Disruptive passenger duct-taped on plane
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
American Airlines Flight 618 diverted to Baltimore after passenger Arthur Lundeen, 67, was duct-taped and zip-tied. Unruly passenger incidents exceed 1,160 this year, highlighting ongoing flight safety concerns.
Background
On Sept. 3, 2026, an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark was diverted to Baltimore after a passenger became disruptive, shouting vulgarities and racial slurs. Fellow passengers restrained him with duct tape and zip ties until police arrived. The FAA reports over 1,160 unruly passenger incidents this year, and such behavior can lead to civil penalties up to $40,000 per violation.
How it unfolded
- Sep 3, 2026American Airlines Flight 618 departed Dallas Fort Worth for Newark; a passenger, later identified as Arthur Lundeen, 67, became disruptive, shouting slurs and becoming violent.
- Sep 3, 2026 22:15The flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, where police arrested Lundeen after he was restrained with duct tape and zip ties.
- Sep 4, 2026American Airlines confirmed the diversion; photos and videos circulated on TMZ; FAA and FBI began investigations.
- Sep 5, 2026Lundeen appeared in court, waived his right to a lawyer, and was released on his own recognizance.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- American Airlines stated safety is top priority and they do not tolerate violence, thanking crew and customers for their professionalism.
- Witness
- Passenger Richard Olenick described the man as belligerent, making derogatory remarks and racial slurs toward staff and other passengers.
- Expert
- The FAA notes that unruly passengers face potential criminal charges and civil penalties up to $40,000 per violation, with single incidents leading to multiple infractions.
Still unverified
Witnesses reported the passenger appeared drunk and used racial and anti-gay slurs, but authorities have not confirmed these details.