In 2023, there were 2,075 unruly passenger reports, 512 investigations initiated, 402 enforcement actions taken and $7.5 million fines levied, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Some of the brawls that have occurred at U.S. airports and in the sky include a large fight at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, a brawl at a Spirit Airlines boarding gate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a commotion on a Southwest Airlines flight from Dallas to Phoenix, and a fight on a Frontier Airlines flight headed to Las Vegas from Philadelphia. These incidents have resulted in arrests, charges of disorderly conduct, and police involvement.
In May 2023, a large fight broke out at Chicago O’Hare International Airport near a baggage claim area. The altercation began as a verbal dispute that escalated into physical violence. Two women were seen punching each other, while others joined in the fight. Multiple punches were thrown, people were tackled, and hair was grabbed. The incident led to the arrest of two individuals, Christopher Hampton and Tembra Hicks, who faced misdemeanor charges of battery. The Chicago Department of Aviation emphasized that safety and security are always a top priority at the airport.
Also in May 2023, a fight broke out at a Spirit Airlines boarding gate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A woman claiming to be pregnant allegedly attacked a Spirit Airlines employee, resulting in disorderly conduct charges for Que Maria Scott. The victim, an airline manager named Jasmine Rhoden, reported that Scott had initiated the physical altercation by hitting her and pulling her hair. Despite Scott’s claims of being pregnant, alcohol was reportedly detected on her breath. The incident was captured on police bodycam footage.
In March 2023, a flight from Dallas to Phoenix experienced a commotion when a passenger accused another of bumping into his wife. A video taken by a passenger on the plane showed the two men engaged in a physical altercation in the aisle of the aircraft. The argument escalated as one of the men threw a punch over a seat, leading to a heated exchange of words between the two individuals. Although the Dallas Police Department reported that no arrests were made, the incident caused disruption and concern among passengers.
During the summer of 2023, a fight broke out on a Frontier Airlines flight headed to Las Vegas from Philadelphia. Two women, who were traveling together, engaged in a verbal and physical altercation on the plane. The situation escalated as one of the women was escorted to a different seat by a flight attendant, but continued to argue and swear at the other passenger. The flight was forced to make a detour to Denver International Airport due to the ongoing dispute. Both women were removed from the plane by the Denver Police Department, with onlookers clapping as the unruly passengers were escorted off the flight.
