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Galley Gossip: Attention Sharon Stone, GIVE ME THAT BAG!
Perhaps you've been on an airplane and heard the following PA, "Ladies and gentleman, all the overhead bins are full, so if you've brought on board a bag that does not completely fit underneath the seat in front of you, please bring it to the front of the aircraft to be checked."
Here's the thing about that little PA, there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it, the bag will be checked - even if you're a celebrity. That includes you, Sharon Stone.
Perez Hilton recently reported that Sharon Stone made a "scene" when she refused to check two bags on a Delta flight from Kalispell, MT to Salt Lake City. There are very few details to the story, but Stone's rep, Paul Bloch, said that Sharon was allowed to take two bags onto the airplane, but a "stewardess" on board "screamed" at her not once, but twice, that she couldn't have the luggage before the actress surrendered the bags. I'm not exactly sure how or when Stone made the "scene," because again, the details are lacking, but Stone was met by security at the end of the flight. Her rep states that they were "private security" hired by Stone.
Now for a little advice. If a flight attendant tells you that you're going to have to check your bag, just check the bag. Don't make a scene. Don't tell the flight attendant how many miles you've flown or try to explain who you are. It doesn't matter. No, I will not take someone else's bag off the airplane so you can keep yours! And no, you can not stack your bag on top of the bags in the closet! FAA doesn't allow it. FAA rules are FAA rules and nothing is going to change that. Flight attendants don't make them up. Nor are we "abusing our power" when we enforce them. We're just doing our job. Did you know that by not enforcing those rules flight attendants can lose their job or get a hefty personal fine by the FAA? So unless you're willing to pay that fine or hire a flight attendant, release the death grip on the bag, please.
Back to Stone. Who knows what really went down on that Delta flight. What I do know is last year I had Sharon Stone on board a flight. While she sat in first class and kept to herself, she was always courteous when interacting with crew. What stood out the most about her was not her striking beauty or stylish outfit, but her well mannered traveling companion who always made a point to say please and thank you. The adorable young man, Stone's son, looked to be about three of four years-old at the time. He had to have learned those wonderful manners from someone, right? And while that doesn't prove anything, really, it does say a lot about Stone, because a polite child is a direct reflection of the parent.
As for the flight attendant who apparently "screamed" at Sharon Stone, I don't believe that for a second. I've been a flight attendant for fourteen years and I have yet to hear a flight attendant scream. Take that back, there was the time it was announced prior to boarding that Hugh Jackman would be on our flight and my coworker Sean had a mini freak out, as did I, but that's it! The one and only time I've screamed heard a flight attendant scream. We might bark, snap, or get firm when we're trying to make a point, a point we've more than likely been trying to make multiple times without success, but screaming? I don't think so. I just can't see it.
The problem with the Sharon Stone incident boiled down to two different people, both of whom work for the same airline, giving Sharon Stone conflicting information about her bags. Who wouldn't be annoyed by that? But some things can't be helped. Because I'm guessing it was the gate agent who told Stone it was okay to take both bags down to the airplane. In defense of the agent, agents usually don't know what the overhead bin situation is like until it's too late. There's no way for them to know what's going on unless a flight attendant calls the gate and informs the agent that all the bins are full. But by the time a flight attendant is able to report that all the bins are full, there are usually a handful of people already in the process of walking down the aisle with rolling bags in tow. That's when the PA is made, you know the one.
"Ladies and gentleman, all the overhead bins are full, so if you've brought on board a bag that does not fit completely underneath the seat in front of you, please bring it to the front of the airplane to be checked."
Just do it. Don't fight it. And whatever you do, don't hide the bag because we will see it under your legs. And next time you fly and you're seated in first or business class, arrive to the gate on time and board when your row is called. If you're in coach, try booking a seat closer to the rear of the aircraft and that way you can be one of the first ones on and avoid the situation altogether.
Photo courtesy of (Sharon Stone) siebbi, (passengers) Telstar Logistics
Filed under: Airlines, Galley Gossip
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
frank96 Jul 10th 2009 10:55AM
What stood out the most about her was not her striking beauty or stylish outfit, but her well mannered traveling companion who always made a point to say please and thank you.
