SXB posted.
"Your post is ridiculous, nobody is suggesting that either the passengers or the cabin crew should ,or did, argue or object to the Captains decision."
With reference to the decision to offload pax. With my airline, that decision rests with the ICCM whilst the doors are open. The ICCM's decision cannot be overruled by the Captain, Redcap or the CEO for that matter. If the ICCM has a valid reason i.e. pax behavior (foul language, raising their voice to the crew, not complying with CC requests...related to SOP ) they can be offloaded. Ill health.... we have a duty of care not only to the sick pax, but to all the other healthy ones, and for that reason the pax may be declined passage.
I have in the past made the difficult decision to offload pax, normally for reasons of aggresive and or alchohol related behavior. Not an easy decision to make however, once up at 37,000 ft much harder to deal with. Lets face it, diverting costs a whole lot more than an offload delay.
It goes without saying that on every occasion I have received the full backing of the Captain. He/She respecting that I am the one in the front line and am not making the decision lightly.
Last edited by cheeryguy; 20th July 2006 at 21:47.