Unruly aircraft passenger incident
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The gist
American Airlines flight 618 diverted to Baltimore after a passenger was duct-taped to his seat. The man, Arthur Lundeen, 67, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault.
Background
The incident occurred on September 3, 2026, on an American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark. The passenger became disruptive, allegedly yelling slurs and assaulting others, leading crew and passengers to restrain him with duct tape and zip ties. The plane diverted to Baltimore, where law enforcement arrested him. This event highlights ongoing concerns about unruly passenger behavior and in-flight safety protocols.
How it unfolded
- Sep 3, 2026American Airlines flight 618 departed Dallas-Fort Worth for Newark. A passenger in first class became disruptive, allegedly yelling slurs and assaulting others.
- Sep 3, 2026Crew and passengers restrained the man with duct tape and zip ties. The flight diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
- Sep 4, 2026Law enforcement met the aircraft and arrested Arthur Lundeen. He was charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- American Airlines stated they do not tolerate violence and thanked crew and passengers for their professionalism.
- Expert
- Travel expert Peter Greenberg said such restraint actions are common protocol and legal when passengers are unruly.
- Public
- Passenger Mejia described feeling victimized by the man's hateful and vulgar outburst, and said they helped restrain him.
Still unverified
Witnesses reported the man appeared drunk and used racial and anti-gay slurs, but these details are based on unverified accounts.