Nark
Macho Superpilot
A lot of these in-flight problems could be handled much better if the FAs would get involved to quell the situation(s). There seems to be an abundance of apathy amongst the FAs of late. Maybe the political correctness of our society or a message from Corporate that they have to make everyone happy no matter what the circumstance. Not sure what it is but it's not working!
If the FAs won't (or can't) get involved, then it should come as no surprise that the passengers will try to handle it themselves. Based solely on reports and witness statements, I'm not stating that the woman SHOULD have been choked, but I'm not stating she didn't deserve it either!
I do hate that the news is reporting, "It's not clear if any charges will be filed."
That's crap: if you cause a flight to divert for something like this, there should be charges and you should have to pay the cost(s) incurred.
I agree with your statement about FA's not getting involved. The problem, I believe, is that too many airlines will not back them up, when they do their job. They are too quick to throw them under the bus, where as pilots are normally never questioned. (of course not always, I can think of a few that I won't air their dirty laundry).
Your last paragraph regarding the charges: an investigation is warranted. Lest we have the Duke Lacross-esque accusations being thrown around.