I was shocked that the United flight attendants responded (or, more accurately, failed to respond) in the way that they did. After the incident, I called one of them over and said "I'm having trouble with that man, and I expect that he may return and cause more. I may need help." "We don't get involved in arguments between passengers," she said. She walked away before I could say more, and the flight attendants scrupulously avoided me for the rest of the flight. I took down the names of all staff in the rear cabin. I will contact United this week.

United is famous these days for the surliness of its flight attendants. On my Maui work trip last year, a flight attendant even yelled at a passenger in front of me and others for asking a basic question. The online travel forums are full of United stories. This goes beyond unpleasant crew, though.

Thanks for the hugs and love. I'm feeling better already. I'm taking a quiet night, listening to the luau on the beach from my balcony.