We were taking a flight from New York down to Miami. The flight was scheduled to depart at 6:40 a.m. Due to low air in one of the nose tires, we were going to be delayed until I could have maintenance bring out the nitrogen and put the needed air in the tire. I had the First Officer (F/O) announce to the passengers the reason for the delay.
After the announcement was made, the Purser called the cockpit and the F/O took the call. After he hung up, he told me that one of the passengers was irate because of our lateness in leaving. I decided to go back and speak with the passenger. As I left the cockpit, the Purser told me that she was warning me that the passenger was Leona Helmsley, which was known as the “Queen of Mean.”
I spoke very nice with her, but she was very loud and insulting calling me a hack for a pilot. I warned her that if she didn’t stop immediately that I would have her put off the plane. Much to my surprise, she complied.
After the announcement was made, the Purser called the cockpit and the F/O took the call. After he hung up, he told me that one of the passengers was irate because of our lateness in leaving. I decided to go back and speak with the passenger. As I left the cockpit, the Purser told me that she was warning me that the passenger was Leona Helmsley, which was known as the “Queen of Mean.”
I spoke very nice with her, but she was very loud and insulting calling me a hack for a pilot. I warned her that if she didn’t stop immediately that I would have her put off the plane. Much to my surprise, she complied.
