Delta Traveler Removed From Bogotá–Atlanta Flight After Seat-Swap Dispute
A passenger says he was taken off Delta flight 983 after declining a seat change and filming the crew; Delta says he did not follow crew instructions.
Santiago Daza reports that on Delta flight 983 from Bogotá (BOG) to Atlanta (ATL), a crew member requested that he change seats so a woman could be beside her husband. According to View from the Wing and Live and Let's Fly, he first agreed to the swap. He then changed his mind after seeing the seat he would get.
Daza says he began recording the dispute, and he was then removed from the plane. Aviation A2Z reports that he began recording after he said no to the replacement seat.
Delta says he was removed because he did not follow crew instructions. Aviation A2Z notes that the airline has not said which instruction it meant, so the details of the removal are still disputed.
View from the Wing reports that the trip was on September 9, with a connection to Orlando. The report adds that Daza says Delta afterward gave him a $150 credit toward future travel, and he plans to refuse it. The story spread in Colombian media this week, almost a month after the flight.
What it means for travelers
This story shows that crew requests, including seat changes, can affect whether you stay on a flight. Passengers do not have to agree to a swap, but the reports suggest that a disagreement with the crew can grow into a larger problem. The facts are still disputed, since only the passenger's account and Delta's short statement have been reported.
What to watch next
Watch for any further comment from Delta about which instruction was involved. If a crew member asks you to change seats, calmly ask to see the new seat before you decide.
How the story unfolded
- View from the Wing Delta Passenger Got Kicked Off After Refusing To Swap Seats
Read the original reporting
- Aviation A2Z – Delta Passenger Kicked Off Flight After Refusing Seat Swap and Recording Crew ↗
- View from the Wing – Delta Passenger Got Kicked Off After Refusing To Swap Seats ↗
- TheTravel – Delta Air Lines Passenger Removed From Flight After Refusing To Give Couple His Seat ↗
- Live and Let's Fly – Delta Passenger Says He Refused A Seat Swap, Started Recording, And Was Kicked Off The Plane ↗
Quick questions
What happened?
A passenger says he was taken off Delta flight 983 after declining a seat change and filming the crew; Delta says he did not follow crew instructions.
How does this affect trips to Colombia?
This story shows that crew requests, including seat changes, can affect whether you stay on a flight. Passengers do not have to agree to a swap, but the reports suggest that a disagreement with the crew can grow into a larger problem. The facts are still disputed, since only the passenger's account and Delta's short statement have been reported.
What should I do now?
Watch for any further comment from Delta about which instruction was involved. If a crew member asks you to change seats, calmly ask to see the new seat before you decide.
Which outlets reported this?
This brief is based on reporting from Aviation A2Z, View from the Wing, TheTravel and Live and Let's Fly. Links to the original stories are listed on this page.
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