A bit of embarassment?

[resqgeek]

American Airlines flight 1053 from Washington to Dallas made an emergency landing in Nashville Monday, after passengers smelled matches being struck. The crew diverted the flight, the passengers were evacuated from the plane and the baggage was all inspected. Searchers found evidence in one part of the cabin that matches had been lit, which is prohibited on planes. After "lengthy questioning" a passenger admitted to having some type of medical condition that affected her digestive system. The woman said that she was embarrassed and was lighting matches to cover the odor.

Unlike some rules associated with air travel these days, the prohibition against lighting matches really is about safety. The impact of a fire in an aircraft could be devastating, so prohibiting lit matches is a reasonable rule, especially since smoking isn't permitted anyway. I understand that the odors associated with digestive disturbances can be embarrassing (and offensive to fellow passengers), but lighting matches to conceal the odor? Surely there's a better way.

Source: This article from the Washington Post.

Comments

[antof9.livejournal.com]

oh DEAR! and LOL!

Many times growing up, we would joke and yell down the hall at someone: "LIGHT A MATCH!" But oh dear -- you'd like to think that a grownup would understand that's not the best way to handle odor on a plane. There's stinky perfume, hanging out in the bathroom (yucky, but definitely where one might *expect* odors of that sort), Gas-X, etc. Not to mention, there are already lots of weird smells on planes anyway, who's going to notice one more? (or if they do, be able to identify the source?)

that's .... well, that's crazy.

[cryingbaby.livejournal.com]

LOL. She could have just hidden out in the bathroom! Sheesh. I would say use Febreeze, but that's right up there with matches on a plane at this point in time. heehee

[suellenr.livejournal.com]

Methane or Sulphur, either one stinks. Idiots.