An American traveller with one hand has expressed outrage after being relocated from his plane's exit row seat by a Jetstar flight attendant. Matt Hubbard, an associate producer at NBC Sports and The Golf Channel, was in South Australia last week to attend the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament.
Incident on Jetstar Flight
Following the event, Hubbard claimed he encountered an unpleasant interaction with what he described as a 'rude' air hostess on his Jetstar flight this past Monday. The flight attendant reportedly removed him from the exit row seat due to his having one hand, citing concerns over his ability to assist during an emergency.
Hubbard took to Facebook to voice his frustration, posting a photo of the cabin crew member alongside a caption that read: 'She kicked me out of my exit row seat because I have one hand and didn't think I could assist in case of an emergency. Don't be like her! Jetstar Australia you have a very rude employee!'
Jetstar's Exit Row Requirements
According to Jetstar's official website, passengers who book exit row seats, which typically offer additional legroom, must adhere to specific safety requirements. These regulations include not having an amputated or prosthetic limb, not requiring a mobility aid, and not travelling with a service dog.
The airline's policy states: 'If you've booked an exit row seat, but think you'll be unable to meet the additional requirements on the briefing card you must ask to be re-seated.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Jetstar for comment on the incident.
Public Reaction and Debate
Hubbard's post quickly sparked a backlash, with numerous Australians defending the flight attendant's actions, arguing she was merely following aviation safety laws. One commenter noted: 'When you book to sit in an exit row, you have to agree to the terms and conditions.'
Another shared a personal experience: 'I was moved from an exit row for being six months pregnant because lifting 20+kg was a risk. I shrugged and moved because you know…the rules!' A second individual, identifying as a captain, added: 'CASA [Civil Aviation Safety Authority] regulations - I would do the same thing.'
When a user suggested the air hostess 'was just doing her job', Hubbard responded: 'Had she been nice and sincere about it, this would be different. But she wasn't.' This point ignited further discussion, with some applauding the attendant for adhering to protocol, while others criticised the perceived lack of empathy.
Support for the Flight Attendant
One passenger who was on the same flight came to the defence of the crew member, stating: 'She was absolutely lovely to myself and my family on our last trip. Pretty s*** of you to post this, when she's just following rules - not just because she felt like it.'
Another commenter emphasised: 'Mate as much as I sympathise with you, when you book your flight for those specific seats, it asks you if you're able bodied in case of emergency.' The debate highlights the tension between strict safety protocols and the need for respectful customer service in the aviation industry.
Matt Hubbard has been contacted for additional comment regarding the incident and the ensuing public response.
