Пассажир Southwest подал в суд на авиакомпанию после вирусной атаки в полете.

DALLAS— A Southwest Airlines (WN) passenger filed a lawsuit and is testing the airline’s long-standing open seating policy.

A Kansas passenger, Livia Rombola, has filed suit against Southwest Airlines after being assaulted mid-flight by fellow traveler Leanna Perry. The attack happened aboard Flight 779 from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Kansas City International Airport (MCI).

Photo: Jeffrey S.S | Pexels

Southwest Passenger Sues Airline

The lawsuit, filed in New York State Supreme Court, claims Southwest Airlines’ open seating policy played a direct role in the violent confrontation.

According to the complaint, Perry, described as intoxicated, became aggressive during boarding when she rejected seats and eventually chose to sit near Rombola.

Moments later, she pulled Rombola’s hair, spat in her face, and hurled slurs at her. Video of the incident circulated widely online, further amplifying Rombola’s distress.

Attorneys argue that Southwest’s “free-for-all” approach to seating deviates from industry norms, making conflicts foreseeable. Rombola’s lawyer, Joel J. Turney, stated the airline’s failure to assign seats “was a substantial factor in the cause of the incident.”

The suit also notes that Perry should never have been allowed to board in an intoxicated state, citing federal regulations prohibiting carriers from transporting visibly drunk passengers.

Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr

Details of the Mid-Flight Assault

The altercation occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on June 17, 2025. Witnesses report Perry loudly objected to seating arrangements before escalating into verbal and physical attacks on Rombola.

Passengers and crew attempted to calm the situation, but Perry continued shouting obscenities and insults until she was restrained with zip ties and later removed by police.

Police charged Perry with attempted assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, and obstructing governmental administration. Each charge carries potential jail time. She has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial in Queens Criminal Court.

Beyond physical injuries, Rombola’s complaint highlights the emotional and reputational damage caused by viral footage of the brawl.

The video, widely shared on social media and in news coverage, left her dealing with professional embarrassment and social stigma. The lawsuit argues that repeated exposure to the footage has compounded her trauma.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Southwest’s Seating Policy Under Pressure

Southwest Airlines, long known for its unassigned seating model, announced in 2025 that it would phase out the policy beginning in January 2026, after surveys showed that 80 percent of customers prefer assigned seats.

While some passengers enjoy the flexibility, critics have long argued that the system can fuel stress and occasionally lead to conflicts during boarding.

The airline declined to comment on the lawsuit but previously stated that the disruptive passenger was removed and denied further boarding.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data shows over 1,000 reports of unruly passenger behavior on U.S. flights in 2025, underscoring broader safety concerns.

Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr

Bottom Line

Rombola is seeking damages to be determined in court. Perry, who has about three weeks to formally respond to the civil complaint, faces parallel criminal proceedings.

The case has already drawn attention to the risks of airline boarding policies and raises questions about airline responsibility for passenger conduct.

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News

The post Southwest Passenger Sues Airline After Viral Mid-Flight Assault appeared first on Aviation A2Z.