Flight Attendant: “I will have you removed from this jet.”
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2021 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A passenger on an American Airlines flight Wednesday night learned just how serious the airline is when it comes to enforcing the federal mask mandate.
BocaNewsNow.com was on board American Airlines flight 2195 from Charlotte to Fort Lauderdale as the flight crew made its initial announcement, reminding passengers that masks must be worn at all times over the nose and mouth. Passengers were told that the mask mandate applies to everyone, vaccinated or not.
But the man seen in the pink shirt above apparently would not comply, prompting a male flight attendant to aggressively return to the microphone as the plane headed to the taxiway to state, “You heard the mask announcement. Put it on or I will have you removed from this jet.”
“You heard the mask announcement. Put it on or I will have you removed from this jet.”
The flight continued to Fort Lauderdale but as passengers prepared to deplane, another flight attendant requested that everyone remain seated “so law enforcement can board the plane.”
After a few moments, a flight attendant escorted the alleged non-compliant passenger off the plane where he was met by three uniformed Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputies and another official in plain clothes. The man was detained at the E7 boarding area for some time. He could be heard stating, “but I did put on a mask for the rest of the flight.”
It was not immediately clear if further action was taken. While the Broward Sheriff’s Office patrols the Fort Lauderdale Airport, the mask mandate is federal. We are awaiting word from authorities concerning the resolution of the matter.
The FAA just announced a $52,000 fine against an unmasked passenger who disrupted a domestic flight. Other fines recently issued range from $9,000 to $35,000. Airlines are taking aggressive action in both mandating masks, and enforcing “no alcohol” policies. While alcohol may be served on some flights, the FAA prohibits passengers from bringing alcohol on board. In addition to civil and criminal penalties, airlines may ban violators from ever flying on the airline again.
Passenger compliance issues continue to be significant problems for airlines and flight crews as travelers return to the skies, unwilling to follow rules and mandates in place. The FAA has instituted what it refers to as a “zero tolerance” policy for violators.
