A man was removed from a Delta flight last week after he used the bathroom while the plane awaited takeoff on the tarmac, according to local paper Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Various passengers took videos of the incident in which Kima Hamilton was being asked to step off the plane by one flight attendant and a second employee on Flight 2035 from Atlanta to Milwaukee.
“I need more information sir. I haven’t done anything and I paid for this ticket and I actually have, I have to get home,” Hamilton told the first employee, captured on video. “I haven’t had an opportunity to explain, and I hope you understand where I’m at right now.”
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The flight attendant can be heard continuously telling Hamilton to step off the plane so they can discuss the matter not in front of the other passengers. When Hamilton asked the attendant whether the plane was going to leave once he stepped off the plane, the employee responded, “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
In a second conversation with another employee, Hamilton is told that the plane had to return because of his bathroom break, according to NBC Chicago, and that their conversation was “inconveniencing everyone.”
Hamilton explained he had to use the bathroom earlier but was told to wait because the plane would lose its place in line for takeoff. But a few minutes later, he could no longer hold it. According to NBC, witnesses said that plane was not moving while Hamilton was in the bathroom.
Hamilton said he had to get back to Milwaukee because he is an art teacher and was supposed to supervise students on a field trip.
Passengers then told TMJ4 that they soon were forced to disembark the plane. Everyone was able to re-board except for Hamilton, who had to find a different way home.
“Mr. Hamilton was never confrontational,” passenger Michael Rosalino said. “He was very polite. He only asked for clarification throughout.”
“Our flight crews are extensively trained to ensure the safety and security of all customers,” a spokesperson for Delta told TheWrap. “It is imperative that passengers comply with crew instructions during all phases of flight, especially at the critical points of takeoff and landing.”
Delta’s removal of Hamilton comes just a few weeks after United forcibly removed a passenger from an “overbooked” flight, leaving him bloody and disoriented. Since then, United has made 10 changes to improve customer service, including offering up to $10,000 to passengers for giving up their seats.
The increased compensation offer comes two weeks after Delta announced it would give up to $9,950 to travelers who agree to give up their seats on overbooked flights.
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