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