James Corden, previously known for his role as the host of the “Late Late Show,” found himself in a stressful situation after a flight from Portugal to the UK turned chaotic. Corden was captured in photos looking visibly agitated while speaking to British Airways staff in Lisbon, Portugal. Media outlets quickly picked up on the images, speculating about his behavior given past reports of him being ‘rude’ in a New York restaurant. However, the real story behind these photos tells a different tale.
According to a fellow passenger named Vanessa, who shared her experience with Metro, the plane encountered significant issues shortly after taking off from Faro Airport. “It was something along the lines of: ‘Gather your possessions as best you can, take off your shoes, and when you’re told to by the airplane staff, please adopt the brake position and when we land if you’re able, please find your nearest emergency exit and vacate the plane,” she recounted. Despite a frightening automated announcement about an emergency landing, passengers were soon told that the issue was with the aircraft’s wing, necessitating an unplanned landing in Lisbon.
Upon landing, the passengers were kept on the tarmac for three grueling hours before being informed that the plane was unsafe to continue its journey. During this stressful time, Corden reportedly did his best to lift spirits by chatting with his fellow passengers, making a difficult situation slightly more bearable. “He was just really nice,” Vanessa explained. “He would have been well within his rights to sit and sulk in his seat like the rest of us would be doing but he didn’t.”
Later, as the passengers disembarked, Corden was seen in a heated discussion with airline staff. Far from an antagonistic confrontation, Vanessa clarified that Corden was actually advocating on behalf of his fellow passengers, pushing for clear communication and fair treatment. “There was just no one there telling us what was going on,” she said, adding that Corden even thanked the pilot with a fist bump as he got off the plane.
The ordeal didn’t end on the tarmac. When discussing accommodations for the night, airline staff initially indicated that only club or gold flyers would receive complimentary hotel stays. Corden, a club flyer himself, stood up for other passengers, particularly those with children, insisting that everyone be treated equally.
The next day, as passengers regrouped for the rescheduled flight, Vanessa noted that Corden’s kind demeanor continued. “I saw him let women and children in front of him. He was a really nice guy both times,” she remarked.
This incident showcases a side of James Corden that contrasts sharply with his media portrayals, highlighting his efforts to support those around him during a stressful situation.