Frontier Airlines passenger removed over emergency row dispute
A Frontier Airlines passenger did not expect such an end to her journey. Right before takeoff, she argued with the cabin crew about the rules regarding seats in the emergency exit row, and it only got worse afterward.
4:38 PM EDT, May 21, 2024
Seats in the emergency exit row on an airplane have their pros and cons. On one hand, there's travel comfort and more legroom; on the other, the necessity to adhere to safety requirements.
One of these rules states that no unnecessary items, such as jackets, hoodies, backpacks, or bags, are allowed under the seat or on your lap. Passengers must also give verbal consent to cooperate and to open the emergency exit doors in case of a crisis before the plane takes off.
The woman did not clearly express a willingness to cooperate
A video from Charlotte Douglas Airport in the USA appeared on the Travel With Tia profile on TikTok. It shows an argument between a Frontier Airlines passenger and the cabin crew. "What is the problem?" can be heard in the published video. From the recorded conversation, it appears that the flight attendants wanted to impose a verbal confirmation of the woman's willingness to cooperate.
She responded emotionally, saying that she intended to worry about herself first and not other passengers in an emergency. This prompted the airline staff to call the pilot to the scene.
Traveler was escorted out in handcuffs
Ultimately, the woman was asked to leave the plane. "Are you arresting me? What crime did I commit?" asked the traveler. When she refused to leave the plane alone, the police were called. She eventually left the plane in handcuffs.
The author of the video posted on TikTok explained that perhaps it was her first time in the emergency exit row, so she didn't understand, wasn't aware, or didn't want to realize that during pre-takeoff drills, the flight attendant must obtain verbal consent from all passengers sitting there.
