southwest in July. We wore masks. Took them off to eat, then put them back on. These stories are so over the top. Not even worth sharing with the public. We don’t care.
You article is excellent and your assessment of the passenger’s behavior is 100% correct!! Trust me I KNOW!!! It was not at all about his mask but his behavior and unwillingness to follow the instructions of the crew members!
I think he is lying because because he wants to prove something to his self.. the airline has a rule about wearing mask. Now it you have a problems reading and understanding ask someone and if you cannot hear get someone to write it down. They got you now . Be considered of other around you. You want respect them give .t
Southwest just blew it. Probably a biden crew. I would think southwest would or should suspend this flight crew.
If it was a Trump crew, it couldn’t have taken off at all as the airline would have been hundreds of millions in debt and the aircraft would have been seized as collateral
Do you film the Tampa footage also they say they support you if you film the bad also film the good
That looks a publicity stunt
Enough w/ mask stories! Come to California where you have to put your mask on between bites of food & have state authorities regulate how many people (friends & family) you can be with on any day! Sounds like Commie China! The social distancing isolation, mask wearing is just political ‘fear & force’ psychology .
The ‘can’t hurt’ crowd chimes, so go along ! Pleeease sheeple! Show me the true science behind 6’ distancing & effectiveness of make your own non medical cloth masks!
So Ninnies & Nannies Believe what U Want but leave the rest of us alone!
Still a Country based on Liberty & Freedom last time I checked … covid or not!
The science is out there. You choose to ignore it because of your political leanings.
I was on the flight…a bit further forward in the cabin…the plane was virtually loaded but a bit of a logjam with the later passengers…then the process came to a halt…Several passengers further back were standing, having summoned an attendant to enforce the mask requirement because “someone is refusing to wear his mask.” The attendant had a discussion with the party (I was not close enough to hear) and at the conclusion of the exchange, the attendant came to the front the cabin and radio-dispatched a supervisor…then I knew we were going to be late…essentially nothing happened for about ten minutes, when a ground supervisor came onboard…several minutes more conversation…then the verdict: the plane is not departing without ALL passengers complying…shortly thereafter, the couple who created the controversy deplaned without fanfare…but we were now 30 minutes late…and for some fake claim of “individual liberty?” When they purchased the ticket, they have ALREADY agreed to the policies in place.. I eat and drink, but after my sip or nibble, I re-cover my face…it is just commin sense.. NOT doing so is not just laziness in action, but displays a wanton disregard for the welfare of their felliw passengers. I have no sympathy for this couple’s illegitimate claim of harassment by the airline…they called out first by ither passengers who saw the arrogant disregard of the public safety policies AS SOON AS THEY BOARDED.
Did you receive my email? Would like to chat more with you.
Clown
Why is it being emphasized that he’s a young black man? For my sympathy becauseI am a young black woman? He was wrong, shouldn’t have to be asked to put your mask on (that’s the law), trying to create controversy and got what he deserved. I am tired of these stupid people.
What’s difficult with wearing a mask. Trump’s got you brain washed. The virus is here and very active.
Another brother looking for a handout. Trump supporters just dont get that they have to follow rules too.
We have flown SW several times. I’ve seen them tell countless people to put your mask on. Most of them are very rude to flight attendants. It’s a policy because my husband works at SW. We have flown with our two small children. How come they eat and drink by pulling up n down the mask. Don’t fly SW if your offended by their safety policy. I have flown 7 times without getting sick. Let companies make their own policies if it saves lives. There are other airlines. They are number 1 in the flight industry now because delta took a huge loss. People fly because of their safety policies.
I’ve seen them tell countless people to put your mask on. Most of them are very rude to flight attendants. It’s a policy because my husband works at SW. We have flown with our two small children. How come they eat and drink by pulling up n down the mask. Don’t fly SW if your offended by their safety policy. I have flown 7 times without getting sick. Let companies make their own policies if it saves lives. There are other airlines. They are number 1 in the flight industry now because delta took a huge loss. People fly because of their safety policies.
He isn’t wearing the mask during the entire video, while speaking, not eating. Case closed.
Victoria, just as I thought….ugly both on the inside and outside.
I was sitting next to a chin-protector passenger this Tuesday on United SFO-IAH. He got on the plane like that, and only after they gave him a formal warning for his 4th transgression did they report him to the pilot, He kind of complied, possibly with his nose sticking out, but the lights were out. It only took 2 hours. I guess seat 1A is a good place to hide your lack of mask warning.
These nutters will continue to push the envelope, and to act as if someone stole their first-born child by asking them to conform to perfectly reasonable public health and safety requests. This guy couldn’t stop eating “trail mix” (…whatever that might be…) for a couple of hours? No, just some sleazebag looking for his 15 minutes.
