[foxpat]

March 27, 2012 - At approximately 2:25 pm I was sitting in seat 2D on US Airways flight #3250, departing Charlotte, heading to Toronto. I am a US Airways Chairman’s Preferred flier, and had been upgraded to 1st class. My coach class round trip ticket cost nearly $1,800.

While sitting waiting for boarding to complete an incident developed in the seat directly in front of me. A lady, Ms. Vicki Kelman, boarded and sat in seat 1D in what appeared to be a normal person boarding, except that she immediately told there was no room for her carry-on bag. This confused her as she had purchased a 1st class ticket assuming she would have room for her bag (the normal protocol on Air Canada, the airline she normally flies). She was not late, or past the departure time. She told the gate agent (Mr. Enriguqe Rente) and flight attendants (names not known) that she needed to get some things from her bag (medicine, sweater, etc.). She’s handicapped and needs her medications.

Immediately the gate agent (Mr. Renta) told her to hurry-up and settle in as she was making the plane late and they didn’t have time to let her get into her bag (it was sitting right there in the plane entrance). Vicki continued asking about where her carry-on bag was going (she was confused since she normally flies Air Canada and always was provided bin space). I don’t remember the flight crew ever looking for any bin space, they appeared not to want to consider helping Ms. Kelman, and rather they just wanted to do the quickest, most convenient, task for them which was to gate check the bag.

Ms. Kelman seemed very confused and a bit scared about her bag. Never did anyone from US Airways (there were 2 gate agents, two flight attendants and the Captain) ever try to answer her questions, or calm her down and explain the situation. She politely asked to be allowed to get into her bag for her medicine (she’s disabled and wears a morphine patch) and a sweater (since it was going to be cold in Toronto). They simply said no you can’t, now settle in we have to go. She asked again, and they literally started hassling her, telling her no, she couldn’t get into your bag, and that she’s going to make the plane late. I fly a lot, and have been on many airlines and worked with many flight crews and have never seen anything like this. I was actually amazed. An elderly passenger, who had purchased a 1st class ticket, was confused, her bag was right there, and they refused to let her get her medicine and sweater. I thought she had the right get her medicine and sweater if she’s being separate from her carryon bag. And ironically with all the hassle and confusion the flight crew created, it was actually taking more time than honoring her simple and logical request.

The gate agent (Mr. Renta) continued to verbally abuse her. Vicki was distraught and crying, and very confused. The flight Captain, Captain McQuillan, came out of the cockpit to see what was going on. At that point the 1st class flight attendant (name unknown) tells the gate agent Mr. Renta and Captain McQuillan “that I can’t fly with this woman”. I was stunned.

After the “I can’t fly with this woman” comment from the 1st class flight attendant, Captain McQuillan and gate agent Mr. Renta asked Ms. Kelman to please get off the plane because she was making the flight late. I literally laughed out loud thinking to myself this has to be a joke, like Punk’ed TV show. Ms. Kelman turned to the male passenger sitting next to her (name unknown) and asked him if she was causing any kind of disturbance. He said “no, not at all”. It was very obvious she had no understanding why she was being asked to leave the plane, I doubt anyone in 1st class understood why. The flight

attendants (names unknown) and gate agent Mr. Renta continued yelling at Ms. Kelman, saying the plane needed to take off, please get off the plane, etc., even threatening to call the police on her. She wasn’t doing anything wrong. All she was doing was politely questioning the agent and flight attendants about needing some things from her carry-on bag. She was not being rude, obnoxious, dangerous, or anything that could be construed to be other than confused, and wanting some important things out of her bag.

While all this was happening, I actually offered Ms. Kelman my magazines in an attempt to give her something positive in the situation. Nobody from US Airways ever tried to help her, respond to her questions, or diffuse her issues. The whole situation was surreal.

I honestly couldn’t believe what was happening, so I got my iPhone out and started videotaping the incident. I wanted the US Airways crew to see I was videotaping as I thought it would diffuse the issue and they would leave Ms. Kelman alone. I didn’t make any attempt to hide the fact I was videotaping. And, since the flight door was still open, and we had not yet been asked to turn off electronic devices, I knew I wasn’t breaking any rules by videotaping. However, the reaction by the flight crew that I was videotaping was obvious – they appeared very angry at me. I think they were suddenly very worried that they were caught in the act of providing horrible customer service, literally being abusive to a passenger. A handicapped passenger who was asking for her medicine.

