Jaunted

Now, as the AP points out, Joao Correa will face no charges as long as he completes a three-month diversion program and admits that he didn't handle the situation as well as he should have. Which begs the question, how, exactly, should a person handle such a situation? What would you do if you had a serious situation on your hands that needed to be dealt with immediately? You want to follow the rules, but the consequences of doing so could be most unpleasant. What do you do?

I'd probably beg, bother, and politely cajole the flight attendant until he or she relented just to get me to shut up. I don't know how rude or polite Correa was in his entreaties - and I can appreciate how the urgency of the matter might encourage curt speech - but what flight attendant could reasonably refuse someone who was saying "Please please please please let me go to the lavatory! Please move your cart!" over and over again. It's sad that it would even come to that point. But then, an airplane is an enclosed environment, and unfettered restroom access at all times just isn't a reasonable expectation. You've got to draw the line somewhere. But that line ought to have some wiggle room, right?

This looks like an issue that airlines, passenger advocates, and the courts could be mulling over for years. In the meantime, I'd suggest a eating only a very light meal before flying, and being polite but firm should a "situation" arise.

[Photo: Victor Ozols]

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