An American Airlines flyer claims the carrier should have done more to prevent an alleged sexual assault aboard their aircraft – something the FBI says is becoming a bigger problem than before.

An American Airlines passenger is taking the company to court, saying they had an obligation to protect her from an alleged sexual assault by another passenger.

The Independent reports the lawsuit is based on a claimed incident aboard a 2022 flight.

FBI Says Sexual Assaults Aboard Aircraft is “On the Rise”

According to the unnamed passenger, she was flying with a friend in August 2022 on a night flight from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Seated next to her was an “unknown male passenger.” After takeoff, she says flight attendants turned off the lights for the evening flight, which is when the assault began.

She claims she was awakened during the flight by the man’s hand inside her pants sexually assaulting her underneath a jacket. The passenger said she pushed the man off her, saying he then attempted to downplay the incident. In her account, she says her friend ultimately reported the assault to the flight attendants, who then reseated her. She further goes on to say the flight was met by law enforcement officers who escorted the man off the aircraft and took statements from both the victim and witnesses.

According to the FBI, the number of sexual assaults on aircraft is becoming a “serious federal crime that is on the rise.” In an April 2024 bulletin, the agency said they opened 96 reports of assaults on commercial aircraft in 2023, with woman and unaccompanied minors as the most common victims. The FBI says the typical assault usually takes place “in middle or window seats,” when flyers are attempting to sleep and are “covered with a blanket or jacket.” The bulletin goes on to say: “They report waking up to their seatmate’s hands inside their clothing or underwear.”

In cases of accused sexual assault, the FBI says immediate reporting is crucial, as “crime aboard aircraft is more difficult to investigate once days, or even hours, have passed following the incident since witnesses depart and recollections fade.” If an immediate report cannot be filed with the flight crew to alert law enforcement prior to landing, the FBI says victims should file a report as soon as possible after the flight.

In a statement to The Independent, American said they are “reviewing the lawsuit and details of the flight.” The action is still pending before a court, and no decision has been reached.

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