As I was videotaping, the US Airways associates were starting to watch me, and what I was videotaping. The coach flight attendant (name unknown) walked up to me (and conveniently out of video range) and yelled at me, saying I was breaking the law and rules by videotaping. I simply responded, “no, I am not breaking any laws or rules”. After all, it was still before the cabin door was shut, and we were still allowed to use our electronic devices, so I kept videotaping. I wanted them to know I was videotaping.

While Ms. Kelman is being escorted off the plane, she turns and asks the 1st class flight attendant (name unknown) “why won’t you fly with me?” It was heartbreaking. It was so obvious that she was confused and still had no idea why she was being taken off the plan, out of her 1st class seat. The look on Ms. Kelman’s face was one of confusion and sadness. She really had no idea why the flight attend would say something like that. Nor did I, it was too bizarre to believe.

After Ms. Kelman was escorted from the plane, the 1st class flight attendant puts his hand up in front of my camera and tells me to stop videotaping. At that point I stopped videotaping and texted my wife “boy are they mad at me. I videoed and they are kicking me off too”. I have the text string, and video. I then put my head down and started listening to my iTunes.

Over the next several minutes the gate agent Mr. Renta, the flight attendants, and Captain McQuillan are huddling in the galley in front of me, talking about me. The Captain proceeds to come to me and asks if I was videotaping. I simply said “no, I am listening to music”. He turned and they huddled again, and he comes back and asks me to get off the plane. So I followed Captain McQuillan and gate agent Renta off the plane and onto the Jetway.

While in the jet way, Captain McQuillan and gate agent Mr. Renta (and his mute assistant gate agent Tatthita Alexander-Watts) accuse me of lying to them. I told them I never lied to anyone. The Captain asked me if I was videotaping, and I answered honestly that no I was listening to music. They both keep

accusing me of lying. I said simply, “I answered the question you asked, honestly” The Captain never asked if I had videotaped, or if I had videotaped the incident. If he had, I would have said absolutely. I wasn’t trying to hide anything. At that point I get very upset and frustrated. I asked the Captain, Mr. Renta, and his mute assistant why I had been pulled off the plane. Again they say I was lying about the videotaping. I couldn’t believe what was happening. I told them I didn’t lie, and that I had every right to video tape something especially an incident like what went on. I told them I didn’t break any rules, nor did I break any laws and I demanded to know why I was pulled off the plane. At that point there was a lot of awkward silence and looking between the 3 US Airways associates with me in that Jetway. And right inside the plane the two flight attendants were huddled and whispering. Again, I couldn’t believe what was happening.

So the 4 of us stood there for a few awkward minutes, me demanding to know why I was removed, and them not answering. Suddenly Captain McQuillan just turns without saying another word to anyone; he just leaves me and the two gate agents. I was so frustrated I literally laughed out loud saying “are you kidding me”. I then ask gate agent Mr. Renta if I was being arrested, and were there going to be TSA agents or police at the gate, because I figured I must have done something wrong to be thrown off the plane. He says “no, there won’t be any police, and no, you’re not being arrested”. That actually made me more frustrated. I then said I can’t believe you can just discriminately throw two people off a plane for no reason. They then retrieve my bags and escort me through the Jetway to the gate.

At the gate, as the plane is now being pushed away from the gate, Ms. Kelman and I are standing there (her crying, me frustrated and fuming). I ask gate agent Rena and his mute assistant again why we were tossed from the plan, and what they were going to do to fix it, and get us to Toronto. He simply ignored me. He wouldn’t talk to me or to Ms. Kelman. I then asked to him to escalate my issue, and he simply said no, I am the manager, and you’ll just have to call customer service. This exact same exchange went on for a full 8-10 minutes. I really became physically upset and my legs were shaking. Ms. Kelman just cried as she had no idea what had happened, and what to do. I asked, and received from gate agent Renta the names of all US Airways associates involved (except he wouldn’t give me the flight attendant’s names).

I was so frustrated and angry I didn’t know what to do. A supposed “manager” of US Airways just removed me and another passenger from the plane for no apparent reason. And then refuses to help me, or to escalate my issue to a more Sr. associate of the airline. Again, I thought this can’t be happening. I even reminded gate agent Renta that I was a Chairman Preferred flier, and asked him didn’t that mean something? I also suggested it was in his, and US Airlines best interest to fix this issue now for us, and to diffuse it before it becomes a big viral media event. I am a business person, and appreciate people and business (especially large people organizations like US Airways) can make mistakes. I said please fix this now and everything will be ok. He still refuses to talk to me, saying I need to call customer service if I want any help.

