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Home » Spirit » Sickening: Spirit Airlines Passengers Show Up Late For Flight, Pull “I’m In The Military” Card, Curse Out Gate Agent
Spirit

Sickening: Spirit Airlines Passengers Show Up Late For Flight, Pull “I’m In The Military” Card, Curse Out Gate Agent

Matthew Klint Posted onSeptember 6, 2024September 6, 2024 53 Comments

a man pointing at another man

After showing up late to board a Spirit Airlines flight in Los Angeles, a couple demanded that the boarding door be reopened to let them on, offering two bizarre reasons as to why including pulling the military card.

Spirit Airlines Passengers Show Up Late To LAX Flight, Try To Blame Gate Agent, Pull Military Card

The incident occurred in Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and involved two Spirit Airlines passengers. They show up late at the gate and the flight has already closed.

  • The woman demands to be let on the flight because she is in the military and has to report to work the following day
  • Her companion looks out the window and notices the plane is still at the gate, then launches a profanity-laced tirade about how the gate agent is not doing enough to let them back on the flight

You can watch the NSFW situation unfold here (warning – foul language):

All I can say is that Spirit could not pay me enough to be a gate agent. The woman pulling the military card was not professional (as if the reason you were late was because you were fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan), but understandable…if she did have to report back to base the following day, missing your flight is a big problem.

But the guy is just out of control in the worst possible way. Repeatedly cursing out the gate agent is totally uncalled for…if there’s one thing that will make someone unhelpful, it is degrading them.

“You didn’t even try! You sitting right here doing nothing!”

I understand it appears frustrating when the plane is still sitting at the gate, but once the flight has been closed and the aircraft door has been shut, it will not be reopened for late-arriving passengers.

So no, I do not pity these passengers who cut it too close and arrived late. I hope, per policy, Spirit canceled their tickets…again, because I’m not inclined to extend any favors (like a free rebooking) to someone who curses me out or otherwise degrades me.

Kudos to the gate agent for showing remarkable patience in this situation.


image: Ebon Sledge / TikTok

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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53 Comments

  1. Peter Ould Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 9:56 am

    Often these people don’t realise there are a bunch of administrative and regulatory issues with allowing them on board at this point. As those of us who fly far too much know, the captain needs to declare a manifest (or similar) everytime (s)he flies a commercial aircraft – who and what is on board etc. Then there’s the weight and fuel calculations. It really isn’t as easy as “open the door and let me jump on”, especially if the paperwork has already been submitted.

  2. Stu McGatz Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 10:02 am

    Military = typically arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule for most obligations. Please “ax” ahead of time.

  3. Gene Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 10:14 am

    @ Matthew — Pulling out your inner Gary for the headline!

  4. AngryFlier Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 10:20 am

    The woman is a true lowlife and if her CO caught wind of her behavior, she would be in trouble. This sort of behavior is neither condoned nor tolerated on-duty or off. It reflects poorly on the service. Not to mention that her being late and irresponsible leading to her being late for her duty would make it even worse. This is an idiot.

    As for the door being closed while the aircraft is still there, I can see how this seems wrong to someone who knows nothing about how airport/gate operations work. But it’s not like riding in a car or bus. But acting like a flaming AH doesn’t help you to learn and understand why this is.

    • NedsKid Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 12:04 pm

      I once had someone cuss me out for missing their flight. Said they had to get back to report for duty at their base the next morning, I was going to cause them to be in trouble, etc. Well, I was the wrong one to do that to…. I went back to my office and called the security office at the base. I said I needed to find out this person’s CO so that I could contact as they missed their flight.

      Well, long story short, they worked at the Subway inside the PX.

    • TG Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 4:34 pm

      If the jet bridge door is closed, it usually means the flight has been closed, the main cabin door of the aircraft has been closed, and the aircraft is waiting for pushback. In other words ..get to airport earlier.

    • XYZ Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 4:42 pm

      @AngyFlier — I agree– hopefully her CO finds out and she gets in trouble. That is the case in many professions. For example: if somebody with a Commercial Driver’s License has a DWI: even if they are off the clock and it is their personal vehicle, it is a one year suspension. Second time is a permanent revocation. She definitely needs to have consequences for her behavior.

  5. Dave Edwards Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 10:25 am

    The bigger issue is we are not paying our military members enough when they have to fly Spirit.

    That said, zero defense for their actions.

    • jesda gulati Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 1:58 pm

      Spirit isn’t -that- cheap once you add fees. This person is just a cheapskate.

    • Andrew Reply
      September 8, 2024 at 3:18 am

      If they are in active duty status they can catch a free military ” hop” through the Air Force, the caveat is they have to be in uniform. Many travel on commercial flights and many get free upgrades as well if they travel in BDU”S or uniform. Once they travel as a civilian they are not obligated to receive any special favors. No one should behave like that, and I guarantee their identity will be found out and will be dealt with appropriately. Like any job, one should not travel until they have a proper amount of money and time. If they put their time in low priced flights could be found on most airlines to most routes.

