Todd, an entitled businessman, requests the flight attendant wipe his shoes mid-flight after berating her. Karma strikes fast when a powerful stranger changes the narrative in a startling twist.
After a long week of business meetings, I sank into my first-class seat, pleased for the complimentary upgrade.
The cabin’s calm hum was a pleasant break from airport pandemonium. I closed my eyes to enjoy these peaceful moments before takeoff.
But the universe has other ideas.
The sound of nice shoes on the carpet drew my attention. I looked up to see a man walking down the aisle like he owned the plane.
Everything about him said “I’m better than you,” from his tailored suit to his costly sunglasses.
Even in first class, he stood out.
I saw Samantha, our flight attendant, as he approached his seat across the aisle. She smiled warmly, but her eyes flickered. Resignation? She has dealt with his type before.
Samantha said, “Welcome aboard, sir,” in a courteous way. “Can I help you with your bag?”
Todd, the male, scarcely glanced at her.
“It’s fine,” he murmured, forcefully pushing his carry-on into the overhead bin.
Internally, I sighed. It would be a flight.
Todd stretched out like a peacock as the passengers arrived. Samantha was helping an old woman sit when he snapped his fingers.
“Hey, you!” he charged. “I need a drink.”
Samantha helped the woman before smiling at Todd but not quite reaching her eyes. I agree, sir. What can I get you?”
Todd never looked up from his phone. “Scotch. Do it fast.”
I noticed Samantha’s jaw tightening slightly. “I’ll get that for you right away, sir.”
A few minutes later, she brought his drink. Todd took one sip and wrinkled his nose like a broccoli-fed kid.
“This tastes awful,” he spat. You call this service? Get me another.”
Samantha held a cool façade, but I could see her eyes were tired. She said, “I’ll be right back, sir,” and made another drink.
She brought the second scotch, but Todd didn’t thank her. But he looked down at his sneakers, which had little dust on them. The next event boiled my blood.
Todd kicked Samantha and hissed, “Clean my shoes! You’re serving me, right?
Complete silence fell over the cabin. Clenching my fists, my fingernails dug into my hands.
Samantha froze, and I saw her jaw muscles fighting to smile. “I’m sorry, sir, but I’m not able to assist with that.”
Todd sneered and waved. “Then what are you here for?”
“You should be thankful someone like me is even flying with this airline,” added. You should at least keep the drinks coming and be useful. Who knows? I might tip you.”
I nearly choked. Tip her? A plane? Who did he believe he was?
Samantha, ever the professional, nodded and left, likely to avoid saying something she’d regret.
When she passed my seat, I looked at her and said, “I’m so sorry.” She smiled gratefully before walking down the aisle.
After takeoff, Todd’s behavior worsened. Like a slow-motion train disaster, it was horrific but unavoidable. He complained every few minutes, each complaint more ludicrous than the last.
“Hey!” Todd’s words broke the engines’ peaceful hum. It’s cold here. Take action!”
Samantha was patient with him. Sir, I’m sorry you’re uncomfortable. Adjusting this section’s temperature.”
Naturally, Todd wasn’t satisfied. Don’t stand still. Get me a blanket. Be quick!”
I watched Samantha retreat to get the blanket, her shoulders tense. I noticed an older man across the aisle shaking his head in bewilderment.
Todd complained again once Samantha returned with the blanket. “This Wi-Fi is garbage,” he shrieked at his tablet. “I’m conducting essential business here. Why not speed it up?”
Samantha said, “I apologize, sir,” with a strained but professional voice. Unfortunately, height and location slow Wi-Fi. Not under our control.”
“Excuses!” Todd cut in. I pay well for this seat. I expect better service.”
A woman a few rows forward turned and looked at Todd with daggers. I thought she would say something, but she huffed and turned around.
A series of concerns continued. Todd’s seat was uncomfortable. Drink wasn’t cold enough. Too much and too little lighting. He even whined about his tray table’s tilt.
“This thing is crooked,” he shouted, pointing at the flat surface. “How am I supposed to work like this?”
Samantha leaned in to check the tray. Sir, that looks level. Is there a specific issue?”
Todd eyes rolled significantly. “You can’t see it. Get me the captain. Maybe he can fix this incompetence.”
The passengers’ combined breath was practically audible. The cabin felt like a rubber band stretched to its limit.
Then I saw movement a few rows back. Tall man in mid-50s stood up, adjusting his casual blazer. He approached Todd, and I held my breath.
His voice was deep and commanding: “Todd?” “I thought that was you.”
Todd’s head snapped up, and I think I saw his face lose color. “Mr. Harris!” he squeaked, jumping up. “I… I didn’t know you were on this flight.”
Todd’s supervisor, Mr. Harris, smiled but missed his eyes. “Evidently not,” he responded calmly. “I’ve been enjoying quite the show from my seat back there.”
The Adam’s apple bounced as Todd swallowed hard. “Sir, I can explain–”
Mr. Harris interrupted him with a hand. “Todd, that’s unnecessary. Your action is… enlightening.”
I leant in to catch every word of this conversation.
I saw other passengers doing the same, sharing schadenfreude.
“Tell me, Todd,” Mr. Harris said calmly, “do you believe this is how we expect our employees to behave? Berating service people, making unrealistic demands, acting like the world revolves around you?”
Todd opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water. “I… I was just…”
“You were just embarrassing yourself and, by extension, our company,” Mr. Harris, fixing his cufflinks, said.
“Do you treat coworkers this way? Your subordinates?”
Todd’s cheeks turned pale to putrid green. “Of course not, sir,” he muttered.
Harris lifted an eyebrow. “No? Why do you think is it okay to treat this airline’s hardworking workforce differently?” The question lingered as he stopped.
Todd, you seem so clean-conscious, maybe you’d want to shine your shoes when we land. Aren’t you here for that? Be useful?”
I bit my lip to avoid cheering. Other passengers struggled to contain their joy.
“Mr. Harris, please,” Todd said, “I promise it won’t happen again.”
He was glared at by his employer. Todd, you’re right. You and I will have a serious chat about your company future when we land. More accurately, your absence.”
Todd stood stunned and mortified as Mr. Harris turned and left.
Todd altered throughout the flight. Without looking at anyone, he sat calmly. He muttered “thank you” without looking up when Samantha collected rubbish.
Samantha looked at me again as we descended. Her smile was genuine this time, reaching her eyes. Winked back when I gave her a thumbs up.