I then leave the gate, thinking that since I am a US Airways Club member, that someone in the Club would be empowered to help me, and they would surely escalate my issue, and get me to Toronto (I had a dinner meeting and breakfast meeting the next day). I go to the big club at the entrance to Gate C. I tell my story to Mr. Sam Wexler, a club desk agent. He seemed concerned but he didn’t know what to do or who to call. I was flabbergasted, I genuinely thought the club agents would be a higher caliber, better trained in customer service and be empowered to make things happen. No, that is not the case.

After discussing with his co-workers who and where to call, he says that he’s looking for somebody, that he really doesn’t know who to call but to take a seat and wait, and he get someone. I say no thanks, I will sand right here by the desk until someone comes to me. Mr. Wexler says ok, someone will be here in 5 minutes. So I stand aside of the front desk and wait.



Twenty minutes go by, and nobody shows. I go back to Mr. Wexler, tell him I am going to make a scene unless someone senior from US Airways listens to me and help me. He promises his “Manager” is on his way.

Several more minutes go by and then the Club Manager, Mr. Dennis Knowles, comes out. He greets me with (and I paraphrase) ‘what do you want?’ I have to admit, that greeting didn’t help me feel any better. I start to explain my issue, giving him a summary and could he help me or escalate my issue to someone in the airport who would be more appropriate. He literally cuts me off, asks if this is a “Club issue?” I say no it has nothing to do with the Club, but I trying to find someone to help me, and that as a member of the US Airways Club, I thought they would be able to help me. He rudely says nope, if it isn’t a Club issue, then he can’t help and that I need to call customer service. I was starting to become livid. I say, really, you’re refusing to help me? He says and I quote (I told him I was going to quote him) “the proper way to lodge a complaint is to call customer service in Phoenix”. I said “you’re kidding me, right” “you won’t even hear what I have to say or offer to escalate my issue?” He says no, and that as long as it is not a Club problem, he can’t, nor won’t, help me.

Mr. Knowles was about the most ignorant customer service person I have ever met (well right up there with Mr. Renta).

I am now more than flabbergasted, frustrated, on the verge of furious. I don’t know what to do. I leave the secured area of the airport and figure I will go sit outside to cool down and try to call customer service. Then I thought I would try one more thing, I went to the ticket counter.

I asked the 1st class desk ticket agent who the most Sr. US Airways associate was on the floor. She points to a guy behind me, and says “Vinnie” and literally starts walking away from me. I look over my shoulder and don’t see anyone, so I stop her and ask who she’s referring to. She points at a guy outside, and says “him, Vinnie’ (she was another interesting customer experience). She walked away like she didn’t want to have anything to do with me. Or, maybe she thought she’d get in trouble for sending me to Vinnie, I don’t know.

I walk outside and introduce myself to Vinnie (Mr. Vince Paratore). He’s outside on the roof of the parking garage apparently on his smoke break. I introduce myself. I explain the situation and ask him if he can help me, or if he would prefer to escalate to someone in US Airways management. He thankfully says to me he wants to help solve my problem, and immediately says “let’s start by getting you to Toronto as soon as we can”. Halleluiah I say, “Finally, somebody at US Airways is willing to help me”. He was the first, and only, US Airways person who actually took time to listen to me, to hear the facts of the incident, and to attempt to rectify my issue.



Vince proceeded to rebook me on the next flight to Toronto, flight number 3604. He apologized about the issue, and said he couldn’t do anything else about the incident (I asked him for refund for my ticket since I was kicked off the flight that I purchased). He said he didn’t have the authority to do that, but said I should escalate my issue through the US Airways Chairman’s Preferred liaison. Mr. Paratore also graciously offers me a $15 food voucher for use at the airport. It was the first act by anyone from US Airways to go above and beyond to make me feel better about being treated so poorly. In the end, I couldn’t use the voucher as I didn’t have time since I had to go back through a long security line, and my new flight was already boarding. I handed the voucher to a complete stranger thinking “pay it forward” so at least someone got use of it. I appreciated the courtesy, kindness and caring showed by Mr. Paratore. I took the time to recognize his efforts by hand writing him one of the US Airways Above and Beyond Certificate acknowledging his empathy and kindness.

