Passengers waiting to board a delayed American Airlines flight from Miami to LaGuardia booed the crew when they arrived at the gate over an hour late. When the gate agents threatened to cancel the flight because of the booing, some of the passengers apparently became even more heated and perhaps a bit inappropriate although by no means threatening. The crew then retaliated by walking off the job, leaving all the passengers stranded overnight. The report linked above has more information.

I’m sure the crew had a good excuse for being late but their petulant response was inexcusable. Yes, the passengers who were abusive, profane etc. were also in the wrong but I believe (and actually hope) that we will be seeing a lot more of this. American and the other airlines have reduced flying to a horror. Frankly, there are times when they deserve a little verbal abuse and rebellion from their customers. They treat their passengers like animals and they are learning that sometimes the animals bite. Maybe a little yelling and screaming from all the passengers as a group (rather than from the odd irate crank at the checkin desk) is the key to changing the airlines’ behavior. Nothing else seems to work.

A bit off topic I know, but item 3 mentions Tarrant County, and, um, American is based there.

I thought their most recent talking point memo said to belittle Prius owners, and to encourage war with Iran for its oil. This kind of flip-flopping is really screwing up my equilibrium.