Delta removes passenger after seat swap dispute and recording
A passenger was removed from a Delta flight from Bogotá to Atlanta after refusing to stop recording a crew interaction that began with a declined seat swap. The airline cited safety and failure to follow instructions, while the passenger rejected a compensation offer and publicized the incident.
Santiago Daza was removed from Delta flight 983 from Bogotá to Atlanta on September 9, 2026 after a dispute over a seat swap escalated into a confrontation over recording. The passenger initially agreed to switch seats to allow a couple to sit together but reconsidered upon seeing the replacement seat was smaller and less comfortable. He began recording the ensuing interaction with his Meta smart glasses, leading to his offloading before departure.
Delta’s response and the passenger’s account
Delta stated the passenger was removed for safety reasons and failure to follow crew instructions. The airline confirmed the incident involved flight 983 in September and emphasized crew authority. It did not disclose whether the recording itself was the specific issue or specify which directive was violated.
In follow-up statements, Santiago Daza said Delta offered him $150 to calm the matter. He plans to reject the compensation. Daza considers the crew’s actions an abuse and an irregular procedure.
Recordings, reactions, and aftermath
Footage from the incident, shared by Colombia Oscura on October 5, 2026, shows a crew member objecting to the recording and asking Daza to turn it off. Another employee told him the captain had decided he was off the aircraft. Other passengers became involved, with some objecting to the recording. The woman seated beside Daza supported him, stating in Spanish, "I’m a witness that you haven’t done anything."
Daza posted a follow-up on social media the next day. Delta asked him to remove the videos, but he refused. The incident drew attention online, with some users supporting his refusal to move and others citing the recording as the key escalation.
Context and unresolved questions
Delta's contract of carriage grants it broad authority over seat assignments. Key policies are outlined below.
| Policy Area | Delta's Stated Rule |
|---|---|
| Seat Assignments | Rule 2: The airline can change seat assignments at its sole discretion. |
| Passenger Removal | Rule 7: Permits removal for failing to follow crew instructions or interfering with crew duties. |
| Recording Onboard | Photos and videos should not interfere with flight safety or security. |
An unnamed source cited by a Colombian outlet claimed the refusal to stop filming triggered the removal, a detail omitted from Delta’s official statement. The airline confirmed Daza was rebooked on a later flight. Questions remain about whether he was required to move initially and if smart glasses specifically prompted the crew's response.
Santiago Daza refused to remove the videos from social media and said he will continue seeking justice.