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I had Star Jones on a flight into New York about a year ago. What a lovely Lady. Everytime I filled her drink or took away garbage, she would stop her conservation, look up, smile and say "Thank you."
Now, for the complete opposite, I've had a certain Reverend onboard several times who will not talk. All communications go through his assistant. "Care to hang your coat?".........the coat is given to the assistant, the assistant hands it to me. "Care for a beverage?" The Reverend says to the assistant what drink he prefers while making it known, I do not exist.
I shake my head everytime I see him on television ranting about racial injustice. I find it hypocritical.
BAGS? there's currently legislation to limit the size of it, ALL flight attendants need to support it:
Recently, Representative Dan Lipinski, D - IL3, introduced the Securing Cabin Baggage Act, H.R.2870, which will standardize and clarify the dimensions of carry-on baggage and personal items brought onto aircraft. The bill also asks that the TSA enforce the carry-on bag limits.
The standards proposed in this bill would dramatically decrease the amounts of disruptions in the cabin, help prevent delays in boarding and deplaning, and improve safety on board the aircraft.
http://www.afanet.org/
md Jul 10th 2009 11:23AM
I am quite familiar with the "Reverend" of which you speak, having had him on numerous flights over the years. I too, have had the same experience of speaking directly to him only to hear the assistant answer, from beside him. He never spoke a word, being basically mute each and every time, no matter how I attempted to engage him...I did, however witness him on 2 occasions greeting other flight attendants with a kiss on the cheek upon boarding.. these coworkers just so happened to be the same race as the "Reverend".. Given his penchant for racial equality I found it to be very disheartening and eye opening.
Sara Jul 11th 2009 6:47PM
Have the totally inept TSA agents check the size of each bag. What are you thinking?? It will make security take ten times as long.
Recently at O'Hare I saw a group with tags for each of their carry ons-- presumably given to them by a check-in agent who ensured that the bags were complient with her airline's standards. This would be a better way to go; TSA wouldn't have to memorize the information for each airline that comes through the airport.
Thanks for the non-rev tips, Heather. The one good thing about it is that you appreciate a paid ticket sooo much more.
Dawn Jul 14th 2009 12:11PM
Seriously, the very last thing we need is yet another law. The airlines have the right to limit the size and number of pieces of luggage their passengers can bring aboard a flight, either checked or carry-on. They can deny passage to anyone failing to comply, should they choose.
We are so overburdened with laws already. The idiot authoring this bill is creating busywork, and remember, your airline lobbyists are paying for it. With your money.
frank96 Jul 14th 2009 1:34PM
The TEMPLATE would decide the correct size of ALL BAGS at all airlines. How consistent is that as you go through security, you're "carry-on" bag MUST fit through the template. No cheating. It fits or it doesnt.
Try arguing with a TSA agent as compared to a flight attendant. I dont fly the Lead/senior/purser position because I refuse to deal with passengers who wont check their bags because the overheads are full. Last thing I want is to take that bag away, after a confrontation and end up spending the next SIX HOURS with that individual who's pissed off at me because the bins were full. I like how they blame me that everyone brought onboard bags and they couldnt. Keep the air rage on the ground and keep the oversized bags from getting past security.
Number of bags and the SIZE OF BAGS should be a federal law. It's a safety issue, not a competitive one where airline management decides what size of bag should be permitted.
Vegas Girl Jul 26th 2009 11:15AM
"That certain reverend" is pretty "special" - never had him on one of my flights & hope I NEVER do - idiots & rude people come in all shapes, color & sizes. As an African American let me tell you he DOES NOT represent us as a people - the media likes him & vice versa - sad but true. You can always tell a person's personality based on how they treat service people...
BethanyinFL Jul 10th 2009 12:02PM
The Delta flights from Kalispell to Salt Lake CIty are actually SkyWest flights AND they are 50 seat CRJ's. The over head room is extremely limited on these small planes as is the under seat space. On a full flight there would be a problem accommodating someone's 2 bags, no matter how "special" they think they are!
And, like Heather, in all of my flying years, I have never heard a flight attendant ever "scream" at a passenger, even though at times, there can be something to scream about!