As I was walking to my gate I called the Chairman’s Preferred customer service line. I asked immediately to be escalated to the most Sr. person available. I was transferred to Mr. Jeff Branson who took time to listen to my story and escalate within US Airways. He said this problem really needed a senior US Airways Executives attention and that it would take some time to escalate and have someone return my call. I suggested it was in US Airways best interests to have the executive call me ASAP as I was so frustrated I wanted to take my (and Ms. Kelman’s incident) to the press. I suggested that since Mr. Doug Parker, US Airways CEO, office’s in AZ (and it was only 4:30pm EST) that he should escalate the issue immediately and have someone call me that day, or that evening. I would await the call. I received NO call.

I then met Ms. Kelman on the plane. She had been rebooked on the same flight as me, but through a much better customer experience than me (through the Special Services desk – please refer to her journal). We agreed to meet in Toronto once we landed, and to discuss what next steps we should take to publish this bizarre incident, so that others are aware of the kind of service they can expect from US Airways.

When we landed in Toronto, and were waiting at US Airways baggage claim for Ms. Kelman’s bags, a US Airways supervisor (Mr. Curtis McGibbons) was milling around near us. I thought that a bit odd, as he just stood nearby listening in to our conversations. A few minutes later he politely interrupts our discussion and introduces himself. He asks if everything is ok as he noticed that Ms. Kelman’s bag was miss-tagged. Ms. Kelman and I proceed to describe the entire incident. Mr. McGibbons politely listens, and says yes he actually heard about the story, that in fact Charlotte flight operations had called ahead to Toronto flight operations to warn them about us. We were flabbergasted. Mr. McGibbons excused himself for a minute saying he was going to step over to see if he could have our flight expenses reimbursed due to the poor service. I asked him if he could also provide us with the names of the original flight attendants on flight number 3250 as I failed to record their names during the incident. He returns after a few minutes and said he wasn’t authorized to reimburse and that we needed to escalate the issue to senior management. He said the flight attendant names were overnighting in Toronto, and their names had been wiped from the system. He also said that the official US Airways flight record read as if we had done something wrong. I can’t quote what he said, but to paraphrase he said ‘we (Ms. Kelman and I weren’t spoken of in good light’. He then proceeded to walk us through baggage claim, through customs check, all the way outside the terminal building. I couldn’t imagine why he walked us out. Did he think we were going to raise a fuss? I have never had anyone from US Airways escort me out of an airport. Strange.

Since I didn’t hear back from anyone at US Airways that afternoon or evening (Tuesday, March 27, 2012), I wrote an email to Mr. Doug Parker, CEO US Airways that evening (email attached). The next day I received an email of apology from Mr. Kerry Hester, US Airways SVP of Operations Planning and Support (email attached). In the email he apologized, but didn’t explain anything, and that someone would be in touch with me to make things right.

That same morning, Mr. John Romantic, US Airways Managing Director of Service Recovery, called representing Mr. Parker’s office. I explained to Mr. Romantic the whole story of what happened, first to Ms. Kelman and then me. He apologized several times, and said he wanted to make things right. He acknowledged bad behavior by the flight crew, but couldn’t explain why something so bazaar could ever happen, but he promises a full “internal investigation”.

I told Mr. Romantic that I was meeting with Ms. Kelman the next day to discuss this issue and to determine our next steps. Ms. Kelman and I meet, and many phone conversations and emails later with Mr. Romantic with US Airways, I suggest that we all just settle this issue quietly that I was hopeful this was an isolated incident, that US Airways take appropriate action with their staff involved (coaching, performance counseling, termination if necessary, etc.) and that they compensate Ms. Kelman and I appropriately for being kicked off the plane, being embarrassed and humiliated, going through the trauma and stress and lack of empathy and caring by US Airways employees.

Mr. Romantic met with Ms. Kelman via phone and with me via phone several times over the next two days. Serving as Ms. Kelman’s advocate, I advised Mr. Romantic what she felt she’d like from US Airways to make her feel better about the situation. I also advised Mr. Romantic what I wanted to make me feel better about the situation. All of our requests were logical and simple to fulfill by US Airways (I can provide all details).

The next day Friday, March 30, 2012, Mr. Romantic phoned me back, and said they’d agree to fulfill Ms. Kelman’s requests, but determined they were not interested in fulfilling my requests, and told me to “take it or leave it”. I was again so surprised by their cavalier attitude that I would rather leave it and tell my story to others in an attempt to publicize the poor customer service policies, procedures, and general caring by US Airways leadership (starting at the CEO office, all the way down the chain to the gate agents and flight attendants).

