“Slimed-literally No Response From Airtran!!!”
by Rjslatt on May 28, 2010
Flight from Boston to Minneapolis
- Airline:
-
AirTran
- RT/OW
- One Way
- Number of Stops:
- 1 stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Date of Flight:
- May 2010
- Seat Class:
- business
See below. I never received a response from Aitran!
Hello,
I flew from Boston to Minneapolis through Milwaukee last night. I upgraded my flights in Boston. An unbelievable incident occurred during the boarding of the second leg of the flight in Milwaukee. I heard a commotion on the jetway while sitting in my seat. As I looked forward I saw what I thought was soda being spilled onto the wall across from the entry door. I figured someone had maybe tripped and spilled their soda.
Unfortunately, that was not the case. A Somali family (as described by attendants and security later) had boarded the plane with a mentally handicapped gentleman who was spitting profusely. They quickly took seats in 1st Class even though they did not have 1st Class seats. The man spitting sat across the aisle from me and within a minute spit flew threw the air all over me. My right leg, ear and arm were covered. I quickly told the attendants that this was unacceptable and went into the bathroom to wash myself off. Security was called and the boarding agent came on the plane and asked the four men who had sat in 1st Class for their tickets. They didn't seem to have the tickets and the agent said they shouldn't be sitting in those seats. They should be empty.
The pilot escorted me off the plane and apologized. He said would receive a voucher but I should contact Airtran tomorrow because he didn't think that was sufficient.
After security removed the family (quite a scene) and cleaned my seat I returned to my seat. A couple of passengers told me that when the women in the family were talking to the boarding agent the four gentleman who sat in 1st Class bypassed the agent to the right of their female companions and boarded. They did not see them produce tickets to board the plane.
I have many questions and concerns regarding this incident. Should I be tested in a hospital since I was spit upon? It was not a small amount of saliva. Did this guy have any communicable diseases? I don't know. What precautions should I take? What would you do in my situation?
Why was security during boarding so lapse? Why was this person allowed on the plane when he was already spitting in the jetway before he boarded? Why were they allowed to sit in 1st Class or any other seat for that matter?
I have a lot of unanswered questions regarding this incident. I was shaking for hours after the whole episode. I fly over 50,000 miles a year and have never encountered such a security lapse. I would like someone from your corporate office to contact me immediately... at to discuss my concerns.
Regards,
Robert Slattery
Confirmation number A5819S
Seat 3c