We’ve all watched the scenes from last night with shock and disgust. DC area airports already beefed up security in response to what transpired last evening. However, it now seems like flight attendants are looking to crack down hard in response to the riots we saw on Capitol Hill by banning rioters from taking their flights back home.
FA Union responds to Capitol Hill Riots
Sara Nelson, the President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), released a statement on Twitter to that effect. You can read the full report by Skift about the call for a ban here.
Our first priority in aviation safety and security is to keep any problems on the ground. “Some of the people who traveled in our planes yesterday participated in the insurrection at the Capitol today. Their violent and seditious actions at the Capitol today create further concern about their departure from the D.C. area.
Nelson then opined about the possible threat to fellow passengers and crew members as many of the rioters will head back to the airport for their return flights.
Acts against our democracy, our government, and the freedom we claim as Americans must disqualify these individuals from the freedom of flight. We in aviation have a serious role to play in national security. Airlines, in coordination with TSA, DHS, FAA, DOT and law enforcement must take all steps to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew by keeping all problems on the ground.”
The Pundit’s Mantra
At the moment, it does seem like the demand may not quite fall through. While airlines can ban customers for things like violating mask regulations, there’s still no precedent to show for banning a set of people for participating in protests or riots. As of now, airlines haven’t responded to Nelson’s demand.
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Funny, they didn’t demand the same after the (months-long) BLM riots – where rioters actually looted, burned private property, shot people, assaulted counter-protestors, and so on.
This is what is wrong with people today. Everybody thinks they can make demands and expect them to be met immediately. Sarah Nelson needs to focus on flight attendants and ensure that the service attitude returns to airplanes. THAT is her job.