The family was kicked off the plane after a miscommunication occurred.
Jimmy Mitchell, traveling with his wife and children, was taking their picture on board when the incident occurred, leaving his family shocked.
Before the flight departure, an announcement regarding phone restrictions during refueling was made. However, Mitchell, wearing noise-canceling headphones, missed this vital information.
According to Mitchell's now-viral TikTok video, he admitted that his family was mortified when they were removed from the plane.
In the viral video, he said, 'This is the worst experience I've ever had flying.'
Additionally, he claimed he didn't receive the announcement.
He explained: 'Apparently, they made an announcement, but I had noise cancelling headphones, Pauline (wife) told me after the fact – I didn't hear it, there was no notifications about it, there was no signage.'
'I try and get on the plane, I take a photo of my kids as they get on the plane, in flight mode, and the lady (allegedly) calls me an idiot,' he said.
In the footage, Mitchell expresses surprise and anger when an airline staff member addresses them inappropriately.
He admitted that if the staff member had said something else, even just "turn off your phone," he would have complied.
He acknowledges his potential for appearing intimidating due to his stature but maintains he wouldn't have ignored a clear instruction.
He added: 'I can see how she maybe felt I was being intimidating because I am a big guy and I am a loud guy. She turns around to me and goes 'you almost assaulted me, get off the tarmac, you're not getting on this plane'.'
Ultimately, Mitchell was denied boarding due to the disagreement.
One person said: It comes down to personal responsibility and this is a standard rule. Ignorance is bliss until you suffer the consequences for not paying attention.
A second wrote: Exactly! It's unbelievable. Why take responsibility when you can go on TikTok and have an attention-seeking whinge?
While a third commented: This guy was wearing headphones & disregarding the inconvenience he was causing other people whilst messing about with photos on the stairs...
Someone else said: Like using your phone while refueling your vehicle although aviation fuel is even more hazardous. Probably a bit harsh to throw them off but probably his confrontation didn’t help.
Another added: Sorry but pretty much everyone is aware that using your phone, regardless of use or if it’s in flight mode, is a no no. A seasoned traveler should know better. I’d be muttering “idiot “ under my breath too.
A Jetstar spokesperson confirmed they are investigating the incident, emphasizing their commitment to a respectful environment for both passengers and staff.
The spokesperson said.: All our customers and team members have the right to feel respected when flying with us or when at work and we're looking into what took place in this instance,'
