Mark Zuckerberg’s sister takes aim at Alaska Air
Founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, isn’t a stranger to having his name in the spotlight, but now his sister, Randi, has made headlines for a different kind of reason.
Amidst all the scandals revolving sexual assault and harassment in industries like film and entertainment, Randi became embroiled in her own drama, and it happened on Alaska Air. Unfortunately, the airline wasn’t as supportive as you might expect.
Taking to Twitter on the issue, Randi said she felt “disgusted and degraded” after the passenger next to her allegedly made “repeated lewd sexual remarks”.
“The flight attendants told me he was a frequent flier, brushed off his behavior & kept giving him drinks. I guess his $ means more than our safety?” she wrote.
She also sent a letter to Alaska Airlines executive staff, including CEO, Brad Tilden, VP Airport Operations and Customer Service, Jeff Butler, and VP Inflight Services, Andy Schneider.
She claimed the man started harassing her the moment he joined her in First Class, and talked about “touching himself”, “rated and commented on the women’s bodies boarding the aircraft” and if she ever “fantasised” about the female business colleague she was travelling with, among other thing.
You can read the whole thing here:
Feeling disgusted & degraded after an @AlaskaAir flight where the passenger next to me made repeated lewd sexual remarks. The flight attendants told me he was a frequent flier, brushed off his behavior & kept giving him drinks. I guess his $ means more than our safety? My letter: pic.twitter.com/xOkDpb0dYU
— Randi Zuckerberg (@randizuckerberg) November 30, 2017
The staff allegedly brushed it off, as the man was a frequent flier on that exact route, and to “not take it personally”.
While Zuckerberg admitted to being furious she didn’t make more of a scene and furious he ruined her flight experience, she claimed she was more furious at the response from Alaska Airlines.
“I am even more furious with Alaska Airlines for knowingly and willingly providing this man with a platform to harass women.
“For knowing about this behaviour and being more concerned with taking his money than for the safety and security of the other passengers around him.”
Zuckerberg added she was “considering further action” on the matter.
Alaska Airlines responded via a comment on her tweet, which said:
What you have shared with us is very disturbing. We have launched an investigation and have revoked this passenger’s travel privileges pending the outcome of that investigation. We wish to discuss this further with you. Please DM us so we can connect tonight.
— Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) November 30, 2017
For the record, Zuckerberg added that she’d spoken to two Alaska Airline executives, who confirmed they were conducting an investigation into the issue, and that the passenger had had his travelling privileges temporarily suspended.
UPDATE: I just got off the phone with two executives from @AlaskaAir who informed me that they are conducting an investigation and have temporarily suspended this passenger’s travel privileges. Thank you for taking this seriously.
— Randi Zuckerberg (@randizuckerberg) November 30, 2017
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Alaska Air Alaska Airlines randi zuckerbergLatest News
New MSC Australia boss talks hot topics for local cruisers, including the Caribbean
New MSC Australia boss, Antonio Paradiso, spills the Caribbeans on where he expects Aussie cruisers will go next.
Contiki’s latest campaign inspires travellers to engage with the world around them
Hands off! Influencers invited on holiday and told not to post anything. We can assure you they're back at it now.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Disney excited about prospects of cruise business as Disney Treasure nears completion
Disney's booming cruising business is set to knock Disneyland experiences out of the park.
Scoot’s first E190-E2 flights take off between Krabi and Hat Yai
When flying's a pitch. Airline lite Scoot offers a standard seat pitch of 29” on its new 112-seater.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Sporting enthusiasts and adventure seekers are gearing up for an action-packed year in Tropical North Queensland, with a lineup of sports events and adrenaline-pumping experiences set to take centre stage in 2024. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated return of the Crankworx World Tour ‘Paradise Edition’ to Cairns from 22-26 May 2024. The mountain biking […]
Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup
Singapore leaving many in their green dust. Here in Australia, we're hoping for a tortoise and the hare type outcome
Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares
Qantas marketers forever thankful to the team who chose the red and white colours. How else would they name a sale!
Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers
Three hours in the car with a newborn from Sydney might be tough, but trust us, it'll be worth it when you arrive.
Nothing Bonza can do to prevent loss of planes, ACCC concerned by latest aviation developments
Going, going, gone. It seems...
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
Whether its a cocktail by the beach or a hike through the mountains, APT has you covered. You'll find us at the beach!
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.
Aranui Cruises slashes prices with No Single Supplement and Half Price offers
French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is slashing thousands off its 2025 Austral and Marquesas Islands cruises with an autumn sale offering 50 per cent off the second guest in a twin share room and no single supplement for solo travellers. On sale until June 21, 2024, Aranui’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to […]
Cebu Pacific campaign aims to boost Aussie trips to the Philippines
Cebu Pacific's bouncy singalong ad campaign 'Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines’ aims to get more bums on seats.
Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity
Tauck adding itineraries like it's going out of fashion, which cruising certainly isn't.
Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries
Fancy a luxurious trip through Italy? Who are we kidding, we know you do. Start your daydream here.
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and lift a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
We're not talking about drones or VR goggles, but these updates will change the game in Auckland.
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Have you signed up for Sign Language Week? Let this be your sign to do so!
Holland America Line gives one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
There's only one winner, so it's sort of like the Hunger Games of cruise prizes... but no one gets hurt.
TAG’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO celebrates 25 years with anniversary dinner
CATO's putting on a fancy spread to celebrate 25 years as other 25 year olds celebrate their HECS debt being cut.
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Seabourn's doing a two for one deal. Kind of like a fast-food promo but its luxury cruising.
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Can't remember that Ponant contact you met at a networking event? Good chance they're included in this update.
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.