Update: Alec Baldwin Tells His Side of the American Airlines Story, Apologizes to Fellow Travelers
- Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:13pm by
Tiffany Gabbay
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On Tuesday The Blaze reported that actor Alec Baldwin was escorted off an American Airlines flight after getting into an argument with a flight attendant over his use of an iPhone while grounded at the gate.
Sharing his side of the story and issuing an apology to the other passengers on board, Baldwin penned a piece for The Huffington Post Wednesday titled, “A Farewell to Common Sense, Style, and Service on American Airlines.” Baldwin began:
First off, I would like to apologize to the other passengers on board the American Airlines flight that I was thrown off of yesterday. It was never my intention to inconvenience anyone with my “issue” with a certain flight attendant.
I suppose a part of my frustration lay with the fact that I had flown American for over 20 years and was brand loyal, in the extreme. The ticketing agents and Admiral’s Club staff have always been nothing but abundantly helpful to me, as I have flown hundreds of thousands of miles with the one carrier.
My confusion began when the flight, already a half hour behind schedule, boarded, the door closed, and we proceeded to sit at the gate for another fifteen minutes. I then did what I have nearly always done and that was to pull out my phone to complete any other messaging I had to do before take off. In nearly all other instances, the flight attendants seemed to be unbothered by and said nothing about such activity, by me or anyone else, until we actually were pulling away from the gate.
Baldwin asserts that other passengers, too, were using their phones while sitting at the gate but that he was singled out personally for scorn by a flight attendant who he later refers to as “a 1950′s gym teacher.”
In this case, while other people were still manipulating their own phones, this one employee singled me out to put my phone away. Afterward, we still sat at the gate. I pulled out my phone again, while others did the same. Again, I was singled out by this woman in the most unpleasant of tones. I guess the fact that this woman, who had decided to make some example of me, while everyone else was left undisturbed, did get the better of me.
“However, I have learned a valuable lesson,” writes Baldwin, adding that the level of service on struggling airlines has “deteriorated to a point that would make Howard Hughes red-faced.”
“Filthy planes, barely edible meals, cuts in jet service to less-traveled locations“ combine to create what Baldwin calls an experience that is as ”inelegant as possible.”
And while Baldwin maintains that most of the flight attendants he’s encountered “still have some remnant of the old idea of service,” there are also many who “walk the aisles of an airplane with a whistle around their neck and a clipboard in their hands” and have made flying “a Greyhound bus experience.”
He closes with an additional apology to his fellow travelers and shares the lessons learned from his experience:
The lesson I‘ve learned is to keep my phone off when the 1950’s gym teacher is on duty. That was my fault there, even though this trip was quite a bit different from so many others. But it is sad, I think, that you’ve got to fly overseas today in order to bring back what has been thrown overboard by US carriers in terms of common sense, style, and service.
Regardless of one‘s opinion of Alec Baldwin’s politics, or what really happened on that plane (earlier reports indicate that Baldwin was in fact playing an iPhone game which he refused to turn off after being asked to do so multiple times), many out there might agree with his take on the airline industry’s deterioration.
From paying upwards of $30 per carry-on bag and even more for checked-luggage, to being forced to purchase a can of soda or even a packet of peanuts (if one is lucky enough to find them on a plane these days) in some instances, the friendly skies have indeed become a lot less friendly.
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Comments (136)
Chappy123
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:15pmWell, looks like old Alec has had his first taste of racism. You’re a ******* Alec! Get used to it!
Report Post »Modawg734Blue
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:30pmHow does blind obedience to unnecessary rules and regulations sound now? I think Alec needs to read the book 1984 by Orwell, then maybe he’ll see just how far the socialist agenda can be pushed, and why socialism scares so many people. Or maybe he could look into the history of Communist China or Nazi Germany. Alec, if this small taste of socialism bothers you, I can’t wait till you are actually inconvenienced. Won’t that be an eye opener.
Report Post »Miami
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:55pmI could care less what this moron has to say and to think I use to be a fan. I can watch anything he does without thinking what a freaking leftwing loon he is. He’s joined the rest of the Hollywoods love affaire with Marxist loving morons
Report Post »seejanemom
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 5:36amHey Alec, I thought you booked a one way ticket to to Canada way back when George Bush was elected.
Why aren’t you still there, assclown?