We had one in Australia overnight: some D-list actress no one ever heard of bragging that she didn’t do the required COVID test prior to a job involving close contact with others.
I say: throw these non-compliant types into detention centres and let them cool their heels until the pandemic resolves…
I wish this lawyer would represent this lady who was wearing a respirator that is more more effective than a mask but was thrown off Alaska Air. They said she was disruptive. She has an underlying health problem so she wanted to protect herself better with a better mask. I don’t get it. https://fm.kuac.org/post/it-was-beyond-belief-alaska-airlines-removes-disruptive-passenger-over-facemask-dispute
They sure are when it is funded/subsidised and bailed out with OUR tax dollars. Without our tax dollars they would have went belly up.
I flew the other day without a mask
When the flight attendant walked back I put it back on
Flew most of the flight without wearing the hoax .
Airlines have their own mask mandates. None really have an affect, but if it makes them feel good, then so be it. You sit within inches of people for at least an hour, and then the flight is deplaned using 7 rows at a time. Well that is UNITED. None of it makes sense and does not curb the spread.
Interesting how the people who are constantly complaining about being snowflakes can’t put their masks on when asked. All them reply something political, blah blah Trump blah blah Biden ,blah republican , blah Democrat blah liberal conservative blah… It’s required stop being difficult and follow the rules during this thing. Sorry flight attendants can’t continue to ask you 10 times to comply. People bank on the fact that people will just give up and stop asking and then they get away with the rules no applying to them. Serves you right SUCK IT.
My question to you is simple: You stated that you are jaded and refuse to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.
However, to me, you are clearly giving southwest the benefit of the doubt. They have offered no proof other than their word that they warned him multiple times and yet you seem to be more on their side than neutral.
Reading this story, it seems the reason he was removed from the flight was because he was not wearing his mask properly. It had nothing to do with him being a Trump supporter and it should not be politicized as that. The headline should read, “Man removed from flight for not wearing mask properly,” end of story. We all need to stop adding to the conflicts that already exist. Maybe the “United States” would start to become “united” again if need stories wouldn’t initiate divisiveness.
You know coronavirus is a deadly virus,you should wear all time, i think you deserve to thrown out the airplane.
This guy definitely should’ve sued. Seriously, if that’s not [redacted by admin] right there, I don’t know what is. If these idiots expect passengers to keep their masks on for the duration of the flight, how the hell are they supposed to eat or drink anything that they serve them? Not only is that [redacted by admin], it’s also discrimination, too.
There was no reason what so ever for him be asked to leave plane. This just move of the Communist party to show their strength lot of it is going on if he had a black lives matter mask on nothing would have happened
How is SW enforcing a public safety rule the “communist party”? Way off base here. BTW, Don’t wear your car seat belt, drive at 100 mph , and don’t stop at stop signs. See where I am going here?
The unaddressed issue here is EATING on an airplane. Why is it the exception to mask wearing? No one should NEED to eat or drink during a 30 minute to 5 hour flight.
Exactly.
I suppose that all problems in this country, up to and including COVID-19, are solved %. Am I right?
No? Then why are we not just listening to the goddamn CDC and just wearing our goddamn masks without all this highschool bullshit drama?
You really have to ask that question?
Have you taken a good look & listen around America? We’re not a nation of good people. While there are many good people here, on the whole…..we’re not.
So wear your mask. And why is a black man supporting Trump? Is he hoping Trumps boys will shoot him in the back?
Trump supporter could have had a conversation keeping his mask on. Lady talking very annoying.
Guy next to lady did not have on mask. All annoying.
Maybe the airline should make a policy (if not in place already) they don’t allow articles of clothing with words of hate,, praising hate or endorsing famous leaders who preach, teach & condone hate.
Or that they don’t allow incredibly stupid black men on their fligjt.
Great job airline! If you support hateful, despicable, vile people, you shouldn’t expect good & fair treatment.
So much hate on this thread. So many unkind words. So much preaching. I have questions on both sides of the situation, many pushbacks to thinking stated here. I’m sure I’ll get pushback, but respectfully done is more the type of person I would want to discuss, disagree, argue with or learn from.
Thank you to all those who are level headed here, fair, not name calling or falling into the trap they are speaking against. There were great points made amidst the muck. I appreciated them. Affirmations of my own questions or concerns with events in the video. But, I was not there and willing choose not to lump all this or that type of person as if they are one unit.
I know plenty of folks who don’t seem to follow science or the rules from all walks of life, races or political leanings. I think we should, ALL myself included work to not stoke more hate and division than we already have. So many people wearing shirts about kindness I have taken for granted as cliche. I think I appreciate them more now as if they are to be taken earnestly by all.
Thank you, Matthew for this article and keen questions.