American Airlines passenger faces over $80K in civil penalties for hitting, spitting crew

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is pursuing civil penalties totaling $81,950 against a Texas woman for disruptive behavior, including physical assaults on a flight attendant during an American Airlines flight three years ago.

Heather Wells, identified as the disruptive passenger, was seated in business class on flight AA 1774 from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in early July 2021, according to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas on June 3.

Approximately an hour into the flight, Wells became increasingly agitated after ordering an alcoholic beverage and expressed a desire to leave the plane. She left her seat, ran towards the back of the aircraft, and fell to her knees. Witnesses reported she then crawled back towards the main cabin, speaking incoherently to passengers.

When approached by a flight attendant, Wells became verbally aggressive, threatening physical harm. She pushed the crew member and attempted to open the front cabin door while shouting profanities.

Following an altercation where she physically assaulted a flight attendant multiple times, Wells was restrained using duct tape and flex cuffs. Despite these restraints, she continued to kick, spit, and attempt to bite both crew members and passengers. Tape was eventually used to cover her mouth.

Due to the flight’s short duration, the captain opted to continue to Charlotte rather than diverting. Law enforcement met the aircraft upon arrival.

While the plane was still taxiing, Wells managed to break free from her restraints and violently kicked, ultimately breaking the seat in front of her. She continued yelling profanities until sedated and removed from the aircraft after all passengers had disembarked.

American Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY.

Wells faces civil penalties: up to $45,000 for assaulting and threatening crew members, $27,950 for attempting to open the cabin door in-flight, and $9,000 for interfering with crew duties.

In a statement released Wednesday, the FAA emphasized its crackdown on unruly passenger incidents this summer amid a rise in cases. The agency warned that travelers who misbehave will face legal consequences and enforcement action.

To date, there have been 915 reported incidents of unruly passengers, with 106 linked to intoxication.