Intoxicated and aggressive Business Class Passenger - JETSTAR

[yachty]

Well, it is Jetstar! I thought J class trays were not attached to the seat back in front?

They're not, they come out of the armrest.

 

[Feka742]

Considering these circumstances, should my Wife be compensated by Jetstar? and if so, how do we go about it?

Sorry to hear about this experience, @trblvb.

Reformed lawyer here. In terms of your course of action, first, gather evidence. I would recommend contacting Jetstar (possibly yourself, or via representation) with some questions about events leading up to the incident. I would not mention compensation in the first instance. Jetstar will have records. Seek their answers.

The purpose is to establish actions Jetstar (and/or its agents) may have taken (or not taken) that contributed. As others mention, this includes whether a visibly intoxicated person was boarded, and if so, why they were served further alcohol onboard.

Jetstar does not have an ordinary legal duty in relation to another passenger's actions. But - they do hold several duties in relation to their staff and agents. If there is evidence those duties have been breached, you likely have grounds for compensation.

 

[Willy4551]

Haha! Well, I guess I should be flattered that you think my response is "the most chatgpt" thing you've ever seen! With 25 years of legal experience under my belt, you can only imagine the incredible stories and insights I have for YOU!

I couldn't resist...there is at least one, ahem, stretch of the truth between this "25 years legal experience" post and your registration on this site:

Birthday Jan 31, 1990 (Age: 33)

You started your legal experience at 8 years old?

BTW, I did like your response to the OP.

 

[Quickstatus]

Birthday Jan 31, 1990 (Age: 33)

Meaningless really, as registration does not require documentary evidence.

But who knows could be a child prodigy?

 

[Bolt]

I couldn't resist...there is at least one, ahem, stretch of the truth between this "25 years legal experience" post and your registration on this site:

Birthday Jan 31, 1990 (Age: 33)

You started your legal experience at 8 years old?

BTW, I did like your response to the OP.

Well this took an interesting turn. Having said that, though, I avoid putting my real birthdate down where possible. Somehow the infosec professionals around the world decided that this highly publicized piece of information was good as a security question and answer. How much you decide to randomize that is up to you, so long as your put a date above the age required by the web site.

 

[Stacycrow]

I couldn't resist...there is at least one, ahem, stretch of the truth between this "25 years legal experience" post and your registration on this site:

Birthday Jan 31, 1990 (Age: 33)

You started your legal experience at 8 years old?

BTW, I did like your response to the OP.

Oh, what a mysterious genius we have in our midst! "Willy4551," the master of secrecy, has generously shared just enough of their birthdate, June 24, to keep us guessing. And let's not forget their dazzling record of two whole posts on the Australia frequent flyer forum! I mean, who needs a real name or full birthdate when you've got that level of credibility, right?

 

[jb747]

I don’t think you get to make an assessment about whether someone is intoxicated or not. There are reasons that a person may appear that way, and whilst you may think it obvious, I don’t think it is so under the law (in my zero years of experience).

 

[Rich]

Oh, what a mysterious genius we have in our midst! "Willy4551," the master of secrecy, has generously shared just enough of their birthdate, June 24, to keep us guessing. And let's not forget their dazzling record of two whole posts on the Australia frequent flyer forum! I mean, who needs a real name or full birthdate when you've got that level of credibility, right?

Nevertheless, it was in response to someone who was caught out using ChatGPT, who then denied it and doubled down when accused.

 

[GoldenTouchdown]

The bane of reclining seats continue… this time only jerkier, less nutgate and more winegate.

But in all seriousness the behaviour of the gent 2C towards the wife is incredibly childish and unwarranted, who does he think he is? Martha from Married at First Sight? Methinks he spilled it over himself, given he was sitting diagonally.

 

[Feka742]

There are reasons that a person may appear that way, and whilst you may think it obvious, I don’t think it is so under the law (in my zero years of experience).

Exactly right, and why I'd suggest the pathway to meaningful compensation in a situation like this is extremely narrow. You'd have to establish the airline has knowingly or at least, highly negligently, breached one of their duties.

The OP may receive some cursory 'inconvenience' compensation but I imagine the airline would be highly cautious around offering anything more substantial.

 

[trblvb]

I want to express my gratitude for the support and advice received on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum. Today, I received a response from the Jetstar Advocacy Team. They stated that they do not provide compensation in such cases but offered a $100 Jetstar voucher for future travel as a goodwill gesture. While I expected this response, I must admit I find it disappointing. It seems like dealing with Jetstar is quite challenging.

