A Delta Air Lines widebody flight traveling 4,000 to Hawaii from Minneapolis had an unexpected diversion over the Pacific. It wasn’t too far from the mainland when an unruly passenger caused the plane to turn back suddenly and land in San Francisco.
Once again, a diversion shook the skies as the passenger was removed from the plane, causing a multi-hour delay. This incident echoes a continued concern across the aviation industry about air rage and its repercussions for travelers and airlines alike.
Delta apologized to its passengers for the delay but so far has not made any further comments. If you were on the fight, we invite you to share your experience in the comment section below.
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A troubling trend in the skies.
Not long ago, we delved deep into Hawaii flight diversions caused by unruly passengers during what we noted was the hottest summer on record. We hope that this coming summer won’t continue that troubling trend of air rage incidents.
Last year’s post highlighted various incidents, including threats serious enough to warrant emergency landings and physical confrontations involving makeshift weapons aboard flights. These incidents paint a stark picture of the current state of air travel, where tensions seem to be remaining at an all-time high.
In response to these escalating behaviors, airlines, and regulators have been pushed to strengthen their approaches. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that major triggers for such incidents are non-compliance with crew instructions, verbal abuse, and alcohol intoxication.
Our readers share their concerns and give feedback.
Your reaction to these incidents has been one of concern and frustration. Many of you have expressed your dismay over declining airline decorum and the direct impact it has on your personal travel experiences. Comments from our previous articles reflect a mix of fear, anger, and sometimes resignation about the dismal state of air travel affairs.
For instance, Scott S. shared, “We have been fortunate in that the worst we have encountered is restless children… If we were more frequent flyers our odds would increase.” This sentiment was echoed by many who feel that flying has become a gamble, where passengers might unpredictably disrupt a flight.
On the proactive side, Mike suggested a novel albeit it perhaps tongue in cheek approach: “They should give vets, retired cops, strong guys the seats by the exit doors… If an incident happens and they assist, voucher for free airfares.”
Meanwhile, Mary D. emphasized the need for strict consequences: “Arrest these individuals, get them a psychiatric evaluation and don’t let them fly. ever. Dangerous behavior at 30,000 feet can impact thousands of lives.”
ACLU has a different plan to reduce air rage.
The ACLU has criticized the airlines, suggesting that the reduction of air rage incidents could be achieved by making flying less miserable. This points to a larger debate about airline policies, passenger rights, and the basic comforts—or lack thereof—that might contribute to heightened tensions.
Reflections on Hawaii air travel today.
The recent Delta incident is not just about one unruly passenger; it represents a microcosm of the broader issues plaguing today’s Hawaii air travel.
Finding solutions will require cooperation from airlines, regulatory bodies, and passengers themselves. If that’s even possible.
Whether it’s revising airline and government policies, increasing flight attendants’ authority to de-escalate situations, or even reconsidering aircraft layout and service on flights, one goal remains: ensuring that Hawaii air travel remains a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Please share your thoughts on air range on Hawaii flights.
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If the airlines would stop giving alcohol to drunk passengers there wouldn’t be as much trouble on flights. I’ve filed complaints with both delta and united after being on flights where passengers were served alcohol while drunk and where these drunk passengers made my trip miserable and neither airline would even respond to my letters and I wrote each more than once. The airlines obviously believe that if they don’t admit they have any complaints about passengers served too much alcohol then it didn’t happen.
I am female age 76. I flew nonstop Atlanta to Honolulu. 9 hours. I had a aisle seat. The man beside me weighed around 300lb. He could not even use the seatbelt. His right leg was in my leg space. He fell asleep shortly after that off. He snored the whole way. My nerves were fraied by the time we arrived. I guess I can see how some people could not handle cramped conditions.
Wow, sorry you had to go thru that. People need to take responsibility for their needs. I just flew back from Hawaii and the man next to me had a portable CPAP so he wouldn’t loudly snore. That was truly thoughtful of him.
