It is crucial to avoid certain inquiries while on a flight, as one passenger discovered when their question led to a security alert.
Airports are known for their stringent security measures, especially in the years following 9/11. Making jokes about having a bomb or hijacking can result in serious legal trouble.
Recently, a Reddit user shared an instance of a question that could cause alarm among flight attendants.
On a forum dedicated to Delta Airlines, a traveler recounted how a fellow passenger raised security concerns during a late-night flight from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale.
Seated in 1B, the passenger approached a flight attendant to inquire: “Hey totally random question, but on my last couple flights I noticed the [flight attendants] did not block access to the galley when the pilot used the lavatory. Is this a new procedure for you guys?”
Observing from seat 2B, the Reddit user noted that the flight attendant did not respond directly, instead remarking: “Hmm, that’s news to me.”
However, the flight attendant subsequently reported the conversation to the cabin manager, indicating a potential issue.
The cabin manager then addressed the situation with the passenger in 1B, reportedly asking, “I understand you were inquiring on access procedures for the flight deck?” The passenger responded casually, “Oh yeah, I was just curious.”
The flight leader informed the passenger that such matters were not open for discussion, to which the passenger replied: “Oh excuse me, I didn’t realize I wasn’t able to ask questions.”
The staff member clarified, “I can answer most questions, but I cannot answer questions related to the security of the aircraft.”
When the passenger further questioned why they couldn’t discuss security topics, the cabin manager responded firmly: “Seriously? You know why. Don’t you remember 9/11? We cannot talk about that stuff. So thank you for letting us know what you observed on your prior flights.”
Once the plane was airborne and the pilot left for a restroom break, the Reddit user noted that cabin crew members escorted the pilot, blocked the galley, and one kept a watchful eye on seat 1B.
The Redditor commented, “Unbelievable this guy can’t understand why it might be suspicious for the passenger seated in one of the two closest possible seats to the flight deck door to ask about galley obstructions procedures.”
Many users joked that the passenger was ‘definitely on a list now,’ while some acknowledged his keen observation skills.
One comment read, “Actually, this dude is probably the one person who will realise when something is out of the ordinary on the flight and speak up or will survive in a crash as he pays attention…”
“For real,” added another. “Doesn’t this guy seem like he would be the most curious about galley obstruction procedures because he is the most proximal to them? Wouldn’t it be f***** up if someone came up from 28E and started talking about galley obstruction protocol?”