I just got back from a flight and what an eventful flight it was.
There was a family of 4 traveling together on our flight back to Hawaii - two sisters, their father, and a boyfriend. During the flight, one of the sisters came to the back galley and asked to purchase 2 vodka minis. Unfortunately, I had sold out earlier. She looked to see what I had left and decided to just take a Diet Sprite instead. She said, “It’s okay, I’ll just use my own alcohol.”
Now for those who don’t know this, you cannot consume your own alcohol on a flight. It’s an FAA violation. I figured she must not know this since she was so open about it in the first place. I decided to let her go with a warning. Then about 15 minutes later, I was walking through the cabin collecting trash when I noticed a brown drink on her tray table. Now, we all know that Sprite is not brown. When I asked her what she was drinking, she said it was a coke. However, she was not able to show me the coke can. I told her I would need to take the drink but she refused.
I then decided to call our Lead Flight Attendant who immediately came to her seat and questioned her about her drink. She finally admitted to drinking her own alcohol and even gave us the bottle. He told her that this was her final warning and if she didn’t comply he would have Security waiting when we landed. He also told her that this is probably not the best way to start her Hawaiian vacation.
Just before we were about to land, I noticed this same passenger walking up and down aisles. Since we had already secured the cabin, I had to go and find out what she was doing. She said she was looking for the Lead Flight Attendant. When he came back to talk to her again, she demanded to know his first and last name. He told her his first name and left it at that. That’s when she started screaming uncontrollably and said, “I want your f***in’ last name right now!” She then tried to push him as she passed him in the aisle. He held up his hand, asked her to take her seat, and informed her that she would be arrested in Honolulu.
When we landed, we asked everyone to remain seated while the authorities came on board. They asked me to show them where she was sitting and when we got there she raised her hand and said sarcastically, “Yup, you guys are looking for me. Take me away.” That’s when her father got in my face and wanted to know my full name. I said, “My name is Kailani and that’s all I’m going to tell you.” Can you believe he then threatened me right in front of Security? He told me that he would “get me” when I walked off the plane. He got escorted off, too.
Why would anyone act this way and ruin their vacation? Obviously they had too much to drink and I’m sure once the buzz wears off they’re going to feel really dumb about the whole thing. Even so, I now have a ton paperwork to fill out and statements to make to Security, the FAA, and my own In-flight office.
It’s just all in a days work.
56 Comments on “Some People Shouldn’t Drink & Fly”
9:31 am
I am constantly aghast at all the abuse flight attendants have to endure. Sometimes, I want to get up and punch the offending passengers out myself!
Hope they didn’t ruin the rest of your day. Grrr.
Hsien Lei’s last blog post..Don’t Be A Jerk
9:39 am
What a rough day! I bet it’s nice to be home.
I can’t believe the alcohol made it through the screeners. I thought they were checking for all liquids and confiscating them?
Corrie’s last blog post..On Pins and Needles
12:08 pm
Sorry you had to deal with idiots….drunk ones at that. I’m pretty darned tired of it myself!
Dee’s last blog post..The Kite Runner
1:57 pm
Intoxicated people can be so stupid! You’d think if the actually saw themselves on film they’d be embarrased but I seriously doubt it. They’s probably just think it’s funny.
Cathi’s last blog post..Too Many Birthdays
2:00 pm
….and this reminds me why I don’t work with Joe Public. I am in HR and we have to endure some heat but those giving us heat can be fired moments later so it doesn’t typically escalate to the levels you have to endure!
tonya’s last blog post..No News is Good News…….
2:02 pm
What an idiot! Oh I am so sorry you have to deal with that stupidity and rudeness. Hopefully they learned their lesson when the touched down and the authorities dealt with them.
Jamie’s last blog post..It’s All Fun and Games Until Your Kid Touts the Benefits of K-Y
2:22 pm
Oh my goodness! I am glad you’re ok and I hope there is always security around to protect you!
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing’s last blog post..Her Stash Is Prettier Than Mine
2:25 pm
I guess its a trip they will never forget. Some people will do anything to get in trouble. Glad you are ok. Hopefully you wont be on there return flight.
** The airlines decided to refund them their return flight tickets and they’re now banned to fly on us again. Thank goodness since I usually do the same routes. I would hate to have them on the return flight! **
2:27 pm
Ooh! Fun times at work! It’s rare I get to deal with drunkards as a SAHM, so sounds thrilling and exciting to me…
** LOL! It does make things interesting! **
tracey’s last blog post..DELURK NOW!!!
2:36 pm
I wonder how they even got alcohol on the plane with the security measures in place these days. Seems like that would have been stopped at the security screening.
Melissa Markham’s last blog post..2008 Kids’ Book List
3:11 pm
The last flight I was on had a guy who bought as much alcohol as was allowed… and I think he may have been a tad tipsy when we got on board… half way through the flight he starts loudly singing along with his ipod - and when we landed he started questioning passengers about where they lived… one asked him where he was from and his response was, “Um… somewhere…. here. Here where we’ve landed… somewhere… in the valley… here.” My only thought was “PLEASE let someone come and pick this man up!!”
