Shocking moment an angry Delta passenger is cuffed and dragged off his flight after he threw bags from overhead bins because he was angry at the lack of space

  • Passenger on Tuesday flight from Tampa Bay to New York was forcibly removed
  • Flight 2646 had already been delayed for two hours when man became hostile
  • Irate man began yelling at other passengers because the overhead bin was full
  • Flight attendants tried to calm him but eventually had to call airport security
  • 'You ain't gotta do that, I'm an officer!' the man shouted as he was escorted off 

By Keith Griffith For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

A passenger who was angry about the lack of overhead bin space on his Delta flight was forcibly ejected from the plane after he confronted airline staff.

The passenger was escorted from Flight 2646 at Tampa International heading to to New York's LaGuardia on Tuesday, after throwing carry-on bags around the cabin and initially refusing to leave the plane.

Passengers on the flight applauded the man's removal and praised the airport security officers who escorted him off, according to Kellie Cowan, a Fox 13 reporter who happened to be on the flight. 

Tensions were apparently running high after the flight, which was scheduled to leave at 3.30pm but was delayed for two hours.

The passenger, who was traveling with his wife, became belligerent with flight attendants about space in his row's overhead bin, and began removing items from the bin and throwing them, according to both Cowan and a statement from Delta.

'As multiple Delta crew members and customer service leaders tried to calm the passenger and assist him with locating a space for his bag, he was hostile and aggressive with the customers around him and our Delta team,' the company said.

'After the passenger repeatedly refused requests to deplane, the crew requested law enforcement assistance to ensure the safety and comfort of our customers.'

Kellie Cowan, a Fox 13 reporter who happened to be on the flight, shot video of the incident

Kellie Cowan, a Fox 13 reporter who happened to be on the flight, shot video of the incident

In the video shot by Cowan, the passenger can be seen arguing with two airport security officers.

'Sir, you created a disturbance on the flight. 

'Sir, the pilot does not want you on the plane. Sir, Delta is going to rebook you on another flight,' one of the officers says.

The man argues that he hasn't even seen the pilot, but his plea is rejected.

'You don't have to see him. It's the pilot's plane,' the officer says.

The officer asks him directly if he will get off the plane willingly or whether he will have to use force.

As the man continues to refuse to comply, the officer reaches over the seat to remove him.

'Argh, you don't gotta choke somebody!' the passenger shouts.

Some moments later, as the belligerent passenger is being escorted off the plan, he can be heard saying: 'You ain't gotta do that, I'm an officer!'

Delta in a statement praised the professionalism of its crew on the flight and apologized to passengers who had to endure the disruption. 

The incident comes as the airline industry faces scrutiny over customer service after several high-profile incidents, including the notorious dragging of Dr David Dao off a United Airlines flight last month. 

Delta in a statement praised the professionalism of its crew on the flight and apologized to passengers who had to endure the disruption (file photo)

Delta in a statement praised the professionalism of its crew on the flight and apologized to passengers who had to endure the disruption (file photo)

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