Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 141.83; Flight Crew Total 5102.00; Flight Crew Type 5102.00
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
General Police / Security Involved
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
During boarding [I] was notified by Lead Flight Attendant and Customer Service Agent that passengers in row X123 traveling together were loud; intoxicated; disruptive; not adhering to mask policy and one was vaping in his seat. Customer service agent was in the process of removing them when one of them decided to make a display of his anger in the forward part of the aircraft near first class. I was making a cup of coffee and he directed his anger and profanity towards me. I tried to get him to step into the jetway where the other two companions were and hoped he would follow. He mentioned something about getting his jacket and passport but the companions already had them. All three people continued their verbal tirade and protest while the agent called for law enforcement. Subsequent check of their row found two cans of open alcohol containers which they brought on board. Remaining customers seated nearby told the flight attendants they were drinking and loud in the boarding area. Another nearby passenger had been 'egging' them on and also difficult with the agent at check in but he immediately complied with flight attendant instructions; apologized; and said he would not cause any trouble. I discussed this with the customer service agent and told him it was his call whether this passenger be removed as well. Based on his cooperation and lack of evidence of intoxication; he traveled uneventfully on the flight.
Air carrier Captain reported that several intoxicated passengers were being disruptive and not complying with face mask policy. The Captain stated that while one passenger was being removed from the aircraft; he became angry at the Captain and used profanity.