Fallen airman disrespected by passengers on Phoenix flight

First of all, if there are ANY specific directions to be called for with respect to passenger handling, that is the sole responsibility of the flight crew. This is federal law. If, for example, the flight crew instructs an individual to sit or move to another position and they do not, then they can be deplaned under federal law.

Which means the flight crew should have been on board with this, and provided the specific, proper actions as clear directive to the passengers of the plane. For example, when the plane pulled into the gate, the flight crew SHOULD have announced something like "Please remain seated until SSgt. Andre Taylor and his Air Force escort have deplaned. The flight crew will announce when deboarding may commence."

Does this mean people weren't rude? No, I'm sure there were some that were rude.

But quite frankly, there are also plenty of passengers who, after a long flight, simply aren't paying attention to others who aren't flight crew, passengers who may not speak or understand English very well, passengers who may have been asleep, or any number of other instances.

And once people START moving...then it's human nature that the rest of the people will start to follow suit.

I would've spoken with the captain about it at the first opportunity, knowing it would've been after some if most passengers would've disembarked. I would've pulled my ID card out to show that I'm an Airman too and to speak with the luggage crew and have them pull the bags off the plane, put them in a designated area, then take an hour lunch break, then return and put the luggage on the carousel.

MSgt Thomas Clifford: This is highly, HIGHLY uncalled for. I would have spoken with the Captain; or, at the very least: with the Stewardesses.
Best to You, Master Sergeant-
Margaret