Federal law needs to clamp down on this big time. I’m so sick and tired of someone putting a whole flight at risk. Not only some sort of “time” served, but the fine needs to be the equivalent to the costs incurred by all affected customers as restitution.
If the airlines and the courts were serious about this they would send the violator (upon conviction) to a year or more in jail, fine the person several thousand dollars, and automatically entitle the other inconvenienced passengers to join a class action suit for punitive damages against the violator.
They are going to have to restrict the booze on aircraft!
Great comments. 99.999 percent of passengers are courteous, respectful and avoid confrontation. Sadly, today some people feel otherwise and believe they have the right to act out their perceived injustice. This happens on buses, trains, planes and just about anywhere people interact. The Anti Civility Liberty Union would blame the airlines when people act out their frustrations.
The ACLU has never done anything other than create division amongst people. What some of the flying public don’t seem to understand is that there is a contract of carriage when you purchase a ticket. While this contract assures the passenger many things, what it doesn’t is allow anyone to act like a jack hole while onboard the aircraft.
The only thing the ACLU has ever done is create division amongst people.
Despite your obvious bias, the ACLU does not protect against criminal behavior. Your comment is strictly performative.
I don’t agree with ACLU’s reasoning. The majority of incidents are caused by Intoxicated/Under the Influence of Drugs, or Mental Illness. The Gate Agents and Flight Attendants make their best effort to detect and address passengers under the influence. Yet, I’m sure they’re concerned with boarding and getting an On Time Departure.
Perhaps Airport Bars can do something about the problem. In the meantime, Arrest/Prosecute/Ban those offenders.
This has nothing to do with Hawaii travel as the article states.
People everywhere on the roads, in airplanes, at work, school, stores etc are having difficulties and acting out.
This country is a mess financially and the feeling of being safe.
People are stressed and rightfully so. Some portray it in different ways.
Throughout history there has been major shifts and changes. I believe we are in one now in America and not for the better.
It is not Hawaii travel specific!
“Having difficulties”? People have had difficulties throughout history, even worse than what we have today but haven’t been out of control like this. Perhaps, it’s the change in culture, perpetual promotion of violence in the media and everyday life, bad parenting and bad role models, rather than “having difficulties”?
Yes, these out of control people putting everyone in danger and causing major travel disruptions need to be fined with stiff penalties. Money talks, and hopefully it’ll teach them a lesson they haven’t learned at home. For serious offenses even jail time and no-fly bans as have been implemented by some airlines.
Aloha BoH.
People behaving boorishly merely reflects the decline of our society. We have learned that crude and offensive behavior pays and there is no penalty for it, so why behave with civility when throwing a hissy fit will get you what you want when you want it? A good reputation is no longer important. And because it is too late to reverse this trend, the airlines must start enforcing severe penalties. Ban disrupters from flying any airline for 10 years, and impose a huge monetary penalty on them.
It would be helpful if the airlines put more room between rows and offered free perks again – start showing more Aloha to those who are courteous and considerate towards their fellow passengers. Mahalo for reading my post. Be well.
The airlines will not put more room between rows. They will and have done quite the opposite. The more seats, the more money.
Reduce alcohol availability… If you’re inebriated coming on board, you’re cut off. period
Best Regards
I agree with the earlier comment “Arrest these individuals, get them a psychiatric evaluation and don’t let them fly. ever. Dangerous behavior at 30,000 feet can impact thousands of lives.” I would add “have them pay for the diversion or jail time”. On another note, I just read about an assault on the Mayor of NYC on a flight from Miami to New York
I’m afraid air rage is just another manifestation of the gradual decline in respect for authority and social norms.
There needs to be far harsher penalties imposed for those who think the rules don’t apply.
President Biden just issued a a very stern “Don’t”. That should fix everything.
and you had to go and make it political
I was a flight attendant for 16yrs. I can guarantee that alcohol was involved. Tough part of the job is monitoring peoples drink intake plus not knowing what they had before boarding. Drinks at cabin pressure altitude are about 2 to 1.