3:16 pm
That’s why I don’t envy your job.
I hope that all that paperwork goes by quickly. It’s so strange that you have to report to all of those different people.
** I think it’s because the family is denying the whole thing and even said that the flight attendants threatened them. I’m sure they just want all the documentation in place just in case the matter goes further. **
3:21 pm
At least you now know who the daughter takes after!
I’m sure that most flights to Hawaii are quite pleasant. The ones having to come home not so much!
4:22 pm
Why is it so hard for people to just follow simple rules and not cause a huge scene for no reason? Though, I’m sure it provided for amusement for the others on the plane, even if the lady was a lunatic.
matt’s last blog post..The Pet Vet Site
4:46 pm
And that’s why I truly believe intoxicated people shouldn’t be allowed on a flight and alcohol should not be served in the air. I’ve seen so many bad incidents, and even as a passenger, who likes to sit next to someone who’s drunk?
So sorry for you, Kailani. Sounds like you handled the situation with grace, though.
Kelly @ Love Well’s last blog post..Thoughts from Room 250
5:39 pm
holy crap!
although it really shouldn’t surprise me. sadly, there are people like that everywhere. why would a flight be any different. it is sad though, to think of how they were brought up to have such a feeling of entitlement. sigh.
6:38 pm
I’m just glad you’re safe!
Sher :)’s last blog post..January Giveaway!!!
6:40 pm
sheer stupidity. personally i don’t think alcohol should be served on flights - and how were they able to get it onto the plane in the first place? thank God you weren’t hurt!
Briggie’s last blog post..The Subject Bible
6:50 pm
And this is why I am always so kind to flight attendants. Some people are just so rude!!
Jacki’s last blog post..Cooking Ilustrated: Hearty Vegetable Soup
6:59 pm
I don’t understand why people have to drink alcohol on a plane at all. If it was an extremely long flight, maybe. But even on flights less than an hour that I’ve been on it seems like people get on the plane purely to get drunk. I honestly don’t understand why it’s even allowed at all.
** So true! I’ve been on inter-island flights where passengers just had to have a couple of beers. Not only is it just a 20 minute flight but why would they agree to pay $10 for two beers when you can get a whole case at the grocery store when they got home? Unbelieveable! **
marie’s last blog post..Is there a pill for this?
7:04 pm
Geez! That is so scary that he threatened you. I would be paranoid about keeping a lookout around my house after that.
Summer’s last blog post..The Colors of Friendship
7:30 pm
Unbelievable.
Desert Songbird’s last blog post..Isn’t Gonna Happen
8:21 pm
I never cease to be amazed at the audacity of some people! How awful!
Tiffany’s last blog post..100 Things About Me for My 100th Post
9:46 pm
Well, they say alcoholism runs in families….very sad.
Arizona’s last blog post..My New Form Of Exercise
9:54 pm
Nice. Idiots. Too bad you had to go through that.
Not the Queen’s last blog post..Aloha Friday
10:09 pm
I think the issue isn’t drinking and flying. I think these people probably shouldn’t be drinking anywhere. I am sorry that you were treated so poorly. It is people like that who turn nice people in the service industry mean.
NerdMom’s last blog post..Update
10:26 pm
Whoa, that’s just awful! I can’t believe they acted that way over a drink. I can’t believe they acted like that over ANYTHING, actually! Were you just waiting for Ashton to come out and tell you you’d been punk’d?
Jessica K’s last blog post..Marriage counseling a`la Grayson
10:45 pm
We knew immediately how they got the alcohol through. It’s very easy to do.
And I agree, alcohol shouldn’t be served on flights. You put 300 people together in a small confined area for 6 hours and something is bound to happen. Add alcohol into the mix and it can get pretty nasty at times.
The sad thing is that it happens so often that it doesn’t really surprise us anymore.
Mahalo for all your comments and well wishes!
10:48 pm
Tonya
It’s days like these that make me miss HRM!
Although I do remember someone threatening me when I didn’t hire him for a job. *sigh*
10:49 pm
Matt
So true. Now they all have a story to tell when they get home!
“You wouldn’t believe what happened on my flight today . . .” *wink*
1:29 am
I can’t even imagine being witness to that.. crazy!!
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Sellin? Out
2:42 am
I’m so sorry that you had to deal with that, what a horrible way to behave whether someone’s been drinking or not… I’m sure you were very glad to get home!
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls’s last blog post..Between the book covers…
3:33 am
I saw in the news today about two people arrested on British Airways for some ORAL business that had nothing to do with talking.
3:58 am
Oh you poor thing. That is why I don’t drink, because people do completely stupid stuff when they do drink…sorry you have to deal with that CRAP!!!
