Delta Flight 1323 was returned to the gate at Miami International Airport on April 27 after a passenger allegedly refused to end a phone call while the aircraft was taxiing. The Atlanta-bound flight was delayed about one hour while the passenger — identified as Shannon Marie Harris of Tyrone, Ga. — refused to deplane and was later arrested. Delta reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior and stressed that compliance with crew safety instructions is mandatory.
Delta Flight Returned to Gate After Passenger Refused to End Phone Call; Woman Arrested
Shannon Marie HarrisCredit: Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office
A Delta Air Lines flight taxiing at Miami International Airport on April 27 was returned to the gate and delayed after a passenger allegedly refused repeated crew instructions to end a phone call before takeoff. The Atlanta-bound Flight 1323 was held up for roughly an hour while crew and police addressed the situation.
What Happened
According to a statement to PEOPLE, Delta said a customer “did not comply with repeated crew instructions to end their phone call while the aircraft was taxiing out.” The airline said the passenger became disruptive, the pilot returned the aircraft to the gate, and the customer was removed from the plane.
“The safety of our customers and crew comes before all else, and Delta has zero tolerance for disruptive behavior. We apologize to our customers for this experience and delay in their travels,” a Delta spokesperson said.
Video and Passenger Reaction
Video shared on social media captures fellow passengers asking the person on the phone to be considerate because others were trying to make connections. In the clip, one traveler can be heard saying, “Please be considerate. Consider yourself and the rest of us.”
Delta Air Lines flight (stock image)Credit: Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto via Getty
Arrest and Charges
Local outlets identified the passenger as Shannon Marie Harris of Tyrone, Ga., citing an arrest report filed in Miami-Dade County court. The report alleges Harris became “belligerent” when cabin crew asked her to hang up so safety instructions could be provided, prompting the pilot to return to the gate. Crew members asked her to deplane; she allegedly refused and police were summoned. Harris was arrested at the gate and is facing at least one trespassing-related charge, according to Fox 5 Atlanta, WSB-TV and NBC 6.
Context and Notes
The Miami-Dade Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. Delta emphasized that failure to comply with crew safety instructions can lead to removal from a flight and criminal charges. As with any arrest report, the allegations are subject to the legal process and the individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Sources: PEOPLE, Fox 5 Atlanta, WSB-TV, NBC 6; social media video of the incident.
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