Report Post »chazman
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 7:49am… GTH, you lousy Hollyweird communist punk …
Report Post »JRook
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 9:26am“the level of service on struggling airlines has “deteriorated to a point that would make Howard Hughes red-faced.” This is the real story and the observation is right on the mark. Another example or our race to the bottom.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 12:09pmThis jerk gets no sympathy from me. Why is it that these freekin elites, who have the world in the palm of their hand (compared to the rest of us “little people”, as they call us) all have problems coping with their reality and we are supposed to ‘forgive’ them?
Well, here you go: http://www.ourcivilisation.com/moral2/test.htm
Report Post »helicop
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:23pmHas anyone noticed how much ole Alec looks like Bill Maher or however you spell that turd’s name? There was another pic of Alec on Drudge with his hair not so slicked down and I swear they look like loser loudmouth brother turds.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 1:54pmAlec Baldwin has overstayed his welcome in the public eye. The less I knew about him the better he seemed maybe somes should tell the selfish little pig to move to FRANCE THEY LOVE RUDE ********.
Report Post »waggie
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 9:13pmfat stupid pig
Report Post »smackdown33
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:06pmNo fan of Baldwin, but he is correct about the belligerent airlines. As much as I can not stomach that pompous, left-wing, commie acctoor… I’ll take him over the airlines all day and any day.
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:20pmI still remember the awful things he called his own daughter on an answering machine a couple years ago. That is who he really is
Report Post »GOTTADIY
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 10:01pmThe problem with airline service lies with the consumer. They want a “sully” Sullenberger at the helm but only want to pay for a “Ralph Cramden”. Consumers consistantly shop for what is cheapest and then complain when quality sucks. This country has long ago given in to the “big box” crap in lieu of service and quality. You have gotten what you asked for. BTW an airline ticket I purchased to go to college 30 years ago is cheaper now! Case closed
Report Post »Quiata
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 9:46amWhat is it about Alec Baldwin that gets him into trouble, when you don’t see his brothers nailed for stupid things like this? Care to speculate?
Report Post »BeyondFedup
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:01pmHe is still a di ck. Everyone write the credit card company and tell them to drop him.
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:01pmWhat a pig.
Report Post »sermaus
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:58pmI hope 50 year old liberal women and for that matter liberal teacher would have take notice of the sexism of his comments, just because his body mass is to big, does not mean that the universe revolves around him
Report Post »yiska8
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:09pmThe only sounds anyone will hear from liberal women is the deafening sound of crickets.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:44pmYes .. they never “go after” their own .. they will take the abuse from the left and even join in when it is against someone on the right. Lefties are nothing but Bullies .. just like Baldwin.
Report Post »glutamine.sr
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:56pmCouldn’t have happened to a nicer *******.
Report Post »amabokcuf
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:55pmHave you ever noticed… his nose looks phalic? Oh, never mind, it’s just a natural outcropping from his head. Thank you, Richard Cranium.
Libs, naked and raw: http://FlipTheLib.com
Report Post »Ookspay
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:49pmFor liberals he has shown tremendous personal growth; at least he isn’t still cussing out and insulting 8 year old girls.
Report Post »jzs
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:59pmSorry, no sympathy Baldwin. When you were told to shut the phone off you should have. And you should have ended your statement with an apology, not give the apology and end with “but…”.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 5:04amTo your knowledge he isn’t still cussing out 8 year old girls. We really don’t know how he treats his kids behind closed doors. I still find him worthless as a t*t on a boar.
Report Post »LeadNotFollow
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:49pmPoor little Alec. He isn’t a big enough star to earn enough to charter a private jet or even fly first class. Sounds like he’s a bit sexist too. He wants all his flight attendants to look like Barbie dolls.
Report Post »ZengaPA65
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:46pmZzzz who cares about Alec Baldwin
Report Post »txn4justice
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:34pmAgreed
Report Post »Christine Graham
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:42pmOh puhleeze…this guy accepts zero culpability whatsoever! I read about his childish temper tantrum, which he so conveniently *leaves out* in his scathing review!
1950′s gym teacher or not…that’s no excuse for a GROWN MAN to behave like a child…and like a massive d!ckhe@d!!!
Zero responsibility for his own actions. Just pathetic.
Report Post »QuietBeige
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 9:05pmHollywood at it’s best. Put any other “I’m a GOD from Hollywood” star on a plane and they will do the same thing.
