Woman Sues Alaska Airlines, Claims Drunk Passenger Assaulted Her on Flight

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Key Takeaways

• A woman sued Alaska Airlines over a May 14, 2023, inflight sexual assault by an intoxicated male passenger.
• The lawsuit alleges “grossly overserving” alcohol and inadequate safety measures after the man forcibly groped her during the flight.
• Sexual assaults on airplanes have increased by 300% in five years, often linked to alcohol; stricter policies are urged.

A woman is suing Alaska Airlines following an alleged sexual assault by an intoxicated male passenger during a flight from Seattle 🇺🇸 to Honolulu 🇺🇸 on May 14, 2023. Her attorney, Mark Lindquist, filed the lawsuit, which claims that the airline was negligent both in overserving alcohol to the passenger and in failing to safeguard the woman from harm.

The incident reportedly began during a trip the victim was taking with her book club. She was seated across the aisle from a male passenger who appeared sober at the start of the flight. However, the lawsuit claims the man became visibly intoxicated after being served several glasses of red wine by Alaska Airlines flight attendants. According to the filings, as the alcohol affected him, his behavior grew increasingly inappropriate. At one point, the man allegedly tried to grab her hand and kiss her. Though the passenger eventually passed out, the airline staff allegedly served him more alcohol after he regained consciousness.

Woman Sues Alaska Airlines, Claims Drunk Passenger Assaulted Her on Flight

The situation worsened when the victim, attempting to ease a headache, placed a bag of ice over her eyes. The intoxicated man reportedly reached across the aisle and forcibly groped her, touching her breast. Upon the flight’s arrival in Honolulu, local law enforcement met the man. A deputy sheriff who filed a report described him as unsteady on his feet and reeking of alcohol. Despite the intervention, the victim, through her attorney, has expressed dissatisfaction with the eventual outcome, as the man was apparently fined but faced no criminal charges related to the alleged assault.

The lawsuit accuses Alaska Airlines of “grossly overserving” the passenger and neglecting its duty to protect passengers from such misconduct. It also brings allegations against the man for assault and battery. The victim seeks justice and accountability, emphasizing through her attorney that incidents like this should never happen to anyone else.

This case casts a spotlight on rising concerns about sexual assaults on airplanes, which have surged by 300% over the last five years according to federal data. Investigations into sexual misconduct in the aviation setting rose by 25% from 2019 to 2021, with alcohol frequently cited as a factor. Alarmingly, nearly 25% of reported victims are minors, and most of these incidents occur while passengers are asleep. Reports from the FBI also highlight that a significant portion of these cases involve either drugs or alcohol, underlining the importance of addressing how airlines serve alcohol to passengers.

While Alaska Airlines declined to comment on the pending legal case, the incident is not an isolated one for the airline or the broader aviation industry. A series of similar cases adds to the growing concerns about airline policies related to passenger safety.

In January 2025, another Alaska Airlines passenger, Trayton Ballot, was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after allegedly groping a 17-year-old girl on a flight from Anchorage 🇺🇸, Alaska. He has since pleaded not guilty to charges of abusive sexual contact. Another in-flight sexual assault occurred in March 2024, during which Justin Baker, 41, was accused of inappropriate acts towards an 18-year-old woman on an Alaska Airlines flight. In that case, Baker was convicted of abusive sexual contact after reportedly showing the victim explicit messages and groping her.

Such troubling incidents are not limited to Alaska Airlines. For instance, a woman filed a lawsuit in March 2024 against Delta Air Lines after she was allegedly sexually assaulted on a flight from Phoenix 🇺🇸 to Seattle. In this case, the attacker, Duane Brick, who worked as a mechanic for the airline, later pleaded guilty and now faces a potential prison sentence. The industry-wide significance of these incidents raises pressing questions regarding the adequacy of airline policies to protect passengers.

Experts and legal professionals are urging airlines to take concrete steps to minimize risks of such incidents in-flight. Stricter alcohol service policies, better staff training to recognize predatory behavior, and robust procedures to handle passenger complaints and concerns appear to be critical measures. The confined space of an airplane cabin, combined with the effects of alcohol at high altitudes, creates a unique environment where such incidents can escalate quickly.

