JetBlue's Steven Slater Pleads Guilty

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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Steven Slater, the JetBlue flight attendant who famously told off a plane full of passengers, grabbed a beer, and escaped via the emergency chute, pleaded guilty today in a New York City court.

Slater pleaded guilty to two charges of criminal mischief, one a felony and one a misdemeanor, according to the New York Times. He must attend regular counseling sessions for at least a year, but otherwise is a free man.

So far, no repercussions have been reported for the passenger Slater says verbally abused him, which was the catalyst for Slater’s dramatic outburst and exit. The passenger’s name has not been released.

If there’s anything to learn from the Slater incident, it’s that flight attendants are only as human as we are, and deserve to be treated with respect. Everyone on the plane is under a certain amount of stress, whether it’s a pilot or flight attendant on a long shift, or a passenger catching the umpteenth connection of the day. But just because passengers are paying customers doesn’t mean they can’t follow a simple code of conduct, and treat others with a little dignity.

Readers, do you think Slater’s punishment fits the crime? Do you think the passengers need to shape up their own behavior?

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