A Spirit Airlines flight from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to Boston, Massachusetts ended with a chaotic altercation between two passengers on Tuesday night. The incident, which was captured on a cell phone video, showed two men throwing punches as soon as the plane touched down at Logan International Airport. The viral video has since been shared on social media and has sparked a debate about the safety and security on flights.
According to witnesses on the flight, the two men were heard shouting throughout the two-hour journey, but the fight did not become physical until the plane landed. Nicole Grome, a passenger on the flight, stated that she and her parents were seated close to the men and had a clear view of the altercation. She described the scene as tense and frightening, with the flight attendant desperately trying to shield herself from the punches.
Video footage from the incident showed the two men exchanging blows in the middle of the aisle, while the flight attendant repeatedly yelled for them to stop. The passengers, including Grome’s family, commended the flight attendant for risking her own safety to protect the other passengers. Grome’s mother, Laura, expressed her gratitude towards the flight attendant and stated that flying is no longer the same as it used to be.
A fight broke out between two passengers on a #SpiritAirlines flight after they landed at #Boston Airport from #MyrtleBeach on Tuesday night. The airline announced the two men involved are not welcome anymore on Spirit Airlines flights.
🎥 ©https://t.co/ogKJknCEDJ#Spirit #US pic.twitter.com/3BrNVyMPKX
— FlightMode (@FlightModeblog) May 10, 2024
Spirit Airlines, the operator of the flight, confirmed that the two men involved in the fight have been placed on their no-fly list. They also stated that they have zero tolerance for any disruptive behavior on their flights. A spokesperson for the airline added that law enforcement was requested to handle the situation and that the two men are no longer welcome on any of their flights.
Massachusetts State Police Trooper Brandon Doherty confirmed that they responded to the scene after the altercation had occurred. He stated that upon their arrival, both men had already exited the security checkpoint. The victim of the confrontation reported to the police that he was not injured and did not wish to press charges. As a result, no charges were filed against the two men.
The incident has sparked discussions about the safety and security measures on flights, with many expressing their concerns about the rising number of in-flight altercations. Advocates for stricter policies have called for harsher consequences for those who engage in disruptive behavior on planes. However, others argue that incidents like these are isolated and should not reflect on the overall safety of flights.
Flyers Rights, a nonprofit organization that advocates for passengers’ rights, stated that they receive thousands of complaints each year about unruly passengers. They believe that this incident showcases the need for a more proactive approach from airlines when it comes to handling disruptive passengers. They also stated that it is essential that passengers do not intervene in such situations and instead let the flight attendants handle the situation.
Spirit Airlines has stated that they take their passengers’ safety and security seriously and will continue to enforce strict measures to ensure a peaceful and safe journey for all. They also urge passengers to adhere to their policies and respect the safety and comfort of their fellow travelers. The incident is currently being investigated by the authorities at Logan International Airport, and the two men involved have been banned from further Spirit Airlines flights.
