The Golden Age of Flying is officially over

A frazzled flight attendant freaked out at passengers who were furious about a five-hour flight delay at LaGuardia.

American Eagle attendant Jose Serrano got so agitated at one point that the six-year veteran dared terrified passengers get off the plane if they “had the balls” to do it, witnesses said.

“I’ve been in five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said 47-year-old Army veteran Scott Custer. “I’ve been in combat and I’ve never felt anxiety like I did sitting on that plane.”

The plane pandemonium on Monday — which comes on the heels of several high-profile air-rage incidents — was set in motion when passengers on a scheduled 1:25 p.m. flight to Raleigh-Durham Airport in North Carolina were prevented from boarding until nearly 4 p.m. because of rain.

Then, as flight 4607 headed toward takeoff, the aircraft got stuck behind 20 other planes lined up on the runway.

After 40 minutes, the pilot turned the plane around to refuel — igniting the ire of passengers, who were forced to get off at the gate.

It was nearly 6 p.m. by the time the plan was fueled up and passengers were allowed to re-board.

But still, the flight wouldn’t leave.

“People were getting really amped up at this point,” said passenger Jon Wurster, drummer at the indie rock band Superchunk.

That’s when the flight attendant Serrano began confronting grumbling passengers, making them anxious, according to witnesses. Several of them told The Post they had smelled booze on his breath.

Then Serrano exploded, shouting over the intercom: “If anyone has the balls to want to get off, I’ll let you get off! Get off!” according to witnesses.

Several passengers refused to take off with Serrano on board — and at least three families left the plane with their kids, sources said.

Port Authority cops were called to investigate and questioned several witnesses, including Serrano.

The flight finally was canceled after 8 p.m.



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