A New Jersey woman has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, claiming that a fellow passenger sexually assaulted her during a night flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Newark Liberty International Airport on August 26, 2022. The lawsuit alleges that the airline failed to prevent the attack or intervene when it occurred.
Details of the flight and the incident
The woman, whose identity is being withheld to protect her privacy, had taken a seat between a friend and an unknown male passenger on the two-hour flight. According to the lawsuit, shortly after takeoff, the cabin lights were dimmed, and the woman closed her eyes to rest. “Plaintiff awoke to find the Perpetrator’s left arm inside her pants and his right hand forcing her hand onto his penis,” the lawsuit states.
The suit further details that the man covered the two of them with his black puffer jacket and “digitally penetrated her,” leaving the woman in a state of shock and panic. The assailant allegedly climbed on top of her and continued the assault until she gathered the courage to push him away. The attacker then attempted to downplay the incident by asking the woman if she wanted some water. She quickly woke her friend, who reported the assault to a flight attendant. The lawsuit states that the woman was moved to another seat for the remainder of the flight.
Aftermath and legal action
Upon landing, the alleged perpetrator was escorted off the plane, and authorities took statements from the victim and other passengers who witnessed the attack. The lawsuit notes that it is unclear whether the assailant was taken into custody or charged with sexual assault. The woman’s attorney, Brian Andris, commented, “As alleged in the complaint, we look forward to seeking justice on behalf of our client to remedy this terrible injustice for all that she has suffered.” In response to the lawsuit, an American Airlines spokesperson stated, “We are reviewing the lawsuit and the details of the flight. The safety and comfort of our customers is a top priority for Americans.”
Rising incidents of in-flight sexual assault
The lawsuit also highlights a disturbing trend of increasing sexual assaults aboard commercial flights. Citing FBI data, the lawsuit notes that in 2023, the bureau opened 96 cases related to in-flight sexual assault.
According to a public alert issued by the FBI in April, such crimes are “on the rise,” and many incidents go unreported. The FBI’s alert further emphasizes that the characteristics of these assaults are often similar: they typically occur when the cabin is dark, and the victims are frequently seated by a window or in the middle seat. Victims often report waking up to find their seatmate’s hands inside their clothing or underwear. Assailants may also take advantage of passengers who have consumed alcohol or taken medication to sleep during the flight.
The lawsuit against American Airlines asserts that the plaintiff “did nothing to cause or contribute to the cause of the assault that she suffered.” As the case progresses, it may shine a light on the broader issue of in-flight sexual assaults and the responsibility of airlines to protect their passengers.
