What happens if ‘you’ fight mid-air?

A Sri Lankan Airline passenger was taken into custody, produced in court, and then bailed on surety after he got on to a mid-air fight.

The person in concern has allegedly attacked the flight staff.

Whilst there are always two sides to the story, passengers should try to remain calm, controlling their emotions in any situation.

This will help them that they don’t get into trouble and put others into trouble.

A news website quoting the Washington Post noted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has documented more than 1,200 cases of violent or disruptive behavior on flights this year.

This according to the news report is a record high straining airline crews and security systems and warns to be caution during mid-air flights.

Here’s what happens if and when a passenger gets into a fight mid-air or even on a grounded flight, either with the crew members or a passenger.

During the flight,

Flight attendants are fully trained to manage situations and de-escalate conflicts mid-air as quickly as possible.

However, it’s not easy with passengers with high temperaments or a lack of adequate emotional intelligence.

If the situation escalates, steps will be taken to physically restrain the person, using restraint kits (plastic handcuffs or zip ties).

Pilot kept informed

The crew will also inform the flight captain of the situation.

Depending on the severity, the pilot may contact air traffic control to request law enforcement to meet the plane upon landing.

Diversions

In worse-case scenarios, even planes may be diverted to the nearest airport and take steps to remove the disruptive passenger.

Just days ago, a flight from Chicago to Frankfurt was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport.

This was done, when a 28-year-old person attacked two teenage boys with a metal fork and also assaulted other passengers.

Possible Arrest

The first step upon landing will be that the disruptive passenger will be arrested.

Authorities may board the plane or arrest the passenger at the entry to the airport.

Investigations will continue with statements taken from the captain, crew, passengers, and any other available evidence, such as surveillance footage.

Charges

Depending on the country and severity, potential charges include:

Interference with flight crew or attendants
Assault or battery
Endangering an aircraft
Public intoxication or disorderly conduct

Possible Penalties

Penalties may differ from country to country.
Fines, jail time, or being banned from travelling or travelling on a specific airline
In some cases, a permanent criminal record

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, in the middle of this year announced that it will impose fines, starting at €500 ($579), on passengers with disruptive behaviors.

Other airlines too have its own rules and aviation regulation in practice to tackle a situation.

So – Be careful – Be Calm and Enjoy Your Travel.