A British Airways flight attendant’s bizarre behavior on a San Francisco to London flight has made headlines, casting a spotlight on the airline’s cabin crew challenges. On May 25 2025 a male steward was arrested at Heathrow Airport after allegedly taking drugs mid-flight and dancing naked in a business class lavatory. This incident, coupled with ongoing wage disputes, has fans of aviation and travelers buzzing. Here’s the full story and how you can keep up with the unfolding drama.
The Mid-Flight Chaos Unraveled
Picture this: an Airbus A380 soaring over the Atlantic with 470 passengers, when a British Airways flight attendant vanishes from his duties. Crew members, puzzled by his absence during meal service, found him in a business class toilet, incoherent and stark naked, allegedly high on drugs. Quick-thinking colleagues threw First Class pajamas on him and buckled him into a premium seat, where he was supervised for the rest of the journey. The in-flight supervisor alerted management, who contacted police. When the plane landed at Heathrow around 11 a.m., officers boarded, arrested the steward, and wheeled him off for medical attention.
British Airways suspended the attendant pending a criminal investigation, emphasizing to The Sun that it’s a police matter, not just an internal issue. The crew worked without breaks to maintain service, ensuring no disruption for passengers. “It’s reckless and dangerous,” a crew member told Metro News, calling it a first in their experience.
Wage Woes Add Fuel to the Fire
The incident comes amid scrutiny of British Airways’ treatment of its cabin crew. A May 2025 UK government report revealed the airline underpaid 2165 flight attendants £231270 in wages between 2017 and 2018, falling below the national minimum wage. New cabin crew earn £21000 to £25000 annually, while CEO Sean Doyle pocketed a £2.1 million bonus, sparking outrage. “It’s unfair when we’re paid so little for such demanding work,” a crew member told Aviation A2Z. The airline apologized, claiming it rectified the underpayments after a 2017 audit, but the damage to morale lingers.
Why It’s Gripping the Public
This scandal isn’t just about one rogue attendant—it’s a window into the pressures facing flight crews. From low wages to high-stakes responsibilities, the incident highlights the human side of aviation. Fans are split: some sympathize with the overworked crew, while others demand stricter oversight. The story’s gone viral, with comparisons to past BA controversies, like crew members allegedly mugged in Brazil in 2023 to cover up a night out. Add in the airline’s recent safety incidents, like a Boeing 777 bird strike in April 2025, and it’s clear BA’s under a microscope.
