While retailers mainly use Veterans Day as an early sales window to draw in customers before Black Friday, the holiday is intended to honor everyone who has served in America’s military. A Frontier Airlines gate agent allegedly decided to spend November 11 extorting a U.S. Navy sailor. She demanded $50 via Cash App at the boarding desk so the sailor could board his flight, and that was with a military discount.
Petty Officer Demonta Roach was flying back to his base near Los Angeles on a Frontier flight from Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. It began as a seemingly typical experience with his flight getting delayed, but things went haywire after that point. Roach recounted his story to KCAL:
“I went and grabbed a bite to eat and once I came back, the lady closed the door,” Roach said.
He said the gate agent told him he was late and would not let him onto the flight back to LA. He denies that he was late and claims the gate agent told him to pay her $50 if he wanted to get on.
“I said ‘Well, look, I am in the Navy, just trying to get back,” Roach recalled. “I kept my composure.”
Roach claims the gate agent said, “I don’t give a damn what you’re in give me my money.”
He said he was able to board the flight after he pretended to send the money to her account. Roach also claimed another agent said the fee is usually $150 but since he was in the military they would only charge him $50.
Roach’s claims may sound outlandish, but he recorded the altercation. Frontier Airlines is investigating the incident and released a statement:
“We take these accusations very seriously, and are investigating them fully. We appreciate this customer bringing the matter to our attention, and have provided a full refund for his reservation as well as a voucher for future travel.”
Employees extorting service members certainly doesn’t help Frontier’s reputation as a low-cost carrier. Despite cutting its customer service phone line in 2022, Frontier offered an unlimited flight pass and organized massive frequent flyer miles giveaways to attract customers. However, as the carrier’s name implies, it’s the Wild West after you buy a ticket.