As of Monday, April 2, 2012 I still have not been provided a reason why I was thrown from the flight, or why I was treated so rudely by several US Airways employees after getting thrown off the plane, and why they won’t honor my simple compensation requests. And to think, I am considered one of US Airways best customers, a US Airways Chairman’s Preferred, and US Airways Club member.

Over the course of the next two weeks I shared now less than 20 phone calls with US Airways (Mr. Romantic and his office staff). They offered to reimburse my flight and extend my US Airways club and preferred membership for one year for my inconvenience as long as I would sign a hold-harmless release that said I wouldn’t talk about the incident. The most comical part is that the release they sent me was actually wrong. Had the wrong date, wrong flight number, and said I couldn’t have talked about the incident. I responded to Mr. Romantic about the error, and that I couldn’t possibly sign the release as written since it was wrong. He said, and I paraphrase, “to bad, you have to sign as written or we pull our offer off the table”. I said ok, that I couldn’t sign something that was wrong.

What a fitting end to this story. US Airways is a joke of an airline. Pray that they don’t take control of American Airlines and ruin yet another good airline.

[bilingual]

A horrible tale regarding treatment of passengers no doubt.

But somehow i do not understand following:

1. The captain asked if you videotaped the event(off course he did not mean when you were listening to your Ipod afterwards) and you said no, and still claims you were not lying, why?

2. How much did you claim in requests? - you do not mention this.

[pattis]

What a sad story, I am guessing that the elderly woman was one of the last to board (only because 1st class boards first) and perhaps they already were running late. However that does not excuse this horrific behavior especially to this woman. Like Foxpat stated with all the commotion going on it probably would have taken less time to just let her get her sweater and meds. Sounds like the FA was on a major power trip and that the captain should have just spoken with her on the side and told her to allow the lady her stuff. IMHO sounds like the captain needs to grow a pair. Mostly I feel bad for her, and you too Foxpat but it is more likely that she is quite upset and will be for some time. Whatever happened to basic human compassion??

[pattis]

On a side note, remembering back to my "airline days" when it was time for departure it was time. I remember having to shut the door a few times knowing full well there were 1 or more passengers running late trying to get thru a long security line. I remember us wanting to wait 30 more seconds but boss lady insisted. On time performance seemed to always take precedence over customer service. Her story was if we were late she had to answer to her boss. He to regional manager...on and on up the chain it goes. When on time performance goes down so does their bonuses. It all comes down to $$. Sad but unfortunetly this is how most airlines operate.

[jimworcs]

This typifies what has happened since FA's were given powers they are too stupid to handle. Will you post the video on youtube?

[AirlineSympathizer]

Please post a link to the video you recorded.

[azstar]

Originally Posted by bilingual

A horrible tale regarding treatment of passengers no doubt.

But somehow i do not understand following:

1. The captain asked if you videotaped the event(off course he did not mean when you were listening to your Ipod afterwards) and you said no, and still claims you were not lying, why?

2. How much did you claim in requests? - you do not mention this.

According to the poster, the captain asked "were you videotaping?" That could be interpreted literally "were you videotaping right now?" so, technically, the poster was not lying.

This is a very well written, articulate post. I believe the poster was not overly dramatic, cursing, or behaving in a rude, bombastic manner. Too many airline agents are so burned out by the job that the tiniest provocation sends them completely over the edge. This is not the first time something like this has happened. I guarantee that none of the employees involved will be disciplined in any way. In fact, no management personnel will probably even discuss it with them.

[brookekeith]

it is a felony to videotape inside or outside of an aircraft when it is on the ground that is why you were removed.

[jimworcs]

Are you sure videotaping inside an aircraft is a felony. I have seen many videos of dancing and singing Southwest FA's posted online, as they entertain their passengers through the safety announcement.

Perhaps there is an exemption for gay FA's who are working for Southwest whilst waiting for their big break!!

[brookekeith]

I am sure i am a FA. Those types of videos you see are usually taped by airline marketing or your seeing it on youtube and has been obtained illegally. I assure you that your lucky you weren't arrested and put in a little room as since 9-11 it is a felony. I suppose a "gay" has filmed on aircraft but someones preferences has zero to do with federal regulations anyone caught video recording a grounded aircraft is subject to punishment for the violation. Your lucky your day wasn't spent in a little room instead of just being removed it could've been a really really bad day. I am sorry you experienced a rude FA i am a nice FA and hate to hear about ill treatment to passengers or to crew members alike. Just be careful if you video tape things as the end result could be a real bad day.

