Yes, I can see how it would have been a delima with those circumstances. Why didn’t they offer more money and leave the doctor in his seat? There was probably someone on that plane whispering to his wife that he’d get off for $1000 or $1200. Everybody has their price.
I, also, think that ground transportation would have been a viable solution. Four and a half hours is not that far. Probably the employees in the situation are not encouraged to look for an alternate solution, though. Just follow protocol.
Shame. A lot of people are paying the price for someone’s childish arrogance and rotten judgement.
1. They may need to sleep to meet mandatory rest requirements before flying.
2. The airline's insurance may not cover them for work-related claims if they aren't flying.
3. There's probably a union contract provision that covers this.
Personally, I think it would be much easier to simply arrange the ground transportation for four passengers, not the crew members.