Understanding Airplane Sexual Assault
Sexual assault aboard commercial aircraft can happen on any airline, on any route, and in any class of service — from a short domestic trip to an overnight international flight.
Several factors make airplanes a uniquely dangerous environment for this kind of assault, including cramped seating that puts strangers in close contact, dimmed cabin lighting, alcohol being readily served, and passengers having no way to leave or call the police for help.
Airplane sexual assault lawsuits commonly allege that:
- Airline staff failed to intervene after witnessing inappropriate contact
- Crew members over-served alcohol to a passenger who went on to commit an assault
- Flight attendants or crew members ignored a passenger’s complaint or request to be moved
- The airline failed to report the assault to law enforcement or the FBI upon landing, as required by federal law
- The airline failed to train staff on how to recognize and respond to in-flight sexual misconduct
- Known or repeat offenders were allowed to continue flying with the airline
Passenger-on-passenger sexual assault on flights is a growing concern, with reports of assaults made to the FBI rising more than 30% from 2023 to 2024, according to a CBS News investigation.
Sexual assault on an airplane can cause lasting psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and a fear of flying that may affect a survivor’s personal and professional life for years to come.
Survivors may be able to pursue justice and compensation from both the perpetrator and the airline that failed to protect them. Contact us to learn more about your rights after experiencing sexual assault on an airplane.
Sokolove Law Is Here for You
Our sexual assault lawyers know how difficult what you’re going through is. We’re here to help you fight back and secure the justice you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Airplane Sexual Assault?
When a sexual assault happens on an airplane, responsibility often extends beyond the individual who committed it. Airlines have a duty to protect passengers and ensure their crew is trained to prevent and respond to misconduct in the air.
Parties that may be held responsible for airplane sexual assault include:
- Individual abusers
- The airline operating the flight, which may be liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or failure to respond to a complaint
Our airline sexual abuse lawyers are here to help survivors understand their legal options and take the next step toward justice.
How to File an Airplane Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Survivors of airplane sexual assault may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the individual who harmed them and the airline that failed to protect them.
Filing a lawsuit shouldn’t add to a survivor’s burden. We handle every step of the legal process so our clients can focus on moving forward.
Our airplane sexual assault lawyers can:
- Provide a free case review to determine your eligibility to take legal action
- Collect evidence, including any reports made to law enforcement or the FBI, flight records, witness statements, and seating information
- File your airplane sexual assault lawsuit in the correct court before any legal deadlines
- Negotiate a settlement with the defendant(s)
- Pursue compensation from a trial verdict, if a settlement is unable to be reached
Compensation from an airplane sexual assault lawsuit may help cover therapy, lost wages, and other losses tied to the assault, while also holding negligent airlines accountable so other passengers may be protected in the future.
Call (866) 418-2146 now to see if you may be able to file an airplane sexual assault lawsuit.
