It seems like money can buy just about anything — including a free pass for naughty behavior. A drunk American Airlines passenger was creating a scene at the Chicago O'Hare airport. Between throwing childish tantrums over the TV channel and slurring homophobic slurs, many people wanted this man removed from the premises. However, airport staff all chose to defend this drunk passenger despite his rude outburst—the reason why is slightly surprising.
The Childish Outburst
Getty images by onurdongel
A man was visibly drunk as he caused chaos in the flagship airport lounge on Sunday. He started off his tirade by demanding that the TV channel be switched to a program he wanted to watch. Never mind that several other patrons were enjoying the Cubs game; this passenger wanted to watch golf. When his demands to switch the channel were not met, he chose to take matters into his own hands. The NY Post shared that he "grabbed the remote from the staff member, forcing them to move away." When he was met with protest, he claimed that his Concierge Key status gave him the right to act in this way.
A Concierge Key status member is an invite-only top-tier status of the AAdvantage program. While it is prestigious, it does not give someone the right to act in childish manners, or so you would think. However, given the lack of repercussions this man received, perhaps it does. From there, he began to hurl slurs at the other patrons who were complaining about the change in channel. Rather than being happy that he finally got his way, he mocked those who preferred the Cubs game. The NY Post shared his direct quote, which contained foul language. He stated, "Why don't you go f - - k your boyfriend, you fat f - - k."
This man even threatened to report employees who stood in his way by taking pictures of their name badges.
Why Airport Staff Chose To Defend A Drunk Passenger
You may be wondering what in the world would allow this man to act this way. After all, even with VIP status, there have to be some limitations. It would appear not. According to the Post, no action was taken against this man because of his high status. Mix that status with his Ritz-Carlton hat and clear display of wealth, and you have a massive toddler with free rein to do as they wish. One of the affected patrons complained about this man's behavior and was met with the response that the man would not be removed due to his Concierge Key status. Only after this patron proved that he was also an elite status member did the staff pay his requests any mind.
It is incredible to me that the airport staff chose to defend this drunk passenger despite his rude outburst, simply because of his status. While I understand that elite customers and reviews can make or break a business, your customers also represent your brand. You should want your elite customers to have manners and act accordingly. Staff confirmed that the drunk man's status could have been revoked if the issue escalated to a high enough degree. I am assuming that a "high-enough" degree implies a risk to safety rather than just verbal slurs. Regardless, this whole situation was shocking.