Between drinking too much, drinking in a pressurized cabin, cramped seating especially with so many “larger” size passengers, plus passengers so large they should book first class or two economy seats, added to more generalized incivilty and you have a recipe for disaster. Airlines bear some responsibility because of how cramped and uncomfortable their seating has become.
And drinking while on Ambian a sure filter destroyer! Sleeping pills are so common now and they do not mix well with alcohol.
These types of people need to be banned from flying..it’s not fair to the other passengers!
There is not one factor causing the inflight issues. Its a lot of things.
1- Society in general just being rude and feeling as if their ticket, money, experience is more important than anything else.
2- Flight delays, changes.
3-Seats tighter, smaller, less comfortable
4-Complete full flights (I understand airlines want this) but being stuffed into seats doesn’t help.
feel free to add your own thoughts.
Flying is a privilege not a right. When you buy a main cabin seat, you know you are buying no frills and basic air transportation. Anyone can buy a first class seat, with more room, better food etc. And yes it costs more but isn’t that true of all the rest of society? It doesn’t allow anyone to be violent to other passengers and crew.
It’s time to use breathalyzers before boarding the plane. I’d bet the vast majority of problems are caused by drinking. If the drunks can’t get on the plane, problem solved. The drunks can be rescheduled for later flight when their alcohol level is down.
We have become a society that believes an individual can do anything they want, regardless. It’s time for change and taking action. Yes there should be a no fly list + consequences need to be part of the solution.
Seriously!? Breathalyzers for everyone? Who pays for that and performing a test like that on someone without cause is legally problematic on many levels. If you are then going to say figure it into the ticket price then someone that does not drink at all will end up being charged for something that they should not. It basically is an unwarranted search without cause.
That will never happen
klsd
Breathalyzers…no thanks.
No more government and feds in my life!
What about pot, prescription drugs, heroin, lsd, meth. How would you test for that?
What about mental illness, PTSD.
How do you test for that?
There is a reason people are acting out everywhere.
Let us look at that rather than blame the individual and or the airlines
. b
I think providing more comfortable and spacious seating would help. Charge more as required.
Instead of feeling like cattle going to market people may feel better and behave accordingly.
I’d like bigger more comfy seats and better entertainment over countless hours flying over nothing but ocean. However, this is in no way a cause for air rage. It’s undisciplined immature ‘adults’ who can’t handle their alcohol or have underlying mental conditions, much like the ACLU ‘experts’ that were cited in this article.
There’s already a no-fly list implemented. Put these criminals on it and let the rest of us travel in peace.
Steve
How does being an immature adult, drinking alchohol, and having a mental health break make onr a, “Criminal?!)
That just really irks me
Recently we flew from HNL to SAN on an Airbus. Worse flight ever. The people in the row in front had their seats back all the way. The seats reclined way too far for the row behind.
Either give more room between seats or don’t let them recline as far. Won’t be taking Hawiian without upgrading seats.
I can assure you that the seats didn’t recline all that much. On AA, their A321 seat pitch is 30″ HA’s is 39″, 35″ or 30″ depending on what section you are sitting in. If the person in front of you reclined their seat, then you should recline yours.. Simple as that.
I was not on this flight, but why is the FAA or airlines so weak on these reoccurring issues. The disruption to the passengers is enormous, let along the airline. We need a much stronger policy. If a landing is required, automatically award each passenger $1,500, paid immediately by the FAA or airline, but collected from the perpetrator. Add $25,000 for the airline. If the perpetrator can’t pay within 30 days, automatic 6 months in jail. Post the policy on everyone’s boarding pass and you will see this activity stop asap. Guaranteed.
Excellent idea! Make it so these violators don’t want to fly anymore!
well stated and i totally agree and i’d add to ban the perpetrator from flying on the airline too!
Anyone who can afford your suggested fine wouldn’t be flying commercial in the first place. It’s a nice dream, not reality. Just say 6 months in jail or community service.
