My answer to your post, based on my "perception" of your story:
1. Go J/S, unless FOM dictates otherwise.
2. Go Fly your trip, unless FOM dictates otherwise.

It's interesting to read the varying degrees of responses to MrBigAir's post. I noticed most responses to the post were extreme, handling the issue with the utmost seriousness, while some posts joked about it, and very few posts in the middle. Unfortunately, IMHO, we live in a society where perception becomes reality which is why most of the responses deal with career protection measures (which are prudent and justified). Personally, I don't subscribe to overreacting. If I get called "on the carpet" by my CP, I simply provide the truth, take the required drug tests, and let the facts prevail, but that's just me.

-jc23

 

There are two interests here: protecting yourself professionally, and being personally, and justifiably, offended.

In my opinion, the first is most important. I would pull out my phone, call my CP, and not so subtly state that it "had been suggested, without cause, that I might be intoxicated. She's right here, would you like to speak with her? Shall we cancel that flight while I get a breathalyzer?" You might not feel compelled to go that far, but at the absolute minimum, I'd ask for guidance from the company. That way they've vetted you, and can't easily subsuquently subject you to ridiculous "disciplinary action". Handled smoothly, this would likely cower the passenger I'll refer to as "Madame Bovine."

If I were working the flight, I'd imagine the worst-case scenario, say a tire blows or my Pratt & Whitneys combine with goose migration patterns for a bad day. Then it's like an off-duty cop at a bar that kills a mugger: You're automatically suspect, an easy target, and it doesn't matter how right you are. It doesn't have to be true to ruin your career, especially when several hours later "of course he blew a .000" I think if you're about to fly, in this case you have to take measures that might seem Draconian to anyone whose career is not on the line. Better safe than really, really sorry.

A few years ago, a friend of mine had a passenger "joke" while boarding that the crew should take a sobriety test. So they did what I would've done, and initially asked their chief pilot. They were told that to go get tested. However, management backpedalled like a 3 year-old in high-speed tricycle reverse when they realized what would happen to the flight, and what it would cost. They got tested anyway.

 

+1. Funny stuff. Don't know about the PA announcement though; I wouldn't want any liability for the verbal abuse she suffers at the hands of other PAX. I'd probably have her told discretely that she caused the delay—the knowledge is probably guilt and shame enough for a decent person to learn the lesson. If she doesn't get it, then there's probably not much hope anyways.

 

Great replies.

I think it's pertinent to point out that she didn't outright accuse me of being drunk, just that she was going to investigate if I was or not, so my status in her statement was still pending. I think a more direct accusation would have warranted a stronger response.

Many pax are scared pantless to go flying, and I chalk up most of this normally unacceptable behavior to nervousness, and I cut them slack accordingly. Unfortunately, as was mentioned, we do get stereotyped, and worse yet is that old game of "telephone" where one pax may make a joke but within 15min, it gets blown way out of proportion by other bystanders... and then we trip on the priority-boarding-carpet or drop our rollaway on the gateway door trim, and the pax are on the phone faster than you can grab that last packet of Biscoffs.

So it's a tricky situation, every case has to be taken on an individual basis.

 

I had a similar situation where a guy sticks his head in the cockpit and says "Have you guys been drinking?" I said to my FO and SO, pack up your bags. I then got on the PA and alerted the pax to the gentleman standing at the cockpit door and his question. I further informed them that they would now need to gather up their carry on's and deplane: while the ENTIRE crew goes and gets drug and alcohol tested since our legality has been questioned. But not to worry, the company will get a replacement crew and their vacations to Cancun would only be delayed by four to five hours. Feel free to thank this man for his concern for their safety and not to worry about this crew; we get paid anyways and get the next three days off. Thank you for flying with us and have a wonderful time in Mexico when you get there. I heard about two hours after we left DFW, security had to be called to the gate.

 

Excellent reply.
Good point. It is easy to forget that many of your passengers are at their limit of irrational fear anytime they get near an airport.

Just mention the passenger and the complaint and you are covered, no need to bend over for every looney that happens by-it would be a busy day if you did.

 

Best story yet!

 

Our company, Champion AIr, had a Zero Tolerance policy on stupid or unruly behaved passengers. Oh by the way later that afternoon I had the pleasure of expaining the "back course procedure" to a lovely FA over margaritas in the hottub!!!! And getting $108 an hour to do it!!!! Yea baby, yea.....

 

 

I thought it was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.