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Slater Was Cranky the Entire Flight: Witnesses

Slater warned airline fees were turning him into 'bag Nazi'

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 12, 2010 5:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – Steven Slater seemed upset all the way through the flight that will likely be his last as a JetBlue employee, according to witnesses who say they saw him bumping into passengers, slamming overhead bins shut and abruptly throwing an oxygen mask aside after a safety demonstration. "He was very disturbed. He was almost hysterical," one passenger tells the New York Daily News. "It was obvious that something was going on."

Some passengers say Slater may have actually instigated the confrontation with a passenger over stowed baggage that led to him leaving his job in spectacular fashion. Slater, Gawker notes, warned in postings to an airline industry message board that the explosion of carry-on baggage that followed the introduction of luggage fees had created a monster. "I hate to be bag Nazi when I work a flight, but I feel if I am not, then I am letting down all those who cooperate and try to help out as well," he wrote.

Steven Slater leaves a correctional facility in the Bronx after posting bail yesterday. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater leaves a correctional facility in the Bronx after posting bail yesterday. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

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Showing 3 of 22 comments

boredwell

Aug 14, 2010 12:45 AM CDT

Yeah, Slater acted like a drama queen. Emo and reactionary. Not the best type of flight attendant. But it's true: luggage that should be stowed in cargo winds up as carry-on. Irritating for those who would prefer their smaller carry-ons to be placed overhead rather than-which seems to be the rule for passengers seated later- between your legs beneath the seat in front of you. Rollers are not carry-ons! Worst though is the careless,haphazard way people stow their stuff without regard to others. Ok, now I'm acting up! I guess I'm rather a bit like Slater, eh?!

tellyy

Aug 14, 2010 12:04 AM CDT

there's one word for this ATTENTION!!!

draftybeer

Aug 13, 2010 12:38 PM CDT

Coffee....Tea.....or.....Meeeeeeeee.......TeeHeeTeeHee.......Fly Me.....

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airline industry • JetBlue • flight attendant • Steven Slater • JetBlue flight attendant freaks out

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Steven Slater: I Had 'a Few Sips' Before JetBlue Exit

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(NEWSER) - Steven Slater gave his first extensive interview since his dramatic exit from a JetBlue plane made him a folk hero , admitting to Larry King last night that “the perfect storm of bad manners … created this situation, including my own.” Slater describes the flight he was working as “stressful, rushed,” and says he “was angry at all of it” and admits his service was probably “ less than stellar that day .” His forehead was cut before takeoff while trying to fit an oversized bag into the overhead bin, but it ultimately had to be checked. More»

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(NEWSER) - New folk hero flight attendant Steven Slater emerged from a New York City jail yesterday grateful for the outpouring of public support, while his proud cancer-battling mom said her boy "deserved" a meltdown. "Something about this resonated with people," Slater said as he left jail a day after his freakout on a JetBlue airline when a rude passenger cursed at him. "The outpouring of support is very appreciated. I'm overwhelmed, very thankful." As he left Hunts Point jail after posting a $2500 bail, employees shouted: "You're a hero" and "You're a celebrity." More»

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Slater Was Cranky the Entire Flight: Witnesses

Slater warned airline fees were turning him into 'bag Nazi'

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

airline industry • JetBlue • flight attendant • Steven Slater • JetBlue flight attendant freaks out

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Steven Slater: I Had 'a Few Sips' Before JetBlue Exit

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