  6. Maryland Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 10:49 am

    She must have missed the military time lesson in basic.

  7. James Harper Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 11:12 am

    Lovely, yet another happy day in the life of people involved in US aviation. I don’t think there’s anywhere in the world where so much ignorance and bad behaviour is on display and that’s just the passengers without starting on the crews.

  8. derek Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 12:11 pm

    Military should NOT be given priority boarding. This is stupid.

    During wartime, they should. During peacetime and during war, when on official orders, they should be given free baggage check in.

    Neurosurgeons do more than most military personnel. Neurosurgeons are subjected to slavery during their residency training, including hazing, working way past 40 hours (like 100 hours per week). They get paid less than the minimum wage during this time. In fact, in decades past, they were paid as a dorm room and cafeteria food. They save lives. Brain surgeons don’t get priority boarding.

    Same thing with EMTs, plumbers that do weekend and night work, firefighters.

    • Someone who's currently deployed Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 12:57 pm

      Yah, damn those military folks who gave Uncle Sam a blank check with their names on it…volunteering to die for their country and the ideals upon which it was founded. They deserve NOTHING!

      • NedsKid Reply
        September 6, 2024 at 2:34 pm

        I wasn’t aware we had conscription in this country?

        • russ Reply
          September 8, 2024 at 5:47 am

          which is a good thing.
          We certainly don’t want you.

      • Sam Reply
        September 6, 2024 at 6:38 pm

        They don’t ‘deserve’ any priority boarding or other special perks or anything on flights. Sure. Glad we agree!

      • Robin Reply
        September 7, 2024 at 7:32 am

        Volunteering? That would mean you are not taking a paycheck….

        • russ Reply
          September 8, 2024 at 5:50 am

          Kind of like you and your volunteer job. Only you get to sit home every night and watch reruns of Gomer Pyle to make you feel special.

    • Tony Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 1:43 pm

      Two comments:
      1. Neurosurgeons not be provided priority boarding is an insult to everything good and decent in the world, particularly considering the hazing.
      2. Derek, you might want to consider changing neurosurgeons.

    • M Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 1:46 pm

      What the heck are you talking about??? This incident has nothing to do with what you said. This couple arrived late!! The agent is not going to take a delay and a writeup just to let this two on. It’s their own fault for not arriving at the airport 2 hours prior which is the standart..

    • russ Reply
      September 8, 2024 at 5:52 am

      such a sad comment. but then all the armchair commanders are welcome to apply.

  9. Ricport Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 12:43 pm

    I don’t care if she is the next Pope. If you’re late to the gate, you miss the flight. Period. If getting back to the base is that much of a priority, she should have either booked an earlier flight or chosen another airline that has interline agreements to rebook her.

  10. Don Muszinski Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 1:06 pm

    Didn’t even need to see the picture of the guy to know who’s involved, Spirit and a ‘typical” Spirit passenger. Pay more, fly better.

    • russ Reply
      September 8, 2024 at 5:55 am

      so you admit he was your brother or maybe boyfriend?

  11. InLA Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 1:40 pm

    I know this is just me, but I prefer the door to be closed at some point prior to takeoff. I get very antsy on those flights where the pilot takes off with the door open in case a late passenger needs to run out and jump onboard.

    • PlaneSailing Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 3:16 pm

      Your comment made my day…. I’m still laughing – thanks

  12. Partrick Sloan Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 1:51 pm

    Veteran here.

    Claims to be military. Did she provide any evidence (ID Card) that she actually is? From both her actions and those of her extremely polite travelling companion, I’d instinctively listen to the trees, who are whispering a “gentle, no.”

    Or are those the voices of my many Senior NonComs & Officers reminding me that I had obligations on how to conduct myself 24hrs a day?

  13. Tony N Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 2:13 pm

    This is the only country in the world that prioritizes the Military. That’s B.S., should not be.

    • Moe Reply
      September 7, 2024 at 3:00 pm

      🙂
      Its one of the only countries that isn’t controlled by the military…
      In other countries they blow your plane out of the sky if they don’t like your face…

    • russ Reply
      September 8, 2024 at 5:57 am

      This is your worse issue in life? What a sad person you are. Must be someone who goes to an animal shelter and get rejected by all the dogs.

  14. Robb Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 2:29 pm

    (1) if you’re active Military, or retired Military for that matter, being ON TIME is so ingrained in you that you’re just not late. Period. (2) to the foul mouthed lunatic, ermmm that’s NOT the way to court help to your situation. If anything, it just makes the person with the power do the complete opposite

    • Ellen Baggett Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 11:14 pm

      I agree. Most military and I have been around a few know how to conduct themselves. That person doesn’t belong in the military, what if that attitude extends into combat? As for the male, that kind of language and attitude can send me into a supreme anxiety attack if I were to be in the area.

  15. Matt Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 2:29 pm

    The ignorance in all of us is that at some point in the future we expect this to change.

  16. Chi Hsuan Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 3:47 pm

    I’ve twice convinced gate agents to open the door after closing using all my charm and persuasiveness.

  17. XYZ Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 4:45 pm

    @Matt — there might be a word missing in the article.

