You make the call

1. I confiscated the DVD player and returned it after the flight. The passenger took my name and employee number and promised a lawsuit. Yes, I do believe in rights — everybody’s rights. Two years later, I have yet to hear of a lawsuit.

2. There was no way I could determine if this lady did indeed have MS. I kindly refused the drink, citing my responsibility to monitor onboard alcohol consumption.

3. I believe the brave flight attendant who did the investigating went beyond the call of duty. In the end, she did say something, as it had gotten to the point of making people ill. The passenger confessed but said there was nothing he could do. The flight attendant directed him to a restroom that had not been utilized, where he was able to air out his laundry more appropriately.

4. I had no problem telling the man to either put the book away or hold it more discreetly. It was a no-brainer after 9/11.

5. The knocking did not help so I unlocked the door. Conveniently, this action automatically turns off the light. The couple got the hint and curtailed their activities. My next step would have been to open the door. No, not because I am a voyeur, but because she was a screamer and the other passengers were getting annoyed.

6. I made an announcement that something valuable had been found in the forward lavatory but I omitted any description. An elderly lady came up to me almost in tears saying she had lost her money. I happily returned it, feeling guilty that I had entertained other plans for it. When she gave me a $2 reward, the guilt quickly disappeared.

7. Nothing was done until after landing, when we officially “discovered” the death. The wife, who had pretended her husband was asleep, was grateful that no spectacle had been made.

8. The purser decided to delay the bad news, which ended up being the right move. The pilots had made up much of the time in flight, and half the passengers were able to make their connections after all.

9. I greeted the passenger in a kind but firm tone, saying, “You can wear something over your shirt, turn it inside out, or get off.” He quickly reversed it and said nothing the remainder of the flight.

10. I spoke to the other pilot and told him of my concern. It turned out that someone had spilled a drink on the pilot, who was willing to take an alcohol test if I so wished. There were no hard feelings, and he changed his shirt. I think both sides handled that one well.

How did you do? Did you make the same calls? What would you have done differently? E-mail me and give me your opinions. I can take it — I think!

James Wysong has worked as a flight attendant with two major international carriers during the past fifteen years. He is the author of the "The Plane Truth: Shift Happens at 35,000 Feet" and "The Air Traveler's Survival Guide." For more information about James or his books, please visit his website or e-mail him. Want to sound off about one of his columns? Try visiting Wysong's forum.

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