Among Friends

[Kachina624]

You've got to wonder why in the world anyone would object to an airliner seat belt?  All she'd need is a good patch of turbulence and she'd change her mine.

Sound like a toddler whim and tantrum.

[Lovestheshores]

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@TVLand wrote:

Someone like this should forever be banned from flying on Swiss Airlines .

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Or any airline...

[Mz iMac]

I bet she got over a thousand hits on her IG &/or TikTok accounts!

FWIW:  People who do things like that are IG and/or TikTok publicity whores.

[elated]

I think she should have been held for medical detention. No one should be allowed to just do what they want on a flight that affects other passengers. It would be called taking responsibility.

[MoonieBaby]

Insanity rules supreme lately!

[Tinkrbl44]

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@Boehm Collector wrote:

@Tinkrbl44 ... actually we got more information from my niece.  The woman decided she didn't want to fly.  So she intentionally disregarded the instructions to put on her seat belt knowing she would be taken back to the gate to be removed.  I don't know what is wrong with her.

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@Boehm Collector 

Oh good grief, I hate when people act like that.   

I agree she should be detained for medical evaluation. 

Or ....   just make her wait for 24 hours in a holding cell somewhere nearby.  

[Boehm Collector]

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@elated wrote:

I think she should have been held for medical detention. No one should be allowed to just do what they want on a flight that affects other passengers. It would be called taking responsibility.

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@elated ..I'm sure she was arrested once she was removed from the plane.  If she needed to be held for medical attention I would imagine she would be.

[Boehm Collector]

@Tinkrbl44 and @elated The legal consequences  for disobeying the crew on an airplane.

Yes, you can be arrested and criminally charged for disobeying crew instructions on an airplane. Federal law strictly prohibits passengers from interfering with or intimidating flight crew members, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior. 

The Legal Consequences

Under 49 U.S. Code § 46504, interfering with a flight crew—which includes simply refusing to follow direct safety commands—is a federal crime. 

• Imprisonment: A conviction can carry up to 20 years in prison.
• Fines: The FAA can impose civil penalties up to $39,000 or more per violation.
• Airline Bans & Restitution: You can be issued a lifetime ban from the airline and may be held financially liable for the costs of diverting a flight to remove you. 

Examples of Disobedience

While it may seem like a minor issue, seemingly "passive" refusals can trigger a federal charge. Actions that will quickly escalate to law enforcement involvement include: 

Quora +1

• Refusing to sit down or put away carry-on luggage.
• Repeatedly ignoring requests to fasten your seatbelt.
• Refusing to turn off electronic devices when instructed.
• Failing to wear a face mask when required.
• Verbally arguing with or hindering a flight attendant from doing their duties. 

What Happens During an Incident

If you refuse to comply, the crew is required to manage the situation for the safety of the entire flight. The pilot may choose to return the plane to the gate or divert to the nearest available airport, where local law enforcement or the FBI will be waiting to remove you in handcuffs. 

[Bhvbum]

I suspect the real reason will come out, she was too large and couldn't get the seatbelt closed. And was not willing to buy a second seat.  

[Kachina624]

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@Bhvbum wrote:

I suspect the real reason will come out, she was too large and couldn't get the seatbelt closed. And was not willing to buy a second seat.  

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@Bhvbum.  The flight attendants have seat belt extensions.  All a passenger has to do is ask for one.