    “Repeatedly cursing out the gate agent is totally uncalled for…if there’s one thing that will make someone helpful, it is degrading them.”

    I think you meant, “if there’s one thing that will *not* make someone helpful…”

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 4:51 pm

      Yes indeed, XYZ. Mean to write UNhelpful.

      Thanks for pointing that out and for your comments.

      • Justin Scheffler Reply
        September 8, 2024 at 8:12 am

        I figured he said that sarcasticly. “If there’s one thing that will make someone help you, it’s cussing them out” then add an eye roll and you have a sarcastic ironic remark. But APPARENTLY either the writer knows its easier to agree with someone than start an argument OR he genuinely didn’t mean to type it that way.

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          September 8, 2024 at 9:32 am

          You are correct about what I meant.

  18. Doublebip Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 6:48 pm

    An explanation why the door can’t be opened by the gate agent might go a long way to defusing these situations. I understand a passenger screaming doesn’t warrant any help and likely won’t hear, but sometimes the gate agents can be just as belligerent and power trippy. If they are too busy with final paperwork, have an airport agent explain it. Especially with Spirit Airlines you’re generally dealing with lower economic class people who likely don’t fly often or read these blogs so they don’t get why a door can’t be opened like a bus at a stop. Spreading knowledge is a good thing.

  19. mousepaws Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 7:01 pm

    One of the few scenarios I’d have mad sympathy:
    You booked a ticket with a connecting flight, with the same airline. You took care in booking with a two hour layover. The flight is delayed due to a mechanical issue. The flight arrives at the connection hub 1h45m late . You run and run to make it to the gate , and the door is still open, Just as you arrive, the door closes as you pant, out of breath, and the gate agent says, with a grin “You should have planned your trip better. Pound sand and pay up!”
    Yes, this has happened.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 6, 2024 at 8:23 pm

      Did that really happen to you?

      • mousepaws Reply
        September 6, 2024 at 11:24 pm

        Yep! In the US-Air days. PDX to OAJ via CLT.

  20. Kuck Famala Reply
    September 6, 2024 at 8:09 pm

    As a military officer, allow me to say that NONE OF US INTENTIONALLY FLY SPIRIT AIRLINES!! And I doubt SATO, the military travel office, would ever book any ody on orders on that trashy, ghetto, crappy, low-rent dumpster-fire of an airline.

    Pay close attention: if you booked Spirit on purpose, YOU ARE TOO POOR FOR AIR TRAVEL. Get your broke ass on a Greyhound bus and STFU.

    • Brian Reply
      September 7, 2024 at 12:05 am

      If you are actually a military officer then your chosen display name is contemptuous speech in violation of the UCMJ (Art 88 specifically). Since officers require a degree, your horrendous grammar is inexcusable. Then there is your assumption that this would be a SATO booked ticket for official travel rather than a personally booked ticket for leisure. Across the board, if you are the officer you claim then your behavior is as wrong as the man in the video.

    • Jim Reply
      September 7, 2024 at 6:24 am

      I have no respect for you or your comment. Your hateful screen name has no place in a decent world.

    • Wernda Reply
      September 7, 2024 at 1:34 pm

      I doubt you had the intelligence to serve much less be an officer

  21. Jon Reply
    September 7, 2024 at 6:18 am

    I respect our military and support when companies offer them special privileges, but I don’t think it’s fair to demand special treatment like that.

  22. Skp2MyLou Reply
    September 7, 2024 at 8:13 am

    I sincerely hope this couple can be identified by the woman’s command. She and her dependent are making the military look bad, 100%.

    I hope her command makes an example of her, too, with an Article 15.

  23. ABC Reply
    September 7, 2024 at 9:51 am

    @Kuck Famala (a military officer): if true; a stupid, pathetic, disrespectful, trashy, ghetto, crappy, low-rent dumpster-fire military officer in dire need of court martial. Just like a former president and one of the main political parties, everything you write or say is self-owning projection.

    @Kuck Famala, @Dave Edwards, @derek, @Sam, @Robin, @Tony N: so many morons and rectal sphincters, so little time !

  24. bossa Reply
    September 7, 2024 at 4:36 pm

    @ James Harper – I think Nigeria would give the US a run for its money on ‘well behaved’ pax …. Not a distinction to be proud of for either country … and I”m sure there are a few more …
    These two pax are too incensed to even be reasoned with or understand a patient, intelligent explanation of why the door can’t be reopened.
    Her behavior doesn’t even seem that egregious, or maybe that it’s juxtaposed to her moronic/profane companion..
    Ban ’em Danno !

  25. emercycrite Reply
    September 7, 2024 at 10:28 pm

    Disgusting. If they are in fact serving in the military they should be reported to their unit commander.

  26. TT Reply
    September 9, 2024 at 2:03 am

    As a F/A (Flight Attendant) normally we do not open the MCD (Main Cabin Door) once it’s been shut, but it has happened before. Opened the door because the captain called and told us we’re going back to the jet bridge to let a passenger on.

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