American Airlines Kicks Out Flyer for Squid Game

A Reddit user has alleged serious mishandling by American Airlines staff after being removed from a flight on June 27, 2025. The user claimed their flight was delayed due to a sick flight attendant, but the airline reportedly labeled it a weather-related issue, avoiding the need to offer hotel vouchers to stranded passengers.

The passenger described sitting in an exit row where the same sick flight attendant was seated. According to their post, their AirPods died while watching the final scene of the popular Netflix series Squid Game, and audio briefly played aloud. The attendant allegedly snapped at them, citing an unspecified violation and ordering them to put headphones on.

The user claimed they complied by turning off the show and asking her to relax. However, the flight attendant reportedly continued engaging with them, demanding a response and eventually reporting them to the crew.

No police were involved in the removal, but an airline manager escorted the passenger off the plane. The manager allegedly told others over a walkie-talkie that the real reason for the delay was staff-related. After a short exchange with airport police, who had not been called by the airline, the passenger was rebooked on another flight that required a connection.

Due to another delay, they missed their connection and were forced to sleep in the airport without a voucher. Later, they were flagged as a security risk and unable to complete their journey, remaining stranded for 72 hours.

While the passenger acknowledged the mistake of playing audio aloud, the airline’s response appears disproportionate and raises questions about passenger treatment and internal accountability.