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Delta Bans Pro-Trump Passenger, Everyone Else Gets a Refund

Nov. 28, 2016
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2 min read
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Delta Bans Pro-Trump Passenger, Everyone Else Gets a Refund
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Last week, Delta flight 248 made news when a passenger caused a commotion on the flight with his political remarks. The flight, which was bound for Lehigh Valley Airport (ABE) from Atlanta (ATL), quickly turned from an average trip to one that would soon turn viral, as a passenger went on a pro-Trump tirade, insulting Hillary Clinton supporters on board.

Regardless of your political beliefs, the disturbance caused by the passenger was enough to make anyone feel uncomfortable. You can watch the entire video below, but be warned that there is some disturbing language in it:

At the time, the crew decided not to remove the passenger from the plane, and since, the airline has stated that the passenger should not have been allowed to continue on the flight. Today, however, Delta CEO Ed Bastian sent a memo to all employees. You can read the full message here, but the highlights include that the passenger will never be allowed to fly on a Delta flight again, and all passengers on board were refunded the cost of their tickets. Read part of the memo below:



As you may have heard by now, last week a video began circulating around the internet showing a disruptive passenger on board a Delta flight. This individual displayed behavior that was loud, rude and disrespectful to his fellow customers. After questioning the customer, our team members made the best decision they could given the information they had and allowed him to remain on the flight. However, if our colleagues had witnessed firsthand what was shown in the video, there is no question they would have removed him from the aircraft. He will never again be allowed on a Delta plane.

In all, this is a pretty admirable move from Bastian and Delta. While the issue might not have been handled in the best of ways during the flight, the airline's response has surely impressed many. By not only refunding the cost of tickets for passengers who were on board, but also restricting the passenger from flying on another Delta aircraft in the future, the airline has communicated its commitment to maintaining the best possible environment for its employees and passengers.

Were you on board Delta flight 248?

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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