Flight attendant reveals what to do if a fight breaks out between passengers

Raised voices from behind you on the flight. Two rows back, a man in vest and shorts argues with another after the pair were refused a beer by the air stewardess.

The hubbub shrinks to nothing, hundreds of ears tune on the ensuing row. The man stands in a flash, fist raised, passengers gasp. Do you step in?

A brawl between passengers is the last thing anyone wants. Tensions are already heighted in that enclosed tube, 30,000 feet off the ground. 

Sara Nelson has urged that passengers consider not just themselves and their families, but also their fellow passengers and cabin crew when flying this summer (File image)

 The prospect of the unexpected is an immediate cause for alarm, and could prompt the pilot to make an emergency landing at the nearest airport.

Whatever the situation, it is important you know what to do should an altercation take place between passengers on your flight.

A well-seasoned cabin crew member has shared their tips on what you can do to diffuse the situation…

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA told CBSNews that this summer, air travel is going to be a ‘beast’ – so it is important passengers behave.

And with Heathrow airport strikes expected this summer, putting 4.4million seats at risk, the level of passenger frustration dealt with by staff will be increased during the already hectic summer getaways. 

Therefore, Ms Nelson has urged passengers to consider their fellow passengers and the cabin crew who need to prepare the plane.

She said: ‘Flight attendants are there to ensure you have a safe, secure flight and to respond to any health emergencies. That is primarily our job on board — to keep everyone safe. We also want you to have a good time.’

But the cabin crew member highlighted that with staff shortages and strikes, it will make the flight attendants’ job even more challenging – especially when dealing with testy or irate flyers.

Ms Nelson explained that while flights may be full to the brim, flight attendants will do their best to ensure the passengers come first and their needs are catered for, and that everyone is ‘following the rules so we can all get from point A to point B without incident.’

And in case an argument or fight does break out, for whatever reason, Ms Nelson advises that you seek out a flight attendant immediately.

With both domestic and international trips expected to be packed to the gills this summer, Ms Nelson has advised travellers that they follow flight etiquette tips (File image)

This is because they are trained to de-escalate tense situations.

She added: ‘If you see a problem starting to arise, don’t jump in yourself.’

And with both domestic and international trips expected to be packed to the gills this summer, Ms Nelson has advised travellers that they follow flight etiquette tips.

On behalf of flight attendants trying to keep order in cabins, and other passengers, she urged passengers to follow these tips:

• Acknowledge and greet your flight attendants
• Leave space for others in the overhead bins
• Don’t bring food aboard with strong or pungent scents
• Let the middle seat passenger user the shared armrest