Dana’s last blog post..One Tired Weekend
4:42 am
Sorry you had another crazy flight with lots of paperwork. I wonder why they just don’t install security cameras on the planes? Along with no more booze. Actually I would love to see alcohol go the same way as cigarettes…not in buildings or planes. lol
glad you won’t have to face them again.
Renee’s last blog post..It’s Cookie Time!
10:04 am
What a shame the daughter and father acted that way. Too much alcohol can really clog one’s reasoning.
Rach (Heart of Rachel)’s last blog post..Weekend Snapshot #12
2:41 pm
Kailani,
I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again, I don’t know how you endure these a**holes. I honestly don’t know why people ACT that way! Is it a self-entitlement issue? Because if so, news-flash - you ain’t special peoples, behave yourselves!
Sheesh. I could write a book based on your experiences alone (you’d get a cut of the royalties, of course. *wink*)
Have a great week, gal!
5:35 pm
I’ve heard of people being afraid to fly, who find having a drink or two calm their nerves, but this was totally uncalled for. Glad you stood up to them and that you are safe. That’s not just plain rude, but just plain stupid, grown people acting like this, is so unbelievable.
Here’s to a great week for you!
Christine’s last blog post..Fun Monday~ Favorite Website
7:11 pm
Good grief. If I had any alcohol to drink before or during a flight, I would puke my guts out. Sounds like they all would have done better if their tolerance was a bit lower!
Glad you were able to have them arrested.
groovyoldlady’s last blog post..On The Lighter Side
9:24 pm
I was chuckling with you until you got to the part about the threat. Kailani, I’m so sorry that happened, and I feel terribly for these people just like you said. They need prayer and help, no doubt about it. I’m so glad you’re there to help diffuse things. xoxo
Stacey’s last blog post..Bad Bad Reuben And The Concubine
9:40 pm
I find most people who are like that drunk, are just about the same sober!
desi’s last blog post..AND GOD CAME DOWN FOR A LITTLE CHAT……
12:57 am
That is CRAZY!
The sad thing is the father lets the daughter get away with things like that!
SAD, SAD, SAD
Jeannie’s last blog post..2008 Valentine’s Day Goody Swap!
3:06 am
THAT IS CRAZY!! CRAAAAAAZY! I would let my daughter sit her (drunk) butt in jail while hitting the besach and exploring!! SERVES her right!!
Elizabeth (Pointless Babbler)’s last blog post..3 toddlers and a 5YO on a WALK! grrrr
5:31 am
Yikes, I’m sorry you had such an outrageous family. I hope your next flight is full of sweeties. Wow, how crazy.
heather h’s last blog post..Oooh la la, I want to win this beauty!
7:17 am
I watched Southwest’s show on A&E a couple of times, shaking my head in amazement at what the airline employees had to deal with.
Glad it didn’t escalate further and ended peacefully. I held my breath when I got to the part about the other flight attendant getting pushed . . .
JHS’s last blog post..Aloha Friday Holiday Edition
10:57 am
[...] Our friend Kailani had this terrible experience which she talked about in her blog: Some People Just Shouldn’t Drink on Flights. [...]
11:45 am
Why do they still serve alcohol on flights? In my opinion, it should be banned just like cigarettes. I bet if you no longer served it the skies would be more peaceful…
Char’s last blog post..It’s Monday - No Motivation Needed
2:47 pm
You have the craziest stories! That really sucks that they were so dumb, but they got what they deserved.
Modern Mami’s last blog post..Three King’s Day
3:53 pm
Wow! What an experience!!! Wonder how they liked their vacation???
Jen’s last blog post..A Little Update
5:20 pm
I’ve been on vacation to Hawaii a few times, (best place in the world by the way) and it seems like every time we end up on the plane with fellow tourists who are just downright rude. I don’t understand it. How can you be cranky when you’re on your way to paradise?
Colleen’s last blog post..What’s for Dinner: No More Onion Crying Jags
6:17 pm
I’m with Desi… they’re probably jerks while sober, too!
6:24 pm
So sad, so very sad. I have flown with friends that have been drunk, even before we walked on the plane and believe me, there is nothing more embarrassing than flying with a drunk. I can only imagine serving one.
Kudos to you Kailani for putting up with all that crap!
Kristen’s last blog post..Sk*rt Enables Down Voting
7:44 pm
Well, some people should not leave their house! That was unbelievable! I’m speechless at their stupidity.
waya’s last blog post..Application to date my daughter
8:17 pm
Unbelievable! My sister was a flight attendant and I was often appalled at some of the stories she would share with me.
slackermommy’s last blog post..We were victims of a random act of kindness
3:53 pm
Kudos to you for enforcing the law and following through with your warning! The violators will have to learn from their experience — we can all hope.
Daisy’s last blog post..If the windchime blows in a snowstorm…
8:09 pm
But it keeps the job interesting! LOVE your blog layout.
Punk Rock Mom’s last blog post..What Boo Did On Vacation
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