A shocking case of air rage has resulted in a prison sentence for a passenger who assaulted an American Airlines flight attendant during a heated argument about face mask regulations.
Estes Carter Thompson III, 38, from California, was sentenced to four months behind bars for the violent incident that occurred on a flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC in January 2022.
The Violent Onboard Incident
According to court documents, the altercation began when Thompson became aggressive after being asked to properly wear his face mask. Witnesses described how the situation escalated dramatically when Thompson punched the flight attendant in the face, causing visible injuries.
The attack was so severe that it left the crew member with a broken nose and three lost teeth, requiring extensive dental work to repair the damage.
Legal Consequences
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan delivered the sentence in Washington DC, emphasizing the seriousness of assaults on airline staff. In addition to the jail term, Thompson was ordered to pay $20,629 in restitution to cover the victim's medical expenses.
The judge noted that Thompson's actions not only endangered the flight attendant but also threatened the safety of everyone onboard the aircraft.
Growing Problem of Air Rage
This case highlights the increasing issue of passenger misconduct on flights, particularly regarding COVID-19 safety measures. Aviation authorities have reported a significant rise in disruptive behavior since the pandemic began.
American Airlines issued a statement condemning the attack and reaffirming their commitment to crew safety. The airline has implemented additional training for staff to handle such situations and continues to work with authorities to prosecute offenders.
