Ahh, the fading glamour of being a flight attendant. For one JetBlue flight attendant the last drop of glamour clearly evaporated on his recent – and probably last – flight after he bailed out as the aircraft sat on the tarmac at JFK International Airport awaiting its gate assignment. For those not familiar with the incident which occurred last month, flight attendant Steven Slater decided enough was enough after a particularly abusive passenger pushed him too far. Passengers said Slater grabbed the intercom and announced to the entire cabin: “To the passenger who just called me a motherf . . ker: f . . k you. I’ve been in this business for 28 years and I’ve had it.” He then activated the emergency-evacuation chute, threw out his bag and grabbing two beers off the food cart saying: “Those of you who have shown dignity and respect for 20 years, have a great ride.” He then slid down before making his way out of the airport.

Slater was subsequently arrested at his home and charged with felony counts of criminal mischief and reckless endangerment. We’re thinking that although we’ve, on thankfully rare occurrences, experienced some pretty badservice, flight attendants mostly do a pretty decent job while clearly having to put upwith exceedingly demanding passengerson a regular basis. Oh, and before youstart thinking the Bellyachers make badpassengers, its just not true! Food? Nevermind, just keep our wine glass filled andwe’re as happy as clams!

Meanwhile, Slater who is now out on US$2,764 bail – how do they come up with a number like that!? – has since become a cult hero on the online social networking scene, with support from other flight attendants and indeed the public at large. But what intrigued the Bellyachers were the comments of a number of flight attendants who detailed how they surreptitiously dealt with annoying passengers. Food and drinks are a common channel for these acts of revenge according to these online posts, including spitting, or adding chillies, or eye drops from the medical kit which supposedly cause diarrhoea, to the meals of particularly difficult passengers. So the next time you want to ‘diss’ a flight attendant, at least wait until you’ve been served your food!