Flight attendants argument delays flight 4 hours

NEW YORK CITY (NBC) -- An American Eagle flight was delayed for several hours Wednesday after a disruption on board not between passengers but instead two flight attendants who got into an argument.

The flight was headed from New York to Washington, D.C. but just before takeoff, two of the flight attendants began arguing during pre-flight checks.

Passengers said one flight attendant was talking on her cell phone when the other one told her to shut it down.

Passengers then said a volatile argument ensued.

The cockpit crew was notified and made the decision to go back to the gate.

Passengers had to wait four and a half hours for a new cabin crew to arrive.

"There were two flight attendants. One of them kind of went up and down the aisle taking care of things like they usually do but with a phone, personal phone. She was on the phone all the time, even when we were taxiing she was on the phone. The other flight attendant noticed that people started using their phones and she said something on the loud speaker that everyone needed to put their phones away and electronics, including the flight attendant," said American Eagle passenger Marge Lopez.

"It was incredible, totally unbelievable that there was just so little professionalism between these women. Everyone was exhausted and our flight was a 3:10 flight and by the time we left we just landed and it's nine pm. It was just ridiculous that it happened,” said Lopez.

Both flight attendants will meet with their manager Thursday to discuss what led to the argument and any possible discipline either employee may face.