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A female passenger took to FlyerTalk to allege that a man “sexually battered” her while he was seated adjacent on United flight UA 881 between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). She sought compensation for an emergency flight back to the United States after the incident left her “suffering from panic attacks, anxiety, and insomnia.” She claims a United rep told her that they would pay for the flight and has not. Is it right to think United owes her any financial compensation or refund?
Here is how she describes the alleged incident:
I am outraged by the way United Airlines has handled the most traumatic experience of my life.On flight UA881 to Tokyo, I was sexually battered in my sleep by the man sitting next to me. I woke up to him groping my legs. I was in complete shock and fear. By the time I arrived, I was already suffering from panic attacks, anxiety, and insomnia. After multiple sleepless nights, my doctor urged me to return home immediately to begin treatment. I was forced to cut my trip short by over two weeks and pay over $3,200 out of pocket for an emergency flight back home. While arranging this return travel, I was assured by a United representative that the airline would reimburse the cost of this emergency flight.
However, United Airlines failed to follow through on that commitment. My case was closed without any meaningful response, support, or acknowledgment of the severity of what occurred. Despite providing extensive documentation—including medical records, a police report, and a letter from my physician—I have received no action, no follow-up, and no expression of concern.
It is difficult to describe how devastating it is to endure such a violation and then be completely dismissed by the very airline entrusted with my safety. United Airlines has demonstrated an alarming lack of care, responsibility, and basic human decency in their handling of this matter.
If you’re looking for an airline that will support you in a crisis — do not fly United. They abandoned me when I needed them most.”
Anthony’s Take: No one should be touched in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Hopefully, this woman will get some solid legal advice and the mental health assistance that she needs to deal with the panic attacks and other conditions that were triggered here.
(Image Credits: FlyerTalk and United Airlines.)
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2 comments
Has a Japanese prosecutor acted on the police report?
The passenger can initiate a civil lawsuit against the passenger.
If the passenger sues United, she will have to come up with causes of action.
The passenger’s damages may be limited by the Montreal convention.
Not every case can be won. In some cases, seeking psychiatric treatment then moving on with life is the best plan. The decision on the best plan depends on the facts, which we don’t have.
I’m inclined to believe the woman’s assertions but you’re right that her not getting a lawyer is extremely odd.