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A Delta Airlines passenger was removed from an Atlanta-bound flight after refusing to hang up his phone before takeoff.
The incident occurred on Monday, April 27, aboard Delta Flight 1323 at Miami International Airport.
Delta Air Lines said flight attendants repeatedly asked passengers to hang up while the plane was taxiing, but customers refused and became “confused.”
“The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority, and Delta has zero tolerance for disruptive behavior,” the airline said in a statement to USA TODAY.
A video shared by WSVN in Miami shows fellow passengers expressing their frustration with the person, with one saying, “Be considerate. Think of yourself and the rest of us.”
Federal regulations require passengers to follow the directions of flight attendants while onboard an aircraft.
“Failure to comply with flight crew instructions may interfere with the crew member’s ability to perform their duties on the aircraft and may violate FAA regulations,” the Department of Transportation said in its 2021 Disruption Notice to Passengers, adding, “The FAA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,910 for such violations.”
Delta Air Lines said the plane returned to the gate, passengers were removed and it apologized to customers for the experience and delay.
The plane took off about an hour later than scheduled.
USA TODAY has contacted Miami International Airport and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for further details.
