That’s right: the very act you’ve fantasised about countless times before, but never dared actually do, because you are a civilised human being and not insane. But let’s just for a moment say that you aren’t. Have you ever wondered what might happen if you smacked your fellow passenger in the head after a massive jet takes off? Here’s what happens:
First, a flight attendant and another passenger “jumped in between,” the Washington Post reports. Alerted to the fracas, the pilot decided to spin the Boeing 767 back to Dulles to let the authorities sort things out, rather than risking the transatlantic flight to Ghana with two volatile and potentially violent passengers.
Small problem: The jet had 63,000 litres of fuel in it, which weighs 57 tons. That is a lot of fuel! You cannot land a jet with that much fuel in it. So air traffic control instructed the pilot to fly for half an hour and burn off the excess weight.
That’s when the Air Force got involved:
Audio transmissions indicate that the two Air Force fighters scrambled from Andrews Air Force Base at 11:03 p.m, just as the plane reentered Washington airspace.
Five minutes later, [two F-16]fighter escorts took up position 1,000 feet above the jetliner as it headed toward Dulles, sources said.
The plane eventually landed, and Dulles police were waiting at the gate. After an investigation, both passengers were let go and no charges were pressed. The flight, meanwhile, was delayed until the following morning.
It was unclear whether they were on the flight when it left Monday morning or, if so, where they sat, United spokesman Mike Trevino said.
That would be a pretty awkward reunion at the gate. “We now invite all passengers whose lack of self-control led directly to an Air Force intervention and the night we all just spent in a seedy airport hotel to not ever board the aircraft.” [Washington Post, photo via Shutterstock]
Evan
Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 8:45 AMMinor mistakes do not make anyone look better. Air Traffic Control does not direct any airline crew to dump fuel; that is entirey the domain of the aircraft captain.
As to the slapper and the slappee, perhaps they should have been invited to pay for the dumped fuel and for the Air Force’s fuel?
EcPercy
Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 8:47 AMFirst off the people posting comments here act like the seat can recline 2-3Ft. I have flown with a lot of airlines (including united) and the most you get is about 4-6inches. The impression given here is that this guy reclined into the other person’s lap. Didn’t happen…
While I don’t slam the seat back I do recline it without asking anyone behind me. I paid for the seat and I will use it how I please. I am 5′ 11″ tall so ANY flight pretty much sucks for me and I am going to try and get some kind of relief for my legs and back.
There is an answer for this if you are 6’8″ as the one guy put. EXIT row or BUSINESS Class… too easy if you can’t fit in the seat and expect the person in front of you not to recline just ask for an upgrade.
The other people that mentioned putting down the arm rest because they weight too much. If you were next to me and you had the nerve to say something. I would tell you to buy two seats. Your not going to be spilling into my seat. There is barely any room as it is. Because I am thin you expect me to share??? NOT A CHANCE!
I guess it’s all in how you handle a situation. I can guarantee I wouldn’t get slapped. I can’t see reclining the seat even escalating to that level.
Terry
Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 4:04 PMMy sentiments exactly.
Seats recline for a reason.
I paid for a reclining seat, I’m entitled to use it without being assaulted.
BTW. Why wasn’t the “slapper” charged with assault?
Mark
Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 4:19 PMMaybe because the guy didn’t file for assault. Not inured
Sicarius123
Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 5:02 PMWow, large people actually complain about their neighbours using the armrest? Can guaruntee I’d be using the armrest to ensure I get the seat I paid for rather than sharing because they can’t control their food intake and exercise.