A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Human Factors
Checklists were completed and just before takeoff the #3 FA called and said he was having an escalating problem with three young women. They refused to switch off their PEDs and were very loud; profane and abusive to FA and passengers around them. Their language included references to 'bad publicity' and 'what are you going to do' etc. Upon the #3 FA's request I returned to the gate. While holding some distance from the gate waiting for three pushed-back aircraft to clear the taxiway; I spoke to the #1 FA to coordinate the gate return. She had not received full details from the #3 FA and I asked her to go to the rear of the aircraft and assess the problem. She confirmed the #3 FA's assessment; but said that after she talked to them; the three women were now apologetic and more subdued. She had separated the three; and told me that they all promised to behave for the rest of the flight. Based upon her input I cancelled the gate return and we took off and flew to destination with no issues. I observed several passengers thanking the #1 FA profusely as they exited the aircraft. I was last off the aircraft; and exiting the gate I saw all 3 FA's standing at the podium talking to the gate agents. I was informed that the three problem passengers had insisted on speaking to a supervisor as soon as they exited the jetway. I advised the three FAs to file individual passenger disturbance reports; and I am filing this report.  I might add that in my preflight FA briefings; as on this flight; I now include the topic of passenger disturbance and emphasize following the Flight Manual and FA manual to the letter. The three women were very clearly trying to provoke an incident worthy of [social media] and the news media. Their language included 'bad publicity' and 'what are you going to do' and other such references. I have no doubt that this was an attempted copycat incident in light of the spate of recent events on several different airlines. I asked the #1 FA whether she could smell alcohol on the three women but received a negative reply.  Enforce existing Federal Law and rules on aircraft consistently and even-handedly. Make it known that passenger misconduct will not be tolerated. Many or most of the recent type of events can and should be resolved at the gate; before boarding. (Not applicable in this case). I also recommend that these three be vetted before their next flight.
A319 Captain was informed of unruly passengers shortly before takeoff and elected to return to the gate. Before the return could be accomplished the passengers calmed down and the flight departed.