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UK Cabin Crews Knock Passengers Online

Virgin and British Airways workers land in trouble for Facebook comments

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 2, 2008 4:16 PM CST

(Newser) – Virgin Atlantic has fired 13 cabin staffers for mocking passengers and joking about engine safety on Facebook, the Guardian reports. The online messages quipped about cockroaches on planes and referred to passengers as "chavs," a British term for "white trash." The airline publicly chided the workers, saying they could not uphold standards "that Virgin Atlantic is renowned for if they hold these views."

British Airways staffers also derided passengers on Facebook, calling them “smelly and annoying,” the Telegraph reports. The employees derided "stupid American accents" and called Heathrow Airport’s pricey new terminal a disaster. “We will be talking to the individuals concerned about their disappointing and unwise comments,” British Airways said.

A British Airways Boeing 747 passing a Virgin aircraft as it takes off from London's Heathrow airport. Both airlines have had problems with employees mocking passengers online.
A British Airways Boeing 747 passing a Virgin aircraft as it takes off from London's Heathrow airport. Both airlines have had problems with employees mocking passengers online.   (AP Photo/Tim Ockenden/PA Wire)
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, speaks at a news conference on Monday, March 3, 2008 in New York.
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, speaks at a news conference on Monday, March 3, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
A British Airways Jumbo jet takes off, at London's Heathrow Airport, Friday Aug. 1, 2008.
A British Airways Jumbo jet takes off, at London's Heathrow Airport, Friday Aug. 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Max Nash)
Facebook's false sense of privacy often lands employees in hot water with their bosses.
Facebook's false sense of privacy often lands employees in hot water with their bosses.   (AP Photo/Facebook, ho)
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