How would you react if you were on a flight where a family was boo'd for being allowed off the plane first to receive their soldier's body?

I would probable say to them. Follow me out asshole and see why we are being let off first. When the casket comes out with the flag and would turn and ask them if it is alright that we were allowed to leave first. This man/woman died so that you can act like an ass.

It should be noted loud, long, and often that the picture accompanying this post has NOTHING to do with the story it references. The family this post refers to was on their way from California to Dover, Delaware. The casket containing their son's body was somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, en route from the ME to Dover.

Were the other passages made aware of the reason for them being allowed to deplane before everyone else?

I'd really want to say s'thing.. I would hold back and see what the aircrew does in response. .. to the sitrep.

Booing, as some have commented shows - NO CLASS!!! 1000% spot on!!!

Let the family exit the plane. Then according to your needs administer the proper instruction as you deem appropriate. But, remember, we don't honor the fallen when we stoop the level of ignorant fools and idiots! We are men and women of honor and allowing such people any level of voice in the conversation only gives them reason to make further inappropriate comments by voice or gesture.

Disarm them with kindness and surprise them by standing and saluting, even in the midst of their ignorance. In this way others will see how we honor the fallen and deny to the ignorant the platform they so desperately need because they are too stupid to understand otherwise!

I'd calmly stand up and asked to show respect for the fallen soldier and if they couldn't do that show respect for The Grieving family!

I swear before God, I would stand and start singing the Anthem just as loud as I can, and EXPECT louder people to join me. And I would NOT have a smile on my face, trust me on that!

If someone disrespects a Gold Star family on a plane we respond with outrage on the internets.

If someone disrespects a Gold Star family in a campaign speech and says they don't like soldiers who were captured, we stand in line to vote them into public office.

Ignore the booing There are more important things going on. Some will figure it out, some won't.

Wow. I personally hope that I would never encounter anyone who would show any negativity toward a Gold Star Family and/or Escort of a fallen service member's body as he/she is brought home to rest in peace. I've asked God for A LOT. I guess I'll add this to that list - Father God, I come to you in prayer. PLEASE do not allow me to encounter this situation. Amen.