An incident of an unruly passenger attempting to open a plane door mid-flight was averted by quick-thinking passengers and flight crew on a recent Milwaukee-to-Dallas-Fort Worth flight. The disruptive passenger, who was determined to exit the aircraft while it was 30,000 feet in the air, was subdued and duct-taped by fellow travelers.
This incident is just one example of the increasing problem of air passenger misbehavior that airlines have been facing, with over 1,800 incidents reported to the Federal Aviation Administration this year alone. The disruptive passenger on American Airlines flight 1915 caused a commotion when he tried to force his way towards the plane’s exit door, injuring a flight attendant in the process.
Passenger Doug McCright was among those who intervened to restrain the unruly passenger, using duct tape to secure him until the plane landed safely at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. Law enforcement officials then took the passenger for a mental evaluation.
The Federal Aviation Administration has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly passenger behavior, which has reached record highs in recent years. In 2021, nearly 6,000 incidents were reported, leading to over 400 enforcement actions and millions of dollars in fines.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of passenger safety and the need for vigilance while traveling. It also highlights the quick thinking and bravery of those onboard who acted swiftly to prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
As airlines continue to navigate the challenges of air travel, ensuring the safety and security of passengers and crew remains a top priority. By staying alert and working together, we can help prevent and address incidents of unruly behavior in the air.
