US Airways Flight Attendant Disrespects Decorated Army Soldier (VIDEO)
Passengers on board a flight from Portland to Charlotte this morning are requesting an apology from US Airways and the US Airways flight attendant responsible for the disrespect shown towards a decorated American soldier..
According to several first class passengers on the flight, the well-decorated Army First Sergeant requested to have his dress blues hung up. The flight attendant refused, claiming that it was against US Airways policy for her to hang a coach passengers clothing. She refused a number of times, eventually becoming belligerent, and a couple of the first class passengers offered their seats to First Sergeant Albert Marle, who refused to take their seats.
Eventually, a first class passenger asked Marle if he would like him to hang the dress blues for him and he said yes. The passenger took the uniform and hung them up behind his seat.
An American Airlines/US Airways spokesman said that they were looking into the matter and will deal with the matter internally when the conclude the investigation.
Regardless, this is absolutely uncalled for and an incredibly disappointing action taken by the flight attendant. Even if this is the policy, it is one that I have seen not enforced before when coach passengers have been allowed to hang things in the spot this American hero was requesting. If this is true as is stated, US Airways and the flight attendant owes an apology to this soldier. If not, the new American should change their name to unAmerican Airlines.
@fly2travelblog Our apologies for the situation which we are internally reviewing. We have a long proud history of serving our military. — American Airlines (@AmericanAir) October 10, 2014
@prior2board We apologize for the situation and are internally reviewing. We hold the men and women serving our country in the (1/2) — American Airlines (@AmericanAir) October 10, 2014
@prior2board highest regard. (2/2)
— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) October 10, 2014
We hold all those serving our country in the highest regard and apologize for any offense caused. We are reviewing the incident internally. — US Airways (@USAirways) October 10, 2014
Typical of AA/US Airways. It’s like they are going out of their way to anger customers. @aahatesyou #AAHatesCustomers.
One issue which I hope isn’t overlooked is this “She refused a number of times, eventually becoming belligerent…” If she refused a number of times it means she was asked a number of times. Normally once a crew member says “No” there shouldn’t be a discussion/argument about it. No is no…in the military you don’t usually argue with your commanding officer….
I think it wasn’t the soldier who asked multiple times, it was other passengers.
He paid for an economy ticket and that is what he’s entitled to. Yes, it’s be nice if an airline goes above and beyond, but it shouldn’t be expected. I’ve asked to have something hung and been denied before. Accept the decline of extraordinary service and carry on.
Brian, he also signed up to pay for our freedoms with his life. I think it’s amazing how so many people can criticize someone who puts their life on their line for this country. Do you understand the pride involved with a uniform of the US military? That uniform represents something, much more than just the suit most want to hang. Sometimes policies are stupid. Instead of suggesting a guy who puts his life on the line should just “carry on” try to understand the importance of the uniform he carries.
I don’t think anyone is criticizing him for asking, however, as soon as the FA said “No” that should have been the end of the discussion. There are other professions where people risk their lives to save other, fire fighters, police, even life guards, and as a society we are thankful and great-full to all of them. However individuals should not expect special treatment or create a hostile environment when that treatment isn’t granted.
Thank you for the wise comment. MANY professions put their lives on the line daily. Yes, the military does and I am incredibly thankful for that. But that doesn’t mean they or anyone else is entitled to an unlisted benefit. Yes, I agree, it would have been nice for the FA to hang them up for him. But she said no, which she is entitled to, and would presumably say to all other E passengers regardless of how dangerous, patriotic, or important a job they have. Now, if the agencies policy is to provide that service, then it’s a different story
The point you are missing here is that the soldier asked once (it goes back to the adage that it never hurts to ask) and the first class passengers were the one who kept asking the FA to do so. The passengers were the ones complaining AFTER the flight as well. Never once did the soldier make this into a headline and he was not hounding the FA to change the policy. There is one account that says the FA told one of the first class passengers not to get involved when he spoke up.