[brookekeith]

And sadly it is true on time departues and federal refations trump customer service everytime no matter if you are a triple platinum ruby diamond gold crusted member or not. Most regs should but not on time departure. The poor little lady was done wrong. However 99.9% of complaints we get in our fa files are simply for having to enforce a federal reg that is why they are overlooked.

[jimworcs]

Ok, so after some digging, I am struggling to find any regulation which makes use of a camera or video on an aircraft "illegal".

American Airlines allows digital photography above 10,000, if the content of the filming is of the immediate party. There are no specific restrictions on the use of conventional (non electronic or digital cameras); however passengers must follow the lawful command of a member of the crew if asked to desist.

Southwest specifically states that digital cameras (including video cameras) may only be used when the seat belt sign is switched off and as long as the devices do not have any broadcast facility, or can be placed in 'flight safe' mode.

JetBlue actually ran a contest, asking passengers to submit photo's taken onboard their flights with prizes for the best pictures.

The FAA directs passengers to review the policies of each airline to determine whether you can use a camera onboard.

I am afraid, I am still challenging the notion that it is a "felony" to operate a camera onboard an aircraft. This sounds like another example of a power crazed FA who doesn't know the rules and so makes them up.

[brookekeith]

Grounded aircraft. Grounded. You can inflight yes. Grounded aircraft not inflight. Sheesh. Your not suposed to record grounded aircraft or any activity around it. Is that clear enough grounded.aircraft.not.while.inflight.Look i was just saying do whatever you want buddy good luck with that. You sound like another PAX that knows it all who failed to simply LISTEN.

[brookekeith]

Maybe the airlines tell us to deplane any passenger found recording activities on or around the aircraft ON THE GROUND (got that part?) and have authorities meet them just to make our jobs harder? Since your the expert on FAA regs tell me... Again one more time while grounded not even during taxi are you supposed to record video tape whatevs your using camera etc. you go around doing let me know how it works out. Above 10k ft you can record away. On the ground it is prohibited. You can say whatever you want about me call me what you like (even though you know zero about me) but that is the truth. You don't like it i am sure but if we get caught letting that take place we could be fined and fired. I have a friend paying a 1000 fee over not making someone turn off their ipad the passenger is paying 2000$. I don't make this stuff up i was only trying to explain no need for personal attacks.

[AADFW]

Originally Posted by brookekeith

Grounded aircraft. Grounded. You can inflight yes. Grounded aircraft not inflight. Sheesh. Your not suposed to record grounded aircraft or any activity around it. Is that clear enough grounded.aircraft.not.while.inflight.Look i was just saying do whatever you want buddy good luck with that. You sound like another PAX that knows it all who failed to simply LISTEN.

I challenge you to cite the authority (legal statute) that makes it a crime to film on a grounded aircraft.

[AirlineSympathizer]

Originally Posted by AADFW

I challenge you to cite the authority (legal statute) that makes it a crime to film on a grounded aircraft.

An airplane is not a public place. Being on a airplane is the same as being in a private company location. The aircrew is allowed to tell you to turn off your phone, or trespass you out of there if you're on the ground. If you refuse, you are interfering with a command from an aircrew, which is illegal, and is a felony, yes.

This is stupid - I think everyone should be allowed to film, as it only holds people accountable. But it's the way it is.

[AADFW]

I certainly do not dispute that an aircraft is private property. However, brookekeith stated above that:

1.) "it is a felony to videotape inside or outside of an aircraft when it is on the ground"

and

2.) "I assure you that your [sic] lucky you weren't arrested and put in a little room as since 9-11 [filming in a grounded commercial aircraft] is a felony."

It is very clearly NOT a felony to film on board a passenger aircraft in the United States, grounded or not. If indeed brookekeith is a flight attendant, this provably false claim is demonstrative of just how poorly trained and misinformed folks in this line of work are -- at least in the United States.

[Frankenator]

I find it tragically apparent that most people are surprisingly ignorant regarding the rules and regulations of their profession. I have also concluded in my many years of observations as an airline passenger and also as a commercial certified pilot that flight attendants are especially ignorant of rules and regulations pertaining to their jobs. In this case it is the FARs and USC. Brookekieth appears to validate my position. I will also go out on a limb here and bet that Brookkeith is a legacy US AIR FA.