 

[Stacycrow]

I want to express my gratitude for the support and advice received on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum. Today, I received a response from the Jetstar Advocacy Team. They stated that they do not provide compensation in such cases but offered a $100 Jetstar voucher for future travel as a goodwill gesture. While I expected this response, I must admit I find it disappointing. It seems like dealing with Jetstar is quite challenging.

Hello trblvb, I ran your issue through a Chat AI thingy (ha-ha!) and can offer some legal advice regarding your situation with Jetstar. Please remember that this advice is general in nature and should not replace personalised legal advice counsel. Here are some steps you might want to consider:

1. Review Jetstar's Policies: Start by carefully examining Jetstar's terms and conditions, especially those related to compensation and passenger rights. Ensure you have a clear understanding of their procedures for handling complaints and compensation claims.
2. Seek Clarification: Politely respond to Jetstar's email expressing your disappointment and request a more detailed explanation for their decision. Ask them to clarify why they consider a $100 voucher an appropriate resolution.
3. Escalate Within Jetstar: If the initial response doesn't satisfy you, think about escalating the matter within Jetstar's customer service hierarchy, including reaching out to higher-level management, such as Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully.
4. Contact Regulatory Authorities: For example, Jetstar is bound by RSA laws. Consider reaching out to relevant regulatory bodies to enquire about your rights and options.
5. Consult a Legal Professional: If all else fails and you believe you have a strong case for compensation, consider consulting with a lawyer who specialises in consumer rights. They can assess your situation and provide guidance on potential legal actions.
6. Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution: Some airlines offer alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration. Check if Jetstar provides such options to resolve the matter without going to court.
7. Review Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check your policy to see if it covers incidents like the one you experienced. If it does, contact your insurance provider to explore the possibility of a claim.
8. Share Your Experience: Make it clear that you are willing to share your experience, including Jetstar's response and the $100 offer, on social media and other platforms (i.e. Australia Frequent Flyer) to inform others about the level of service and support they can expect from Jetstar.

Remember to maintain patience, persistence, and professionalism in your interactions with Jetstar and other relevant parties. Each case is unique, and the outcome can vary based on specific circumstances and the strength of your claim. Legal action should be considered as a last resort, and seeking legal advice before proceeding with any formal action is advisable.

 

[Uncharted6264]

You guys are all way too casual about the fact someone assaulted OP's wife (as long as the recount is the full version of the events) talking about airline compensation and some other weird off topic argument - I'd be going straight to the police and nothing else. How is that ever acceptable!

 

[Feka742]

You guys are all way too casual about the fact someone assaulted OP's wife (as long as the recount is the full version of the events) talking about airline compensation and some other weird off topic argument - I'd be going straight to the police and nothing else. How is that ever acceptable!

The OP opened this thread to specifically seek guidance around approaching Jetstar to discuss compensation, not the possible criminal matter. The OP mentioned that with the crew's assistance, AFP officers attended the aircraft and removed the passenger. An AFP pathway was available to pursue charges, if the OP wished.

Nobody in this thread has suggested that the other passenger's actions are acceptable (quite the contrary).

 

[Uncharted6264]

The OP opened this thread to specifically seek guidance around approaching Jetstar to discuss compensation, not the possible criminal matter. The OP mentioned that with the crew's assistance, AFP officers attended the aircraft and removed the passenger. An AFP pathway was available to pursue charges, if the OP wished.

Nobody in this thread has suggested that the other passenger's actions are acceptable (quite the contrary).

Yeah, I get it. Crazy though!

The $100 Jetstar voucher is... a pretty interesting choice from their perspective lol.

 

[Balus1]

The actions of the passenger in 2C are not acceptable at all.

I have experienced people in front reclining abruptly in the past which can cause discomfort to the person behind. Especially during meal time if the person in front has finished their meal then abruptly reclines into the person behind trying to eat or drink.

Perhaps a solution could be prior to reclining, give a heads up to the person behind you that you intend to recline your seat.

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF @Balus1

 

[knagelli]

Welcome to AFF fam @Balus1

I agree that it's pretty to easy to give heads up that you are going to recline as not everyone might be able to finish up at the same pace. Common sense and patience go a long way in long haul flights

 

[Beano]

I still think it is common courtesy to wait until the service is finished and food cleared away before reclining. I am sure that on some European flights, even 2 to 3 hours, the seats don't recline. That suits me fine.

Post automatically merged: Nov 8, 2023

Anyway in J and F does it matter?

 

[Quickstatus]

Anyway in J and F does it matter?

Yes. J/F does not necessarily mean the class of passenger is any better