Smartphone Cameras on Airplanes Spark Concerns About Air Rage, Warns FAA Official
The growing presence of smartphone cameras on airplanes is fueling concerns about air rage incidents, according to a warning from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official. In an interview with Insider Magazine, Trey Walters, a safety representative for the FAA and a former airline pilot, highlighted the potential risks posed by passengers using their phones to record disruptive behavior.
While it was once believed that the advent of smartphones and the ability to capture misbehavior on video would deter unruly passengers, the reality has proven to be quite the opposite. Incidents of air rage have actually increased, prompting more airlines to refer badly behaved travelers to law enforcement agencies for criminal investigation.
The FAA has revealed that airlines have reported a record-high number of unruly passenger incidents in 2021, with an additional 250 cases being referred to the FBI. Despite a subsequent decline in such incidents, unacceptable behavior continues to occur on flights.
Walters, drawing from his experience as a flight trainer, expressed concern about passengers rushing to film mid-air dramas. The presence of cameras not only poses a distraction for flight crews, but it can also exacerbate the situation at hand. Walters cited an incident involving model Morgan Osman on an American Airlines flight, during which she shouted at passengers for recording the scene before storming off the plane.
Osman, who later defended her outburst, claimed that the situation wouldn’t have escalated to the same extent without the presence of cameras. However, the FAA official emphasized that passengers filming such incidents can hinder flight attendants from addressing issues promptly and can increase safety risks for both crew members and fellow travelers.
These concerns have prompted some airlines to include provisions in their terms of carriage, urging passengers not to film disruptive behavior on their flights. Walters hopes that more airlines will follow suit and encourage passengers to show kindness and consideration toward one another.
The prevalence of smartphone cameras has undoubtedly changed the landscape when it comes to documenting events, including instances of air rage on planes. While the initial hope was that public exposure and accountability would discourage problem behavior, the reality is that the presence of cameras seems to be adding fuel to the fire. As air travel continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial for both passengers and airlines to address the issue of air rage effectively and prioritize the safety and comfort of all those onboard.
