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14-10-2008 Dear Sir or Madam, RE: Flight DL 039 ATL-AMS on October 11th. In reference to this flight I have had serious problems, caused by a member of your crew. I had flown out with Delta on September 26th, in business class from AMS-ATL and experienced a marvelous flight, the crew was very good and the service was excellent. The next day I flew ATL-FLL, also with Delta in first class, also very pleasant. So I was looking forward to a comfortable return flight to Amsterdam. The flight FLL-ATL was very pleasant. The problems started in Atlanta.

• I needed to use the bathroom and as the facilities near gate E5 were being cleaned; I asked to use the one on board, when I boarded the flight. The closest toilet was near the entrance in the Y class cabin, but when I came out and took my seat (7b) in the business class, a blond flight attendant ‘told me off’ and demanded that in future I use the business class toilets. I did not like the tone of her voice, but did not comment. She then literally threw the menu and the headphones in my lap. I was surprised but said nothing. Only an hour later she came and asked what I wanted to eat (not “have you made a choice Madam”, or words to that effect) and when I said that I would like the steak option, she said that they were out of that, and added that if I had had a seat closer to the front, it would not have happened. No apology, she basically said that it was my own fault! Actually, the chicken option was very good and I commented to another flight attendant with long hair who was very nice and attentive.” Blondie” only gave me a dirty look!
• I had put my blanket and pillow on the (empty) seat next to me across the aisle, and so had the passenger next to that seat. Blondie removed everything without apology or explanation. It became clear later, as that seat was used as a rest seat for the crew, the captain, as it happened. He assisted me later to find my blanket and pillow, which Blondie had hidden away.
• After the meal I slept and woke several hours later, needing to go to the toilet again; I drink a lot of water. We were still with seatbelts fastened, as it was a bumpy flight. I asked the ‘nice’ flight attendant if I could use the toilet anyway and she said, “of course, you can”. This time I went to the one in my own class, not wanting to be ‘told off’ by Blondie again. She literally positioned herself at the end of the aisle and said “Go back to your seat immediately” as if she was talking to a dog or a small child. I am a 62-year-old lady, older than her. The same captain who had been sitting next to me across the aisle, was just going back to the cockpit and apparently no one can go near there when the door is opened. I was quite far away still, near row 2. I replied that I would wait until he was inside and the door closed, but she insisted that I return to my seat. By now she had provoked me to much, and I am ashamed to tell you, I really know better, that I said: “Why? Are you afraid that I will shoot him or something?” The captain made gestures that I could come anyway but Blondie flipped completely and started calling for security. I returned to the toilet in economy, and while I was in there she started banging on the door and shouting. When I came out and asked for her name, she took her badge of and said that I would not be able to deplane without police escort. I was not impressed and returned to my seat. A member of the crew came over to me and said not to pay attention; Blondie had been causing problems all along not only to me.
• Sure enough, when we landed, I stood near the door with my hand baggage but Blondie blocked the exit with her body and no one could deplane. The (Dutch) policeman looked at me and asked, smiling, if I was the ‘problematic’ person, I laughed and went with them and told them the story. They told me that I could leave in peace before we had even reached the end of the jetty!

I am writing this letter for your comments. I am not easily intimidated but the behavior of your staff (Blondie) is beyond belief, she is obviously using her ‘power’ position to try to intimidate me and called the police because I was stupid enough to use the word “shoot” but also because I told her to remember, when she addresses me, who pays her salary!! I am looking forward to your comments, I cannot give you the name of Blondie, but apparently she was the purser in business class of this flight and I hope you can give at the least some training in how to address passengers the correct way and not to overreact. Looking forward to your reply. Mirla Meerschwam

[Etihad Representative]

Wow!

I have had experiences with Cabin Crew but this just takes the cake!

I know that all Cabin Crew have bad days, and the job that they do is not always easy, but this is what they are trained for right? If I were you, I would have demanded her name, and made a formal complaint, as if she is let off on this occasion, how many other passengers will she abuse before something gets done about it? This is not acceptable behavior in ANY class of travel.

It seems from your letter that the other crew were also aware of this person's attitude, and in that regard, they also have an obligation to make her aware of the fuss she is making, however it seems that they were doing anything for an easy life ... good for them, not so good for the passengers

I am sorry for what you had to go through and hope that you never experience it again ... Happy flying next time

[Etihad Representative]

By the way, I dont work for Delta ... I work for an Airline far far away from there ... and yes we have similar problems with crew too ... and ground staff

[[email protected]]

Originally Posted by Cazzi B

By the way, I dont work for Delta ... I work for an Airline far far away from there ... and yes we have similar problems with crew too ... and ground staff

Hi Cazzi,

Me too, I used to work for an airline, now gone out of business but I am retired now. I have made a formal complaint and Delta is taking it very seriously. I was worried that an unstable flightattendant will not be able to function if there is a real emergency.
Yes i could have sued, but I choose not to!