[AppyPappy]

“Why weren’t these passengers charged?”

Probably because the account in the viral email isn’t accurate. A witness said it was a camera, not a cell phone. There is no first class section on that flight. Etc. How could a person in “first class” hear a conversation in the back of the plane?

As with most accounts, the truth makes for a less compelling viral email.

[cyn]

“Just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you” comes to mind!

I would love for you to be right, but just because it’s in a viral email doesn’t mean it’s not true.

There’s more to it, let’s see what that is. There are names coming out now, let there be a free flow of information on this.

[QQQQ]

“How could a person in “first class” hear a conversation in the back of the plane?”
1.Aircraft at the gate-engines off.
2.Domestic flight-Airbus 320/321.Small aircraft.
3.Someone speaks loud-you can hear it for sure :-))
4.Try to fly 1st class more often:-)))

[starlifter]

To speak to one element of your post: on Air Tran 717-200’s there are 12 business class seats. Since it is a two class cabin, it is perfectly reasonable for someone to call that area first class.