WATCH THE VIDEO. DELTA ISSUES STATEMENT.
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Hasidic Jewish man was ordered off of a Delta Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to LaGuardia, apparently because of his hat. A flight attendant, according to witnesses, told the man that “you people” carry too much luggage.
The incident was first reported by VINNews and subsequently verified by WABC-TV in New York City which interviewed the man removed from the plane. His identity was — and remains — concealed. A Delta Airlines spokesperson told “South Florida’s First News with Andrew Colton” late Thursday night that the airline is investigating exactly what happened. The statement — and additional details — was shared during Andrew’s broadcast from 6-10 a.m. Friday on NewsRadio 610 WIOD.
“Delta is aware of and in the preliminary stages of investigating a situation regarding a customer being asked to exit flight 1541 and be rebooked on an alternate flight,” said the Delta official. “We are committed to using the results this investigation to come to a full understanding of the events that took place and respond as appropriate.”
Video of the alleged incident shows a Delta “Red Coat,” or supervisor, escorting the man off the plane. Witnesses told VINNews that the plane was not full and overhead space was plentiful. Video seems to verify both of these claims.
The flight attendant apparently issued an ultimatum to her supervisors, saying she would not work the flight if the Hasidic man was permitted to fly. The flight attendant won. The man was given a $500 gift card and a night in a Fort Lauderdale hotel, then rebooked on another flight.
It was not immediately clear why the man’s luggage — or hat — would have been an issue after boarding. Delta Airlines gate agents monitor luggage for all passengers before they are permitted on the jet bridge.
Listen to South Florida’s First News with Andrew Colton, weekdays 6-10 a.m. on NewsRadio 610 WIOD, simulcast on 105.9HD2, and streaming in the iHeart Radio app. Tell Alexa, Google, or Siri to play NewsRadio 610 WIOD.