Yes, I've also had the Reverend referred to here on several flights. He acted the same way on my flights.
Blondie Jul 10th 2009 12:42PM
A really nice thing about the regional flight from Kalispell to Salt Lake City--if the passenger checks the bag at the airplane, they retrieve at the airplane as well--no need to hassle with finding an OHB--no need to have to lift it up--just wait a few minutes at the end of the flight and *poof* the bag is brought right to you! No need to go to baggage claim.
BethanyinFL Jul 10th 2009 12:41PM
Too right, Blondie. I commute on RJ's and it's so nice to leave my bag planeside and pick it up when I step off. Much easier than struggling with lifting and stowing.
PG Jul 10th 2009 3:52PM
Passengers who fail to comply with Flight Attendants' instructions irritate me because I do not understand them. I will often trip them when they pass by me later in the flight. The FAs are there primarily to ensure the safety of passengers, like me. I take it personally when passengers interfere with FAs. Moreover, how would passengers feel if I were to go visit them at their jobs and be difficult with them when they're just trying to do their jobs? FAs should be issued whistles and blow them in passengers' ears when passengers fail to comply.
scott Oct 6th 2009 5:44AM
You too are an ass hole for your behavior.
MO Jul 13th 2009 12:22PM
Hugh Jackman?????? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! OMG!
ann Jul 15th 2009 3:54PM
i hope they can pass that luggage law. my airline recently put out a letter telling the flight attendants that we are suppose to lift these bags in the overhead bin for people who need help. for god's sake they weighed me in when they hired me. i can't lift all those bags without ending up injured and then how am i suppose to take care of my family? you think that worker's comp is going to help? i don't think so. my company can even fire you for being injured on the plane. they don't even make the baggage people lift the luggage over their head. you bring it you stow it. sharon stone should get over herself. she is an old hag actress and doesen't need to be showing her a$$ anywhere. i gaurantee you that she tried to get that flight attendant fired. maybe even succeeded. why should some worker get fired just because some old hag thinks she is so special?
JH Jul 16th 2009 1:50AM
I beg to differ about the rampers lifting bags over their heads. that happens quite a bit actually. but our physical requirements are probably at a significantly higher standard than that of a flight attendant. an us rampers like the CRJs too because that means we have less bags to heave on to the carousel :-D
frank96 Jul 16th 2009 9:14PM
ANN:
..after an injury I had, I now say, "I'll LIFT ONE SIDE" when asked for assistance.
Vegas Girl Jul 16th 2009 2:30PM
Frank96 - I agree 100% - it's not worth the hassle of having angry passengers telling you "I brought this bag here, why is too big on the way back?" And that's only because the last flight attendants didn't see it or simply overlooked it. I'm tired of being viewed as the bad guy - if the rule is in place then it is what it is!! Head back to the ticket counter & check the bag
frank96 Jul 16th 2009 9:20PM
Vegas Girl
Jul 16th 2009 2:36PM
............. idiots & rude people come in all shapes, color & sizes.
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AMEN to that, Vegas Girl (friend).
Frank96@aol.com Jul 16th 2009 9:16PM
Vegas Girl
Jul 16th 2009 2:36PM
- idiots & rude people come in all shapes, color & sizes.
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AMEN, to that. =)
Frequent Flyer Jul 21st 2009 2:18PM
I think that we're missing the point here. Ms. Stone was given special permission to carry on two bags. The flight attendant rescinded that special arrangement and demanded that one of the two bags be checked. The overheads were not full. Ms. Stone explained her special arrangement to the angry attendant to no avail. This was clearly an issue of an out of control authority figure. Another good reason to avoid the "Friendly Skies".
AliceFaye Aug 2nd 2009 9:10PM
As a passenger I hate when people carry on those little cases and take up my time getting to my seat and getting off the aricraft. Check the dang bag and pay the price. My time is just as important as yours...remember that.
I did have a little problem when sitting at the bulkhead and no place to put my handbag and the attendent asked to put it overheard. Okay but I didn't get a chance out to get money for the "Snack Box" you offer. he promised to get it down when they came through. he didn't remember and I couldn't get up to get it being boxed in by the cart and the person beside me. So I had a four hour flight on a coke.