Category: Unruly passengers

Passenger’s racial discrimination claims based on airline deplaning come up short

October 29, 2014

Mercer v. Southwest Airlines Co. (N.D. Cal. Sept. 19, 2014).  In his amended complaint, the plaintiff, an African American, alleged that he and fiancée boarded the Southwest LAX-IAH flight with two carry-on bags apiece.  The plaintiff stowed his bags in an overhead compartment and then, “as a gentleman,” proceeded to do the same with one … More Passenger’s racial discrimination claims based on airline deplaning come up short

Court upholds airline’s right to deplane feisty, drunk-acting passenger

October 12, 2014

Lozada v. Delta Airlines, Inc. (S.D.N.Y. June 17, 2014).  The 69-year-old plaintiff eased the pain of a JFK-MIA flight delay by enjoying alcoholic drinks at two airport bars.  The plaintiff alleged that she boarded the aircraft without incident, but Delta disagreed.  According to airline personnel, the plaintiff appeared intoxicated and loudly demanded, in the gate … More Court upholds airline’s right to deplane feisty, drunk-acting passenger

Ninth Circuit upholds sentencing enhancement for unruly passenger

July 13, 2007

U.S. v. Gonzalez (9th Cir. (Nev.) July 3, 2007).  Just after takeoff, a passenger stood up, complained of heart problems and requested oxygen.  He then became increasingly agitated and started demanding to the flight attendants that the pilots land the aircraft.  The passenger then stated that he had a bomb and started opening overhead bins. … More Ninth Circuit upholds sentencing enhancement for unruly passenger