Flights delayed because of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) male Jewish passengers

[whatmeworry]

Interesting opinion piece about haredi (ultra-Orthodox) male Jewish passengers refusing to sit next to female passengers. The writer wants these guys arrested... A bit drastic but maybe they should be booted off the flight. I wonder what would happen if this happened in OZ.

Yet again, the takeoff of a flight from New York to Israel was delayed because haredi (ultra-Orthodox) male Jewish passengers refused to sit next to women because their faith forbids it. The Dec. 20 El Al flight’s takeoff was delayed for 30 minutes when haredi men balked at sitting between two women, and other passengers refused to accommodate them in protest until one passenger finally relented.

It's Time To Arrest Ultra-Orthodox Jews Who Delay Flights Over Seating | The Daily Banter

 

[Hvr]

I'll bet if a Muslim man tried this cough he would be shot first and questions asked later.

As the author wrote, the "It's my faith" line wouldn't be tolerated from anybody else on a plane so why do these people get to use it with impunity?

 

[boomy]

A bunch of Neanderthals that should have been arrested and banned from flying.

 

[Virgin Bart]

Pathetic, imposition of faith onto others, similar to what Islam has been trying more recently. Completely unacceptable. Next time purchase two comfort seats, or piss off.

 

[Ikara]

I don't condone it, but I would have thought that El Al would have been a bit more sensitive to the situation???

 

[samh004]

Next time purchase two comfort seats, or piss off.

It is perhaps a sensible solution to the problem, but then I think they'd complain there was a woman on the other side of the comfort seat.

My view would be if they didn't raise the issue at check-in (to be re-accomodated before boarding) then they should just be booted off the flight. Only has to happen a few times for them to get the message. Though in the US it would only have to happen a few times for FOX to cover it and kick up a stink!

 

[marks]

Maybe the women next to them asked for nuts in a bowl.... Was she Korean?

 

[clazman]

Hmm I have to remember that next time I get allocated a middle row.

Obviously it is not a one man religion... what is there problem sitting with women?

 

[Daver6]

There is nothing in Judaism that forbids a man from sitting next to a woman anyway. As a member of the tribe, I find this incredibly embarrassing.

Process for the airline should be pretty simple. You don't want to sit in your seat? No problem. Get off and stay behind then.

 

[mannej]

Process for the airline should be pretty simple. You don't want to sit in your seat? No problem. Get off and stay behind then.

Although this should be the correct course of action, I am sure the airlines have weighed this up and probably feel that the media attention it would cause isn't worth it.

 

[serfty]

... I am sure the airlines have weighed this up and probably feel that the media attention it would cause isn't worth it.

Not to mention the possible revenue loss ...

 

[Happy Trails]

They could always fly Saudia, they seem to have it sorted.
(Yes, I know they couldn't really)

Saudi Arabia's national airline to introduce gender segregation after a string of complaints from male passengers | Daily Mail Online

 

[ermen]

actually given that el al is a national airline, they should have a policy in place for this if there was sufficient demand for them

 

[Daver6]

actually given that el al is a national airline, they should have a policy in place for this if there was sufficient demand for them

What's next? Someone who only wishes to sit next to an attractive male/female? Suspect there would be significant demand for that. Perhaps have an attractive and ugly people zone on the aircraft? </tongue from cheek>

 

[samh004]

Although this should be the correct course of action, I am sure the airlines have weighed this up and probably feel that the media attention it would cause isn't worth it.

Don't the airlines also like their on-time performance though?

What's next? Someone who only wishes to sit next to an attractive male/female? Suspect there would be significant demand for that. Perhaps have an attractive and ugly people zone on the aircraft? </tongue from cheek>

Reminds me of the Qantas/BA policy of who can sit next to UM's and who can't... they seem to screw that up frequently enough!

 

[boomy]

Not to mention the possible revenue loss ...

That is indeed a major issue. This people are extremely loyal to LY, to the point they will pay significantly more to fly with them and avoid other airlines because LY keeps some basic religious rules, like kosher meals (approved by their own rabbis) and no flights on Saturday.
LY know they are facing tough competition from other (cheaper and better) airlines in the area like TK and LH so they have to be extra sensitive when dealing with their most loyal costumers.

 

[browski]

Instead of banning these undernourished folk, I'd like El Al to market themselves as the only airline which accepts morons. It is always best that the loons have a place to go rather than being randomly scattered around the other airlines. Works for Saudia.

 

[drron]

It could be worse.They might end up next to me and see me get out my packet of bacon bits.Being the generous fellow I am I would probably offer them some.:shock::shock:

 

[NFF]

And I demand pretty women to be seated next to me.

 

[Claudius]

we should invent a religion that forbids us to sit next to anyone, free comfort seat.