Useless people with an exaggerated sense of self worth.
I’ve taken to reading Fan Fiction on my expensive electronic devices. I love the devices and will continue to purchase more and more and more. Can’t help it! They are fantastic! I haven’t gone to a movie with the likes of these dorks (including voice over stuff for the animated ones) for years and am quite happy with the level of entertainment I’ve received.
GO FAN FICTION!!! It does not allow bitchy little boys like Alec to make a dime and is much more imaginative. What is fascinating is that once these authors get underway they start to create their own characters and eventually their own Universes. So after a book or two they are sharing true unique thoughts in a way that the publishing companies would never allow. And the pictures of events they describe are far better than anything you can see in a movie. Especially since that would require bitchy little goys like Alec “I‘ve stubbed my toe because I’m on drugs and want you to pay me for it” Baldwin.
Report Post »nobull14
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:41pmHe has always been a big mouth moron !!!! why should he change now
Report Post »JohnQTaxpayer
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:19pmSome people just do not belong around humans
He should stick to his own kind, mules (preferably the posterior end) it would be a good match
Report Post »9635kari
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:40pmThis narcissist is so transparent. Nice try with your side Alec! He truly needs a full mental evaluation. People like this (especially celebrities) can’t handle someone telling them NO!!! He is thee biggest self promoter I have ever seen !
Report Post »TheObamanation
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:38pmApologies, Apologies, Apologies. Here’s a novel aproach Alec … stop doing the ignorant things in the first place ! Your daughter must be so proud of you. Your apologies fall on deaf ears. And … hundreds of thousands of miles leaves quite a carbon footprint. I know … you apologize.
Report Post »jblovesAmerica
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:37pm“everyone else was doing it”is lame at best.
Report Post »When someone on that crew addresses you -and tells you to do something-do it damn it.
its that simple
70S_KIDS_FIGHTING_SOCIALISM
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:37pmThis elitist moron should be banned from any and all forms of air travel for life and made to where a sign that says “I’m a raving lunatic and unable to control my temper”.
Report Post »TEA PARTY UNTOUCHABLES!!!!!!!!!!!!
randy
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:37pmI knew I should have run him off the road during the Carol Baldwin cancer ride this summer. :)
http://www.holgamods.com/alec_baldwin.jpg
On the other hand, his brother Steven is a great guy.
Report Post »Depressed_American
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:34pmI have to agree with Mr. Baldwin. I have a 40 year affiliation with the airlines. I remember when I first flew with American Airlines in 1974. The service was fantastic, but in their quest to make money ALL the airlines have gone down hill. The CUSTOMERS are not cattle, to be herded onto the airplanes. Customer service sucks to the point that I know longer want to fly. When more and more people get to feeling this way, the Airlines WILL go out of business…..
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 8:06amTrue but, Baldwin is still a dbag.
Report Post »Quiata
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 9:48amWhen a good portion of the passengers quit behaving like cattle, they’ll be treated better.
Report Post »ThemDemsLie2much
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 3:10pmSo, he should not have to listen to the staff when told to turn of his pocket jacker? Really? Airlines are 100% right and Dumbash is 100% wrong as usual. Surprised he didn’t blame it on Bush.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:33pmMaybe she/he actually targeted Mr Baldwin in opposition to his political views. While this is unprofessional in the workplace I really do appreciate a bit of Karma working in real time.
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:25pmtoo little too late, alex is the one that loves our marxist in the WH he better get use to rules and the loss of liberty By the way he is the one that should use common sense typical liberal blame someone else for what he does
Report Post »majorsco
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:24pmHe lives in his own world and obviously doesn’t have a clue about the real world.
Report Post »Seneca264
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:23pmIs Alec Baldwin a reporter or something? Not sure why this is news.
Report Post »Pat Alexander
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:21pmOne of these days, this obnoxious loudmouth will open his pie hole to the wrong person.
And he will promptly silenced..
It’s LONG overdue.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:20pmAlec obviously can’t differentiate between fantasy and reality. He gets to act like an @ss in thos credit card commercials, with no consequences, but I guess he knows now that when you do that in the real world, you are ejected out the door of the aircraft.
Report Post »AnAppealToGod
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 8:20pmBaldwin is a whiner. Classic Lib.
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