Alaska Airlines praised for response to ‘offensive’ catcalling passenger

A MALE passenger has learnt the hard way what happens when you sexually harass a female flight attendant who’s trying to do her job.

Alaska Airlines responded swiftly when a passenger allegedly sexually harassed one of their staff on a flight out of Seattle. Picture: Tony Hisgett

AN AIRLINE in the United States is reportedly sending a message to its flyers: harass our employees and there will be consequences.

Alaska Airlines passenger Amber Nelson said she was flying out of Seattle-Tacoma Airport in Washington when a male passenger interrupted a female flight attendant during her safety demonstration, Fox News reported.

“Before take off from SeaTac [Seattle-Tacoma] the flight attendants ran through their safety rules as they always do. Not all of us were paying very close attention,” Ms Nelson posted on Facebook. “But a man in the row behind me changed all that by calling out ‘Ooh, sexy!’ in response to a female flight attendant demonstrating how to use the life vest.”

The attendant reportedly stopped midway through her demonstration, removed her vest and told the disruptive passenger, “You need to be respectful.”

But the passenger continued, allegedly replying “C’mon, I’m just playing with you!”, according to Ms Nelson.

Ms Nelson claims the disruptive man was seated between two women who appeared “clearly uncomfortable” throughout the ordeal.

“Every woman I know has been through this kind of degrading experience. We were trapped on a plane with a guy who clearly disrespected women and saw us as his own personal entertainment,” Ms Nelson continued.

When the flight attendant finished her demonstration, she was reportedly seen talking to a few colleagues. Then the man who had been catcalling the flight attendant was asked to collect his bags and escorted from the plane.

Ms Nelson says she was satisfied with the airline’s quick handling of situation and felt “honoured” as a female flyer.

When reached for comment, an Alaska Airlines spokeswoman confirmed the incident and says the carrier stands by the crew members’ decision to remove the passenger.

“The account on Facebook from our passenger is accurate,” the spokeswoman said.

“We can confirm that a male passenger was removed from flight 520 on Oct 9 from Seattle to Burbank prior to departure. We stand behind the actions taken by our employees.”

This article originally appeared on Fox News and was reproduced with permission.