A drunk passenger who exposed herself on a TUI flight from Birmingham to Florida has cost the airline £20,000, a court has heard.
Sarah Parker, 30, of Halifax, was travelling from Birmingham Airport to Melbourne, Florida, when she left her seat to use the toilet during take-off, despite the pilot's instructions to remain seated. The court was told that she then pulled down her shorts and underwear in the aisle in front of other passengers.
Flight diverted to Manchester
Her behaviour forced the flight to be halted and the aircraft to land at Manchester Airport. The financial cost to the airline has been put at £20,000.
Parker previously pleaded guilty to outraging public decency and admitted being drunk on a plane. She also admitted failing to comply with the instructions of the pilot prior to the incident on July 24, 2025.
Case sent to crown court
Magistrates in Manchester decided their sentencing powers were not sufficient given the gravity of the offence, and the case was sent to crown court.
Parker is due to be sentenced at Minshull Crown Court in Manchester on December 1.
