Passenger was arrested after assaulting a flight attendant on duty

An American Airlines passenger was arrested after assaulting a flight attendant on duty. Passenger Chenasia Campbell punched the flight attendant multiple times which led to her arrest. The passenger aboard AA1357 from Miami to New York was restrained by an off-duty cop on board. Campbell was shouting “cops aren’t going to do anything to me” before she was arrested.

Campbell lodged verbal and physical assaults to the cabin crew

According to a report from Simple Flying, Chenasia Campbell followed a flight attendant to the crew area of the plane before launching into a verbal tirade. After a second flight attendant intervened, Campbell allegedly threw punches and pulled her hair. The passenger accused the cabin crew of not picking up the former’s garbage.

Campbell briefly got into a heated argument with another passenger before returning to the crew area and yelling obscenities at the crew. She punched the second flight attendant again before claiming, ‘cops aren’t going to do anything to me.’ The passenger also allegedly attempted to pull up or remove the flight attendant’s dress during the altercation.

Off-duty police officer on board

An off-duty New York police officer was on board during the incident. He immediately intervened and immediately placed the passenger on hand restraints for the duration of the flight. After the aircraft touched down in New York, Campbell was immediately turned over to the proper authorities. Fortunately, the flight attendant did not suffer any major injuries and required no immediate medical attention. The minor injuries however caused the cabin crew from further performing her duties on board.

Passenger assaulting flight attendant on duty quite an issue

The issue of a passenger assaulting a flight attendant on duty has to be addressed with stronger action. While each countries have laws that make passengers criminally liable for assaulting a cabin crew on duty, many passengers still continue to disregard this. Some Asian countries have already included basic self-defense as part of a flight attendant training.

Philippine Republic Act No. 9497, Chapter XI Sec. 81 clause 9

Philippine-based flight attendants are protected by RA9497 Chapter XI Sec. 81 clause 9, which says “Any person who, while on board an aircraft, interferes with a crewmember’s or flight attendant’s performance of their duties, assaults, intimidates, or threatens any crewmember or flight attendant, shall be subjected to imprisonment from one (1) year to three (3) years or a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) but not exceeding Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00), or both, as determined by the court;”

In other words, passengers may face arrest and criminal charges if they assault a flight attendant on duty.