Jet Blue Flight Attendant: Working Man's Hero?

via Facebook

The Jet Blue flight attendant who dramatically departed from his post yesterday by declaring over the intercom: "To the fucking asshole that told me to fuck off, it's been a good 28 years!"... clearly made his intentions known. Steven Slater then double-fisted some beers and slide down the emergency chute he activated, along with his bags.

In the 24 hours or so since his meltdown—spurred by a "malicious" passenger—he's received an overwhelming amount of support (just check out the results in our poll). But did Slater's actions qualify as an official resignation from Jet Blue? We asked the airline, and they didn't say yes or no, only that "Mr. Slater has been removed from duty pending the outcome of the investigation."

The long time flight attendant is a recovering alcoholic and substance abuse user, who has also been diagnosed with HIV. To top it all off, he's allegedly been under stress lately as his mother loses her battle with lung cancer. So will he want to return to his job, and will Jet Blue even offer the option if he does? Dr. Alan Hilfer, Director of Psychology at Maimonides Medical Center in New York, says: “People are making a folk hero out of Slater, because we’ve all been there. Long hours, no raise or possibly a salary cut. Couple that with a difficult customer or client and he did what we all wanted to do, he told the customer to shove it! And stormed off. The drama of this situation captured all of our attention... he brought a movie climax to real life by doing what the rest of us only fantasize about doing. However, most of us realize that in the big picture of life and in the rules of the workplace he was inappropriate. Despite the celebrity he is now enjoying he will not easily find a new job unless his new job is being a celebrity." Jeez, doc, way to kill our folk hero buzz.

For now, Slater is likely enjoying the support he's garnered nationwide. Like Conan O'Brien before him, his fans have taken to Facebook—and he's already racked up over 22,000 of them! Comedian Patton Oswalt even Twittered in his support earlier today: "Jet Blue flight attendant Steven Slater should be inducted into The Avengers." So perhaps Mr. Slater is moving on to more exciting adventures...

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in News on August 10, 2010 2:14 PM

Comments [rss]

John L

Damn I just saw this "Steven Slater -- En Route to Rikers Island"

http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/10/steven-slater-en-route-to-rikers-island-jail-prison-flight-attendant-jetblue/

He's in Rikers and facing 7 years for this.

charshiu

I think I'd prefer someone who can keep his cool, especially if he's responsible for the safety of the cabin.

Would you hire him for your business?

slappy

This guy should get a medal.

just saying

Passenger was a she, not a he. Maybe Lindsay Lohan or Snooki? Actually the passenger was probably your stereotypical Brooklyn guidette.

Loulou

I met him on a flight to Vegas twice (going). He was a really nice guy. Fuck the passenger.

robingee

YABBA DABBA DOO!

kazubes

My opinion changed on this guy after speaking with a colleague who by chance was on the flight. He noted that this guy was acting fed up the entire flight including throwing the sample seat belt and life vest on the floor after demonstrating their use as well as ignoring peoples requests for beverages.

pretender

Sshhh! You're gonna ruin it....

Gwinny

well, that's not cool... but at the same time, it's a pretty short flight from Pittsburgh - they don't always offer beverage service on these flights anymore.

Agent_C

*** !!! Free Steven Slater !!! ***

VanessaNYC

"He will not easily find a new job unless his new job is being a celebrity."

Not a bad idea. He should strike while the iron is hot and contact some reality tv producers.

Phil

That's just the beginning. Books, movie deals, action figures...

Kelles

The Steven Slater Slip N' Slide!

amazed

I totally stand-by in support of Mr.Slater in speaking out to the obnoxious passenger. I stop short in his defense of deploying the chute. It was un-necessary, as the attendant he would have been able to dis-embark ahead of the passengers once he opened the door.

[1] He possibly endangered the lives of the ground crew who were unexpectedly hit by the falling chute and or door.

[2] He could have endangered the lives of passsengers, who in a panic saw the chute and jumped out without question, not knowing if there was an actual emergency on board.

[3] He cost the employer hundreds of dollars in repair/ replacement costs to repack the chute.

In the past, I too have spoken out. Many years back I once told an employer that no job pays enough for me to be humiliated by anyone. Eventually, he relented and agreed. Did I lose my job ? no. I was assertive, but not aggresive.

John L

+1

I can understand his frustrations but what he did was unnecessary and totally over-the-top. While it may seem funny now I'm sure it wasn't for the other passengers on board at the time. I hope he gets the counseling he needs and doesn't get into too much trouble but to call him a hero is travesty to real heroes.

Tim

When things get heavy, sometimes you just have to pull the inflatable slide.

Life's too short.

malcolm816

He did it for the lulz.

Kelles

All the stress probably sent him over the edge but it shouldn't be a factor whether he should be verbally abused by passengers or not.

I think Slater should be played by Ian Zeiring in the movie. Mystery passenger who sent him over the edge -- i dunno, maybe Mickey Rourke?

just saying

Passenger was a she, not a he. Maybe Lindsay Lohan or Snooki? Actually the passenger was probably your stereotypical Brooklyn guidette.

Kelles

The unruly passenger was a 'she?!' Uh... Naomi Campbell? I'm curious but the media will probably tear her apart, she should probably go into hiding.