Originally Posted by
FedElta
I haven't posted in a long time, but here I am. I witnessed very inappropriate behavior on a main line flight yesterday.
I was seated at the gate, awaiting boarding for the 3:29pm departure from Dal to Atl on 6/17/17.
The entire operating crew was seated across the aisle from me, in a very crowded gate. The A line FA started on a loud rant criticizing DAL corporate decisions to withdraw sponsorship from a recent event.....she continued the vocal rant, to include accusing DAL management of being in bed with the current POTUS and the NRA.
A newhire FA tried unsuccessfully to quieten or deflect her, but was unable. The Cap and Fo sat there eating a sandwich, and scrolling their IPad, and took no action whatsoever.
We are all entitled to our opinion and choice in life, but I don't believe that extends to public criticism of your employer and elected governmental leaders in public, while on duty in uniform.
Captains, be a Captain.....warrant the 4th stripe.
Rant over,
FedElta
Aka: Bill Gillespie
Years ago I flew AA all the time, as I had few other options. The sort of behavior you described was common on AA flights, from both the cabin and cockpit crew. I heard it in the plane, at the gate, on the shuttle bus, and on the tram. It was genuinely toxic, and so pervasive that I occasionally wondered if the crew would have their collective "head in the game" if an emergency arose.
I agree that the captain should have taken a leadership role and helped the FA understand that there is a time and place to express her frustrations, but doing it in front of the passengers was not appropriate.