US Senator John Fetterman (D – PA) was captured on film arguing with an American Airlines regional pilot over wearing his seatbelt. Talk about petty…

Senator Fetterman Argues With American Airlines Pilot Over Seatbelt Visibility

Kyle sent me over the tweet below this morning, which apparently took place in February 2024 on an American Airlines flight (operated by a regional subsidiary) from Washington National (DCA) to Pittsburgh (PIT) but only surfaced today on social media.

Fetterman, seated in the front row of first class, is seen arguing with the captaHelp with in over his seatbelt. The captain explains that it must be visible at all times and even offers Fetterman a seat belt extender so that it will not be tight across his lap. In audio that is indecipherable, Fetterman appears to argue over this, insisting that he is wearing his seatbelt but refusing to place the seatbelt outside his (signature) hoodie sweatshirt.

Ultimately, the captain had enough and gave him an ultimatum:

“If you want to go to Pittsburgh, it’s simple. You have to follow our instructions or you’ll be asked to get off the airplane. We’re not asking much. All we need it to be able to see your seatbelt at all times.”

As Fetterman continues to argue, the extremely patient captain adds, “Well, it’s a federal regulation, so if I don’t do it, I can get in trouble, and I don’t want to get in trouble!”

I’m not a medical doctor and so I’ll refrain from diagnosing Fetterman, but the man has never been the same since his 2022 stroke. He’s certainly a “maverick” senator (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing), but he’s also a very stubborn man. After appearing on Bill Maher’s Real Time in June 2024, he took a redeye from Los Angeles (LAX) to Baltimore (BWI) and rahter than have his staff pick him up, Fetterman insisted on driving himself…and plowed into another while speeding, injuring motorist, his wife Giselle, and himself.

CONCLUSION

Video has emerged of Senator Fetterman arguing with a pilot about wearing his seatbelt.

I wish Fetterman all the best and there’s something I like about his independent streak, but this sort of outbreak is indefensible and a very worrying sign for a man who has endured a lot of health trauma over the last few years.

You don’t argue with the captain, especially over something so petty as a seatbelt. If you want to fly on a commercial jet, you need to put on your seatbelt when the seatbelt light is on…and if you’re smart (since turbulence can happen unexpectedly) you put it on at all times while seated.