Hotmail
Messenger
My MSN
MSN Directory
Instances where being impolite doesn't pay
Kindness can be contagious, but on planes, rudeness is an epidemic
|
With many airlines cutting capacity to alleviate fuel costs, along with oversold flights, tense employees worried about their jobs, ticket price hikes with endless hidden fees, dollar woes and lines for every phase of the flight, it’s no wonder that everyone is so rude to one another. There is a certain tension in the air that seems to say, “Don’t mess with me.”
When many of us feel like lashing out, most of us hold our tongues. But have you ever seen the extremely rude passengers who get rewarded in the form of upgrades, free drinks or something that lends justification for their actions?
Believe it or not, it doesn’t always work out that way; in fact, many times it backfires. Here are some classic cases:
1. Coating the tarmac
A VIP first-class female passenger stormed onboard and threw her full-length fur coat at the flight attendant at the door and shouted, “Do something with this!” The flight attendant who, because she was too close to her retirement for any disciplinary action to be taken, walked to the jetway door, tossed the coat on to the tarmac, and exclaimed to the other flight attendant “Well, I did something with it like she said.”
2. Custer’s last stand
A flight attendant, who was on his last flight before starting his new once-in-a-lifetime job, was not willing to take any crap from anyone. He decided to make an example out of a mildly rude frequent flier. He vented and humiliated this man who, ironically enough, turned out to be his future dream-job’s boss, or I should say ex-boss.
3. Won’t budge
The flight was oversold and when the gate agent entered the airplane and went to a male passenger, who when confronted with a seat change quickly replied, “I booked this seat months in advance, so just turn around and pedal your request elsewhere.” When the gate agent tried to respond, the very rude gentleman cut her off and yelled “Go away now!” She regrouped and said to the passenger next to the rude gentleman, “Well Sir, it appears that I have a rejected upgrade to first class. Would you care to take his place?” In which he quickly accepted as the look of regret lingered on the rude passenger’s face. This scenario happens all the time. Rule of thumb: Listen first, and then react.
4. Don’t bite the hand that flies
A pilot showed up for a flight one day and was confronted by a passenger who decided to chastise him for the horrible airline he which he worked. He decided not to fly, stating that he was too emotionally upset to fly that day. The flight was canceled and the pilot did not get in trouble for his actions, for there was something in his contract about being “fit to fly.” I wish I had that in my work rules.
5. Insecurity
Nobody likes airport security with their long lines, inconsistent procedures and holier-than-thou attitude, but most of us know when to keep a civil tongue. Well, apparently the businessman in front of me in line did not. He lashed out at every security agent and made very rude comments to every one in his way. The supervisor noticed this, donned his rubber gloves and quickly escorted this man to a private location. I can’t say for sure what exactly happened, but when I saw him onboard; he appeared a much more humbled individual.
Click for related content |
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
- Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM TIPS |
 Tips Section Front |
| Add Tips headlines to your news reader: |