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Irate Airline Passengers Threaten to Sue

ABC News
Posted: 2007-08-14 18:10:22
Filed Under: Nation News
(Aug. 14) - Dozens of outraged airplane passengers are threatening to sue Continental Airlines, claiming they were left stranded on a plane and grounded for hours in hellish conditions.

Photo Gallery: A Grueling Journey

ABC News

Because of bad weather, a Continental Airlines' flight from Caracas, Venezuela, to Newark, N.J., was diverted to Baltimore-Washington International Airport last month.

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Because of bad weather, Continental's July 19 Flight 1669 from Caracas, Venezuela, to Newark, N.J., was diverted to Baltimore-Washington International Airport, where it landed at 1:50 p.m. Passengers said after sitting on the grounded plane for hours, they began protesting by banging on overhead compartments, clapping their hands and even signing a petition asking to be let off.

"We were not provided with food," said passenger Caroline Murray. "There were passengers who were ill. There was one woman who was diabetic. There was a pregnant woman with small children. It was shocking to me."

As the 124 passengers repeatedly tried to get answers as to why they couldn't land in Newark or get off the plane, someone caught the scene on film.

"When you've got passengers about ready to riot, you've got an air crew that's not properly trained to communicate," said ABC News aviation consultant John Nance.

At 6:30 p.m., homeland security officers finally allowed passengers to exit the plane, but their troubles didn't end. The officers led them into a room, where they were held for two additional hours.

"We were removed from the plane and were forced to walk single file against the wall, flanked by armed officers one of whom had an attack dog," Murray said.

Then it was back on the plane for an additional hour of waiting before the flight finally left for Newark. It landed around 10 p.m., nine hours late.

Continental Airlines said because Flight 1669 was international, federal law prohibited it from allowing passengers off the plane.

"[There is] no question, the flight took a lot longer than planned because of the diversion," said a Continental spokesperson. "Assistance was provided to passengers with special needs."

Overall that day, 341 Continental flights arrived at Newark carrying 35,000 customers, the spokesperson added.

On the other side of the country, another travel nightmare stranded more than 17,000 international travelers this weekend because of a computer outage at Los Angeles airport..

"We sat for three hours on a plane," said one passenger. "And then we sat for two more hours in an aisle. And then we sit in line."

These are just the latest in a string of incidents that began on Valentine's Day, when thousands of travelers were stranded on planes for up to 10 hours at all three New York City-area airports, JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.

"It's horrifying to think that that kind of power can be wielded against you and you have literally no recourse," Murray said.

In the past, Congress has attempted to pass a passenger's bill of rights with no success, but last week New York state passed its own law.

The law requires that airlines at New York airports provide snacks and water, fresh air and working restrooms to passengers when flights are delayed more than three hours. Failure to do so can result in fines to the airline of up to $1,000 per passenger.

The law will likely protect travelers from states other than New York because millions of flights make connections at New York City airports.

Copyright 2008 ABCNEWS.com
2007-08-14 13:39:40
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Recent Comments

1 - 10 of 5855
5855 comments

Johnsonfamily89 07:50:26 AM Aug 23 2007

have any of the passengers filed yet?

Johnsonfamily89 04:43:53 PM Aug 21 2007

Kub35: The hockey stick incident was before 9/11 when you could bring everything on the plane. There just isn't room in the overhead bin for oversize items BUT let's sue the airlines. What the public doesn't understand is if the "PUBLIC" is allowed for every silly thing that does not go there way or for situations that are out of the airlines control - there will be no airlines. KUB35 as far as getting the stick to the gate, just because you get it past the TSA security checkpoints now ( or the screeners pre 9/11) doesn't mean you can bring it on the plane. A lot of times we do not have room for it because the 180 passengers before you have maxed out the carry on space. BUT go ahead SUE.

Bubbyenow 02:34:17 AM Aug 21 2007

Kid.....just in case you were serious and I won't be seeing you next flight....let me help you with your transportation needs....Here's a phone number for you.....1-800-GOHOUND....happy travels

Bubbyenow 02:29:30 AM Aug 21 2007

moonkid740....your "I'm never flying ********again....If I had a dollar everytime I've heard that I could retire and wouldn't give a rats ass....as for Stewardess' thinking they're hot....We're now Flight Attendants...get with the times....I'm a male Flight Attendant and yes, I'm hot....:) Ever heard the phrase, "Flight Attendants are there to save your ass, not KISS it..."? wake up!!! See you next flight...

Bubbyenow 02:20:39 AM Aug 21 2007

Kub35...I agree with a lot of what you have to say (except for the pay of course). I'm the first to have words with a co-worker who speaks to another passenger in tone like that though...sometimes that the only tone a passenger understands though....

moonkid740....refer to Kub35's post prior to this one....

jerzyboy349......sue him.

Kub35 12:03:50 AM Aug 21 2007

Blow me!

Not specific to anyone, I just wanted to see if it would get through.

Kub35 12:02:45 AM Aug 21 2007

Also, Johnsonfamily89, that was me with the hockey stick. How the hell did I get the stick down to the plane? When you ask an airline employee and they say you can take it on the plane, you go to the gate. They thought it would get caught in the baggage equipment like all the other oversize items. I should sue your parents for having a stupid child.

Kub35 11:57:49 PM Aug 20 2007

up!

Kub35 11:37:25 PM Aug 20 2007

Both sides will be represented here. I am just a business traveler and the under appreciated backbone of the industry. (last minute flights for triple the fare)

Wow! You serve free food so you can hold a plane load of passengers hostage? I am not a fan of lawsuits either but I think they have a slam dunk this time especially with a statement like that. If you want money for food, try serving something remotely edible you tick turd.

I believe that 99% of flight attendants are good, honest hardworking people who are overpaid in their waiter/waitress duties and under paid for their emergency preparedness role. I also think that the 1% who are left are power mad little dictators who are so drunk with authority (and sometimes just drunk) that they take pleasure in such sadistic acts as forced captivity in the name of safety. I also think that that 1% creates a lot of the problems with a condescending tone and overall rude attitude. Just give the guy an extra micro-bag of peanuts and shut

clydebehrens 11:24:00 PM Aug 20 2007

there is no reason the airlines cannot plan for these delays.with sometype of air equipment, snacks, and water. Somepeople thrive on pushing other people around. we are in a police state, whether we like or not. a lot of so called officials show the mentality of a peanut, when it comes to handeling a problem with people. If nothing else idle one of the engines to supply air. management should have a plan of action in place for these kind of problems .Lord knows they happen often enough. most of the time the stewardress are doing the best they can with what they have to work with......

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