Mark Lindquist, the attorney representing the victim suing Alaska Airlines, emphasized the role alcohol plays in many of these incidents. “Alcohol is not an excuse. Alcohol is not a defense to sexual assault,” he said. “Still, alcohol seems to be involved in every one of these cases I’ve seen. Airlines need to be more cautious about overserving.” His remarks point to the broader issue of how airlines should balance their responsibility to serve alcohol responsibly with the need to create a safe space for all passengers.

The data on the rise of sexual assaults in flight suggests a sector requiring systemic reform. Airlines continue to face criticism not only for how they handle alcohol service but also for the way they respond to passenger complaints. Victims often report feeling unsupported, and in cases like this one, legal action becomes their only avenue for seeking accountability.

This particular case against Alaska Airlines could serve as a pivotal moment for reviewing industry-wide practices. As more details emerge during the legal process, the lawsuit might reveal nuances about airline protocols and staff training. If the court finds Alaska Airlines negligent in its alcohol service and passenger safety measures, this could press airlines to enforce stricter policies across the board. Such changes could include limiting alcohol quantities per passenger or instituting mandatory staff training specifically designed to prevent in-flight misconduct.

For the victim, the impact of the alleged assault has extended beyond the flight itself. She reportedly contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Hawaii multiple times to follow up on potential criminal charges against her alleged assailant. However, after learning the man was only fined, the victim expressed her belief that this was an inadequate response to the seriousness of the incident. This aspect not only underscores gaps in enforcement but adds to the sense of urgency surrounding efforts to protect passengers.

The case also draws attention to the complex logistics of enforcing laws and safety measures at 30,000 feet. While flight attendants are tasked with the dual objectives of ensuring safety and providing customer service, balancing these can be especially challenging during flights with increased alcohol consumption. Airlines must navigate these challenges carefully and consider adopting policies that maximize passenger wellbeing without compromising service quality.

The lawsuit also raises important questions about overserving alcohol. Alcohol can impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and heighten aggression—factors that can lead to situations like the one described in this case. Critics argue that airlines have a responsibility to limit how much alcohol they serve, particularly when a passenger shows signs of intoxication.

As this specific lawsuit moves through the legal system, the outcomes could influence the broader conversation around airline safety and accountability. Commercial flight numbers continue to increase globally, making the issue even more relevant. If airlines face penalties for negligence related to in-flight sexual assaults, they will likely be motivated to reevaluate and improve their policies. In turn, better training, stricter alcohol guidelines, and more responsive procedures could become standard across the industry.

While the final outcome of this legal case cannot yet be determined, its progression will undoubtedly spark larger discussions about reforms necessary to make air travel safer. For those affected by such incidents, whether directly or indirectly, cases like this highlight the need for immediate action. Federal authorities, legal experts, and advocacy groups are likely to continue pressing air carriers to prioritize passenger safety and implement measures to curb rising rates of in-flight sexual misconduct.

For further updates on aviation safety guidelines and passenger rights, readers can consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s official website here. According to VisaVerge.com’s analysis, lawsuits like these play a critical role in holding companies accountable and ensuring the safety of passengers in the future. This case against Alaska Airlines could mark a step toward industry-wide changes aimed at fostering a more secure flying experience.

Learn Today

Negligent → Failing to take proper care or responsibility, typically resulting in harm or damage to others.
Overserving → Providing someone with an excessive amount of alcohol, often leading to intoxication and associated risks.
Assault and Battery → Legal terms describing physical attacks or harmful, offensive contact made without consent.
In-flight Misconduct → Any inappropriate or illegal behavior that occurs during an airplane flight, potentially endangering safety or comfort.
Accountability → Responsibility for one’s actions, especially in ensuring proper conduct and addressing consequences for errors or harm.

This Article in a Nutshell

A lawsuit against Alaska Airlines highlights rising in-flight sexual assaults, with claims of overserving alcohol and neglecting passenger safety. The victim, groped by an intoxicated passenger, seeks justice, sparking urgent calls for stricter alcohol policies and staff training. Airlines face mounting pressure to prioritize safety, ensuring incidents like this never happen again.
— By VisaVerge.com