Bet you know the expletive...

[+ glutes]

A flight attendant, upset because a passenger refused to apologize after accidentally striking him with luggage, allegedly spewed obscenities over an airplane's PA system and then activated and slid down the emergency escape chute before disappearing into a terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport Monday, an airport official said.

 

Shortly after JetBlue Flight 1052 from Pittsburgh taxied to a stop at Terminal 5, Gate C around noon on Monday, flight attendant Steven Slater, 38 years old, was struck in the head with the luggage a passenger was trying to unload from an overhead compartment, according to an airport official with knowledge of the incident.

 

Mr. Slater demanded an apology from the passenger, but the passenger refused to give one. The two argued back and forth before the passenger directed an expletive at Mr. Slater, the official said.

 

Mr. Slater then got on the plane's PA system and directed the same obscenity at all the passengers, and added that he especially meant it for the man who refused to apologize, the official said.

 

Mr. Slater is then alleged to have activated the inflatable emergency slide, grabbed two beers from the flight attendant's galley and slid down the chute, the official said.

 

The attendant then ran into the terminal, the official said, and made his way to his car and drove to his residence in Belle Harbor, in Queens.

 

http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/NY-AK190_JFK_G_20100809210155.jpg

[instudiocity]

The expletive was...

 

"mo---fo"

[orbital sander]

American journalism at it's finest...what a waste of space

 

bet you know that I could care less...

[instudiocity]

American journalism at it's finest...what a waste of space

 

bet you know that I could care less...

 

Frankly I'm happy the Queen (he was found at home in the loving embrace of his 'partner') bitched and took a dive down the escape ramp. My fellow travelers are more and more becoming difficult to fly with, from the guy who thinks my seat back is his personal fatass handle for settling into his seat while launching me into outer space as he let's go, the the a-holes who want to unload all their crap before the plane get to the gate, to the idiot who gets a window seat only to close the shade so no one else can enjoy the view, we Americans have become an inconsiderate lot. Excuse me, ma'am, can I have another double whiskey on the rocks?

[+ purplekow]

If convicted on charges leveled thusfar, he could spend 7 years in jail. Hope he has a clean record. There is probably much more to this story but I doubt the truth will ever be heard. The idea of him cursing out the passenger and then pulling the escape hatch after grabbing a couple of beers for the road is the stuff of some I hate my job fantasies. Unfortunately, he will probably pay a large price for making that particular fantasy come true. My guess: His first talk show is The View.

[KMEM]

Frankly, I don't know how either side (the public or airline employees) puts up with it. With hot weather, crowded lines that often take longer than the flight to negotiate, being mistreated first by the TSA, then perhaps some of the airline employees and last, as mentioned previously, by our fellow passengers, who can consistently keep their temper? When are we going to demand our freedoms back? The camel is in the tent at least up to his hump.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[Guest Spanky]

Frankly I'm happy the Queen (he was found at home in the loving embrace of his 'partner') bitched and took a dive down the escape ramp. My fellow travelers are more and more becoming difficult to fly with, from the guy who thinks my seat back is his personal fatass handle for settling into his seat while launching me into outer space as he let's go, the the a-holes who want to unload all their crap before the plane get to the gate, to the idiot who gets a window seat only to close the shade so no one else can enjoy the view, we Americans have become an inconsiderate lot. Excuse me, ma'am, can I have another double whiskey on the rocks?[/font][/i]

 

Seems like this flight attendance had an unnecessarily violent reaction. And to just up and run after the outburst (down the emergency slide no less) makes me wonder whether there is some form of mental illness.

 

Still, people (of any size really) that can't seem to get themselves into their seat without using my seat back for leverage has nearly set me round the twist a couple of times.

[+ newatthis]

...being mistreated first by the TSA...

This is definitely a YMMV situation. I've had nothing but pleasant, courteous, professional treatment from the TSA at the 3 or 4 major airports I travel to/from. And that's been the case for quite a while now.

[+ glutes]

plane nuts?

 

I think this guy is sort of working man's hero.

He went and did what all of us would like to do on occasion at our own jobs...

 

http://www.nypost.com/rf/image_lowres/nypost/2010/08/10/news/photos_stories/jetblue042816--480x180.jpg

[wayout]

I think this guy is sort of working man's hero.

He went and did what all of us would like to do on occasion at our own jobs...[/img]

 

I personally don't consider him a hero as that seems to excuse his behavior which I do not condone in any way. The only good thing is that no one was hurt by his actions.

[+ ArVaGuy]

Obviously it's a slow news day when this makes major headlines.

 

Seems to me that there is way more information in the background about this FA and the circumstances that led up to this incident. I will not be surprised to learn that his employment record may indicate performance related issues.

 

His behavior was unprofessional and could have caused injury to himself or others depending on when and where that slide was deployed. IMO Jet Blue should prosecute this guy to the fullest extent possible. However, Jet Blue may have little to say about such as it will be FAA and/or TSA that ultimately decide on prosecution.

 

Of course this day and age personal responsibility is not fashionable as there will be some extenuating circumstance that justifies such buffoonery. I don't think he's a hero at all but a symptom of a larger problem in our society these days.

[orbital sander]

I think this guy is sort of working man's hero.

