A teenage girl on her way to a cheerleading competition in Florida has filed a lawsuit against Frontier Airlines, claiming the carrier over-served alcohol to a passenger who then sexually assaulted her mid-flight. The incident occurred on April 29, 2024, aboard Frontier flight 3855 from Philadelphia to Orlando.
According to the complaint, the 32-year-old male passenger was already showing signs of intoxication when he boarded and sat next to the 17-year-old girl. Despite disruptive behaviour including unwanted touching of a flight attendant, cabin crew continued to serve him five Tito's vodka cocktails during the two-hour journey.
The lawsuit alleges that the passenger then began groping the teen's legs, arms and hands, and attempted to kiss her neck. The girl was trapped in her window seat and feared further assault until a fellow passenger intervened. When she reported the incident to flight attendants, some allegedly joked about it in her presence.
Upon landing at Orlando International Airport, police arrested the passenger, who became combative during the removal. The teen says the experience ruined her performance in the cheerleading competition and caused lasting psychological trauma that forced her to abandon her dream of becoming a firefighter.
Frontier Airlines has not responded to requests for comment. The lawsuit was initially filed in Philadelphia state court and later moved to federal court.
