When Flying the Friendly Skies Can Be a Real Pain

As I settled into my seat on a recent United Airlines flight, I couldn’t help but think about the harrowing experience of former NFL star Terrell Davis. Davis, a Hall of Fame running back, was detained and questioned by authorities after a dispute with a flight attendant on a trip from Denver to John Wayne Airport. What was supposed to be a routine flight turned into a humiliating ordeal, leaving Davis feeling powerless and angry.

An image of a United Airlines plane in flight

According to Davis, the incident started when his son politely asked a flight attendant for a cup of ice. When there was no response, Davis calmly reached behind him and lightly tapped the attendant’s arm to get his attention. The attendant’s reaction was disproportionate, to say the least - he shouted, ‘Don’t hit me!’ and hastened to the front of the plane, leaving Davis and his family in shock.

The situation escalated further when the pilot asked everyone to remain seated as six FBI agents and other law enforcement officers boarded the plane. Davis was handcuffed and taken off the plane, leaving him feeling humiliated, embarrassed, and powerless. The whole incident, as described by Davis, was ‘incredibly rude and blatantly wrong.’

A photo of Terrell Davis on the field

In a statement, United Airlines apologized to Davis, saying that they had ‘removed the flight attendant from duty’ while they reviewed the matter. The airline acknowledged that the incident was not the kind of travel experience they strove to provide.

As someone who has had his fair share of frustrating experiences with flight attendants, I can empathize with Davis. We’ve all been there - dealing with a gruff or unhelpful attendant can ruin an otherwise pleasant flight. But in Davis’ case, the situation spiralled out of control, highlighting the need for better training and conflict resolution skills for airline staff.

A photo of an airline passenger

The incident also raises questions about racial profiling and implicit bias. Was Davis targeted because of his celebrity status or the colour of his skin? These are questions that need to be asked and addressed.

In conclusion, the experience of Terrell Davis is a sobering reminder of the power imbalance between passengers and airline staff. It’s high time for airlines to take a hard look at their policies and procedures, and to provide better training for their staff to handle conflicts in a more nuanced and compassionate way.