Ejected

For the first time, as if straight out of an episode of Airline, I saw someone removed from the plane.

Boarding was almost complete and the doors were about to close. Several rows ahead, a quiet discussion was going on, with a flight attendant trying to help a "tall" passenger find a seat where the person in front of him would not recline their seat.

My first assumption was a case of DYKWIA, or someone trying to weasel their way into a free upgrade to business class.

The conversation continued sporadically, as more flight attendants became involved. All the while, everything seemed very civil, if vaguely gauche. When the Service Director came by, I could now hear the words "alcohol" and "drinks" mentioned.

Eventually, the passenger was asked to get up, and retrieve his carry-on luggage. At this point I could see that he was wearing an expensive suit, and certainly didn't seem intoxicated. I guess it can be hard to tell, just like on the TV show, where people keep insisting, quite lucidly, that they're not drunk and should be allowed to board the plane.

He removed both of his bags from an overhead compartment (typical), several rows ahead (typical), and headed to the front and out the door. All in all, very well handled by the crew. As this was the last flight out this evening, there would certainly be a long wait, and probably a new booking required. I just hope he wouldn't be trying to driving home.