He went and did what all of us would like to do on occasion at our own jobs...

 

Well he certainly is not a hero in my book, he most likely needs some help and I can feel a bit sorry for him. I bet that everyone on the flight was unimpressed by the delay that this caused. While there are certainly rude travelers out there, this is not inherent to Americans either...try to boarding a flight in Rome, it is like a cattle round-up.

 

I fly often enough and I see many people who have melt downs, but I also notice there are some people that seem to go out of their way to be extra patient and understanding with flight attendants and fellow passengers. Some people do "get it".

 

This was not a news story at all, it was sad and pathetic behavior

[KMEM]

This is definitely a YMMV situation. I've had nothing but pleasant, courteous, professional treatment from the TSA at the 3 or 4 major airports I travel to/from. And that's been the case for quite a while now.

 

I am thrilled that the TSA has treated you courteously and with respect. However, their very existence is an indication of lost freedoms and "big brotherism" at the very least. And, I suppose they do not delay you or any others?

 

However, if you are happy to live in a police state, that is your option. Cuba next?

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[+ glutes]

Well he certainly is not a hero in my book, he most likely needs some help and I can feel a bit sorry for him. I bet that everyone on the flight was unimpressed by the delay that this caused. While there are certainly rude travelers out there, this is not inherent to Americans either...try to boarding a flight in Rome, it is like a cattle round-up.

 

I fly often enough and I see many people who have melt downs, but I also notice there are some people that seem to go out of their way to be extra patient and understanding with flight attendants and fellow passengers. Some people do "get it".

 

This was not a news story at all, it was sad and pathetic behavior

 

Then why do you keep commenting on it?

[SteveStacks]

For those of you who travel frequently and would like to see conditions improve, this might be of interest.

 

http://www.flyersrights.org/

[orbital sander]

Then why do you keep commenting on it?

 

Just to piss you off sweetie.....

[+ ArVaGuy]

The story continues to develop.

 

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/jetblue-attendant-held-on-bail-as-his-lawyer-offers-details-of-flight/?hp

[MsGuy]

From the Share Your 'Last Straw' article in the NYTimes blog:

 

"Down-side here is that he’s going to out about $100K or so. The slides are a one-time use item, about $85K, and are really, really time consuming to replace. FAA inspector has to some in after the job to make sure it’s up to spec. There is no flying a plane (for revenue) without the slides in place, so that plane sits for a couple days.

At Jet Blue, he’s out about 5 years earnings."

 

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/09/share-your-last-straw-stories/

[+ ArVaGuy]

From the Share Your 'Last Straw' article in the NYTimes blog:

 

"Down-side here is that he’s going to out about $100K or so. The slides are a one-time use item, about $85K, and are really, really time consuming to replace. FAA inspector has to some in after the job to make sure it’s up to spec. There is no flying a plane (for revenue) without the slides in place, so that plane sits for a couple days.

At Jet Blue, he’s out about 5 years earnings."

 

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/09/share-your-last-straw-stories/

 

 

The other down side to this incident is that the FA had the upper hand over the passenger the whole time if he'd been smart about the situation. If, as alleged, the passenger closed the bin on the FA's head and cursed him, the passenger could have been charged with interfering with a flight crew. Instead of pulling a drama queen move, the FA could have really screwed over the passenger by having JFK security arrest him/her at the gate. He could have then also filed assault charges. The guy is far from a folk hero, he's an idiot.

[+ glutes]

Just to piss you off sweetie.....

 

Ain't pissing me off Mr. Lookie Loo:

 

http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/images/upload/no-lookie-loos.jpg

[KMEM]

In looking around the internet one can find prices to replace the slide from $10,000 to $100,000. Difficult to believe the $100,000. Regardless, this item has a definite storage and useful life. It can be re-packed and re-certified until it is completely "worn out". The biggest delay would be if one were not available either from the airline's stores of spare parts or a vendor. Otherwise, it should take only minutes to replace.

 

In the grand scheme of aviation pricing, $10-25,000 dollars is not an expensive part; however, I would certainly agree this will not look good on one's resume. This guy is no folk hero.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[+ glutes]

later slater

 

Comment from a neighbor re. Mr. Slater:

 

"I wish my cubicle had beer and a slide. ”

[Steven_Draker]

Obviously it's a slow news day when this makes major headlines.

 

The story even made the international TV channels. I guess we don't see such a spectacular exit every day. (pun intended)

 

I've had nothing but pleasant, courteous, professional treatment from the TSA at the 3 or 4 major airports I travel to/from.

 

I am thrilled that the TSA has treated you courteously and with respect. However, their very existence is an indication of lost freedoms and "big brotherism" at the very least. And, I suppose they do not delay you or any others?

 

The folks from FlyerTalk would agree with you, KMEM

 

Check out http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-safety-security/714416-top-10-list-tsa-complaints.html

 

Cheers,

[Kevin Slater]

A good analysis from NYT: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/slater-vs-sully-sizing-up-two-airmen-in-a-crisis/?hp

 

Kevin (no relation) Slater

[KMEM]

KS-

 

I could not help but think of you when I heard the FA's name but I knew it was NOT you (or thought I did) but I find it highly amusing that you disavow him today.

 

Best regards,

KMEM