Update – Man Suing After Being Questioned Over On-Board Soda Fight & Not Flushing Toilet

by Adam

As previously reported, a man from San Francisco is suing over a soda fight that occurred on-board a Virgin America flight from PHL-SFO. According to ABC News, the man claims that he tried to order a soda several times with three different flight attendants, but each time was told he had to use Red, the in-flight touch-screen entertainment system, to order any food or drinks. The passenger refused to turn the system on and upon landing, a group of local police officers and TSA agents were waiting for him in the jetway and escorted him to the gate for questioning. Apparently, the flight crew reported him for yelling profanities, being hostile in-flight, and purposely not flushing the toilet! The man denies all charges and has since hired a lawyer.

ABC News reports that– He and his lawyer sent Virgin a Letter of Demand, noting that he has since experienced, “depression, worry, and anxiety surrounding his detention by law enforcement.” He asked for $50,000 and an apology; the company offered $3,000 to settle, he said, but no apology. He refused, and Virgin then offered $5,000. He again declined, and subsequently filed suit.”I’m going to have some kind of record because of a flight attendant fabricating events?” “They’re being given too much power. That’s what concerns me. The only thing I have is my reputation. Lies just irk me. And it’s such a weird one.”

In an update, the man’s attorney reported to the AP on Friday that he will be “fully investigating the claim of the unflushed toilet” as his client clearly remember flushing! Philly.com  reports that “the passenger is a business manager for Genentech and is Italian. He believes that his “dark complexion” could have mistakenly associated with him of being from Middle Eastern descent”

In an email update to The Huffington Post, Virgin America stood behind the actions of its employees. “While we generally do not comment on the details of ongoing litigation,” stated spokesperson Jennifer Thomas, “we are aware of the incident in question, we have reviewed our internal crew reports and we are confident our teammates handled this matter appropriately.”

Can’t make this stuff up…

a soda can and a cup of ice

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8 comments

Mike May 27, 2013 - 12:59 pm

People need to stop arguing over petty shit and move.

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Tim2 May 27, 2013 - 1:06 pm

I would have taking the 5Gs. But that probably wouldn’t have covered the lawyer

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Mike May 27, 2013 - 1:57 pm

Flushing a toilet is a federal violation. What’s next camera inspection after toilet use.

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Newman May 27, 2013 - 3:15 pm

If they must use their Red system to order a soda, why didn’t the flight attendants use the guy’s in-flight touch-screen entertainment system to order one for him? Isn’t this all about good customer service? What if the passenger does not read or don’t know how to use the system?

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BothofUs2 May 27, 2013 - 6:23 pm

Agree with @Newman and it saddens me a bit to hear that asking a flight attendant for something to drink is now not permitted, you have to login to an electronic system to request a beverage. How is this better customer service? Make it an optional way to order a drink perhaps. Did they eliminate the attendant call button on their aircraft in favor of this device?

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Andy May 27, 2013 - 8:45 pm

Fully support the passanger! I was abused by airlines a few times but gave up after their apology. I am glad he had principle to adhere to! We should give airlines and hotels an unforgettable lesson!

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Mateo May 27, 2013 - 9:16 pm

Dear lord. What can one do these days without ending up in the clink or charged. Take me back 20 years when small bs like this was not so litigious. Sad state we live in these days. Always on the defense.

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ralf May 28, 2013 - 2:48 am

If he just needs the apology, why is he asking for 50 000 USD? Just plain greed…

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