Please let the staff do her job..😌
Fiji Airways staff took drastic measures to address the unruly conduct of a 69-year-old passenger, Stephanie Banks, on a flight from San Francisco to Nadi, Fiji. Banks, an Australian national, made vulgar and racist remarks, leading to her mouth being taped shut by flight staff. The incident, which occurred on January 20, has since gained widespread attention.
According to Fiji broadcaster FBC News and News.com.au, Banks was fined FJ$500 (S$291) in a Fiji court as a consequence of her behavior. Videos circulating on social media depict Banks yelling at the flight crew as they attempted to manage the situation. She also directed racial slurs and vulgarities at the staff, leading to the extreme measure of having her mouth taped shut.
An eyewitness on the flight mentioned that Banks was travelling with her husband but was not seated with him, leading to her agitation. The situation escalated when the crew refused to disclose the whereabouts of her husband after he had been relocated. Amidst her disruptive behavior, which involved throwing items and physically assaulting a flight attendant, other passengers and parents on board tried to quell the disturbance.
One video showed the woman complaining to a flight attendant that she was being “abused”, adding, “This is criminal!”. After the attendant sat down next to her to try and defuse the situation, the woman called her a “f**king b**ch” along with a racial slur.
Fiji Airways addressed the incident in a statement, emphasizing the safety and well-being of all onboard. The airline condemned Banks’ actions, deeming her behavior as abusive and unruly. Upon landing in Nadi, local law enforcement met the unruly passenger, and she was subsequently charged for her behavior and fined. As a result of her conduct, Banks has been released on bail but is restricted from leaving the country.
It’s important to note that the use of duct tape by airline staff to restrain the passenger has sparked a debate on the appropriate methods for handling such situations. The airline stands by its decision, asserting its commitment to ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