No financial penalty?? What about the passengers and airline affected? Where is their justice for these acts? It needs to be a huge financial fine so it makes them think about their actions.
I am truly appalled at so many people’s mindsets posting here.
People being called criminals, perpetrators .
Saying these people should be put in jail, fined $25,000 dollars, put on govt no fly list.
It seems like such hate.
Do you also believe this same punishment should happen for those who act out in a store, at a sporting event etc?
Alot of these people may be suffering from PTSD and or a mental illness.
Lets not judge. We dont know what they have been thru. Could be awar vet, could be someone who jas endured abuse in their life, they could have autism. And be thankful you are not in that place.
Tom, that makes no sense at all. We are talking about someone who has caused such an “Enormous” disruption or threat that the plane is required to land asap. There is no acceptable excuse other than a medical emergency. Anyone is free to leave a store or sporting event, not a plane.
It’s too bad you’re irked, Tom, but you are failing to recognize this isn’t about you, your feelings, or the hypothetical outliers you cited.
We live close enough to San Francisco to have seen a lot of the sad cases you mentioned on the streets harassing pedestrians and destroying property because they don’t know how or are unable to behave in public.
Now, imagine these same people interacting with 200+ passengers trapped within the same metal tube at 30,000 feet. Do you not understand why this rises to the level of criminal behavior? Why condone the disruption of travel for hundreds of others without considering their safety?
No, Tom. This is not about hate. In majority of cases we know exactly who these people are/were. It’s been all over the news. In very rare, exceptional cases, some have had a documented history of mental disorders. Overwhelming majority of these offenders are just plain rude, violent, selfish, inconsiderate and/or drunk individuals with no respect for their fellow passengers and no ability to comprehend what it means to cause havoc at 40,000ft in a small space which you have no way of escaping.
Assaulting crew and passengers with disregard for life and safety is much closer to your definition of hate than anything mentioned in these reasonable comments.
Where exactly do you propose the money comes from when these people can’t pay the fine?
That is the entire point. Make the penalty so painful, that this issue mostly goes away. If they can’t pay, it’s jail and a 5-10 year no fly list. I fly a lot and it’s going to get worse before it gets better unless real change happens soon.
Easy fix, designate one to two big guys as airline stewards, if the attendants need assistance they will be called upon. If they have to assist in a manner, their flight is free. If not, they get air miles. How much does it cost an airline to turn around and land.
When you listen to the flight attendants give their safety briefing that includes the part about tampering with the smoke detectors in the lavatories “Might’ result in a fine kind of tells you everything that you need to know about consequences of bad behavior while flying. There should be no maybes about what happens if or when somebody acts out. Immediate and lifetime bans on All US airlines along with fines that equal the costs of diverting the aircraft with no exceptions!Draconian some might say but unless or until these kind of actions are taken then nothing will change.
Just another example of what has happened within our society in the last few years. Out of control with no respect for others and an attitude of i can do as i please as there will be no consequences for my actions. it has gotten worse since COVID and is trending in the wrong direction. Yes, i agree cattle car conditions are adding to all of this.
I hope they put that person on the no fly list for all the airlines! People have to learn how to behave in public…. it’s not all about you!
These people need to be placed on a permanent no fly list across all US carriers.
Perhaps they should stop providing alcohol on all flights as it seems to be at least some of he problem. FA should also monitor passengers
boarding because I have seen some in the wait area already three sheets to the wind yet they are still allowed to board. People had to get use to not smoking let them get use to not drinking.
just what i was goingto say! No need for people to drink alcohol on airplanes! And anyone who seems weird, inebriated or confrontational prior to boarding shoul.d be taken aside and checked out on the ground by TSA before they get someone killed
It would be nice if alcohol was not served in airport bars also
Why should the majority of responsible people be punished for the actions of a select few? If I’m flying to Hawaii (or anywhere for that matter), I should be able to have a drink or two on the way.