Originally Posted by
iceman49
We were sitting at the gate back when no cell phone useage was allowed on an aircraft. Pax was using his cell phone and the flight attendant asked him to either go out on the jetway or turn it off...he refused and she informed me of the issue. Made a PA informing everyone that cell phones were not allowed to be used on board, because of the delay anyone wanting to could go out in the jetway or to the gate area could use their phone if they needed. Again the pax refused to comply, I went back and informed him of the reg, he left his cell phone on and pulled out a US Representative business card and asked if I knew who he was...said it did not matter who you are, you still have to turn if off or go off the aircraft. He complied, later came back and apoligized.
You were given a golden opportunity and blew it. I would have taken his business card, proceeded to the front of the aircraft. Picked up the PA and made the following announcement;
"US Representative so-and-so from X state thinks he/she is above the law and is allowed to put you, your family, and this aircraft in danger by continuing to talk on his/her cell phone. By a show of hands, who believes the US Representative should be removed from the aircraft?"
"I'm sorry Sir or Mam, we're returning to the jetway where you and your bags will be removed from the aircraft."
And if you think I'm kidding, I'm not. I've flown many of these bozos and other VIPs who think they're above the law ... or they expect the aircrew to make exceptions because of who they are.
For example, there were a few missions I was on where we had some minor aircraft issues. The books left some leeway with the crew. You betcha, if the VIP and/or their staff was a pain in the you know what, the mission was delayed. Why should we jump threw hoops for someone who treats up like crap?