Alaska Airlines Faces Lawsuit Following Alleged In-Flight Assault on Passenger

Lawsuit Claims In-Flight Sexual Assault on Alaska Airlines

A recent lawsuit has put Alaska Airlines in a challenging spotlight after allegations came forth regarding an in-flight sexual assault. Aviation attorney Mark Lindquist has taken on the case, representing a victim whose harrowing experience occurred on May 14, 2023, during a flight from Seattle to Honolulu.

The Incident Unfolds

The victim, who was traveling with her book club, reported that a male passenger initially appeared sober as he sat across the aisle. However, allegations state that flight attendants continuously served him red wine. This led to increasingly aggressive behavior, culminating when he allegedly grabbed her hand for an unwanted kiss before falling unconscious.

Once this individual regained consciousness, his inebriation had worsened due to the service of more alcohol by the flight attendants. According to the victim's account, she attempted to cover her eyes with a bag of ice to alleviate a headache and ignore the offending passenger. In a startling turn, he allegedly groped her, grabbing her breast forcefully.

Response from Authorities

Upon disembarking, officers met the passenger. A deputy sheriff's report described the man as unsteady and reeking of alcohol, corroborating the victim's claims of his intoxicated state during the flight.

Legal Proceedings

The lawsuit filed by Lindquist addresses multiple grievances, including negligence, assault, and battery against the perpetrator, along with a claim of negligence against Alaska Airlines for their failure to manage the situation adequately. The claim highlights that the airline grossly overserved alcohol to a clearly intoxicated passenger and neglected the safety of others onboard.

Lindquist emphasized the importance of accountability in these situations, stating, "With this lawsuit, our client hopes for accountability and justice. She doesn't want drunken sexual assaults happening to others." This statement underscores the troubling patterns of behavior that can go unchecked in aviation settings, potentially endangering passengers.