American Airlines Pilot’s Behavior Lecture Goes Viral, Garners Attention

A pilot on an American Airlines flight went viral for his pre-flight speech in which he called out rude behavior and encouraged his passengers to treat each other respectfully during a flight in late July.

The pilot’s message was recorded, according to The Hill, part of NEXSTAR Media, by Anna Leah Maltezos, a writer, director and comedian from New York City who was on the flight.

Since its upload onto Instagram, it’s received over 5 million views.

“Be nice to each other, be respectful to each other. I shouldn’t have to say that. You people should treat people the way you want to be treated,” the captain is heard saying over the speakers during the video. “But I have to say it every single flight, because people don’t, and they’re selfish and rude. And we won’t have it, okay?”

He also discussed being kind to flight attendants and ordered the passengers to listen to them, because they represent his “will in the cockpit,” and his will “is what matters.”

The captain went on to discuss how to stow belongings in their proper places, not to be rude or obnoxious to seatmates, to watch videos or take calls using headphones.

“That is over. Over and done in this country,” he said.. “Nobody wants to hear your video…So keep it to yourself. Use your Airpods, use your headphones, whatever it is. That’s your business, okay? It’s just part of being in a respectful society.”

Lastly, he gave everyone in the middle seat permission to use both armrests before welcoming everyone aboard the flight.