Delta Air Lines Offers Insulting “Goodwill Gesture” To Woman After Drunk, Vaping Seatmate Punches Her

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How much compensation from an airline is due—if any—when a passenger attacks you onboard? What if the airline should have known better? That’s what we’ll explore today in the context of a Delta Air Lines flight to Los Angeles and a woman who was punched by her seatmate and then offered a paltry “goodwill gesture” from Delta in response.

Is 4,000 SkyMiles Appropriate For Attack From Drunken, Vaping Seatmate On Delta Flight?

While flying from Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles (LAX) on Delta flight 908, a woman was punched in the eye by her male seatmate. 

“At first, I didn’t even realize what was going on (I was watching a movie with noise-canceling headphones), but the flight attendant saw it happen. Apparently, this guy had been vaping, touching other passengers inappropriately, was extremely inebriated, and overall caused a major disturbance all over the plane. The whole situation was chaotic, and I ended up with eye soreness and overall being extremely rattled and shaking for the rest of the flight.”

This incident occurred while the man was being escorted to the back of the plane (after the vaping and inappropriate touching). A good samaritan passenger stepped up to sit next to the passenger for the remainder of the flight to reduce the risk of any further antics.

After the flight, the woman complained and was offered only 4,000 SkyMiles, which Delta flyers know is hardly enough for a drink in a Delta SkyClub…

Should Delta Have Stepped Up?

I understand that Delta did not punch this woman. It’s not like Delta can possibly control the sporadic outbreaks of every customer onboard.

But this case is a little different. First, he had already been caught vaping. Second, he had already been caught touching others inappropriately during the flight. As a result, I probably would not have diverted, but I would have zip tied him even before leading him to the back of the plane… flight attendants were on notice that this passenger was a ticking time bomb.

The fact that he then suckered punched the woman comes less as a surprise considering what he had already did. Furthermore, considering he was reportedly inebriated, maybe gate agents or flight attendants should have noticed his condition… before takeoff.

In that sense, I do think Delta is at least partially responsible. Offering only 4,000 SkyMiles truly is an insult…I just don’t understand why an airline could be so paltry in terms of compensation. It’s really worse than offering nothing at all.

CONCLUSION

Delta offered a woman only 4,000 after she was unexpectedly punched by another passenger on a flight to Los Angeles. While Delta was not the aggressor, the decision to transport him to the back of the plane put passengers in danger, including this woman. Considering how much it costs to redeem miles with Delta, a far higher compensation amount would be more appropriate.

image: Delta // Hat Tip: View From The Wing