CHICAGO- A passenger on United Airlines (UA) reported alleged lewd conduct by a seatmate during a short flight from Rochester International Airport (ROC) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The woman said she reported the alleged incident to the cabin crew but was later instructed to return to the seat beside the man for landing. She also questioned how United handled the incident after the aircraft reached Newark.
United Passenger Reports Alleged Indecent Conduct
A 25-year-old passenger from western New York said she experienced an alleged incident of public masturb*tion while traveling on United Express Flight 3626 from Rochester to Newark on September 3, 2026.
The flight was operated by Republic Airways under the United Express brand using an Embraer E175. The aircraft departed Rochester at 6:13 a.m. local time and arrived in Newark at 6:57 a.m., making the flight approximately 44 minutes long.
According to the passenger, the man seated beside her was allegedly masturbating before she left her seat and notified the cabin crew. She told NBC News that she was allowed to remain standing for part of the flight, although the available information does not establish exactly what action the crew took after receiving her complaint.
Passenger Says She Was Returned to the Same Seat
As the aircraft prepared for landing, the passenger said flight attendants instructed her to return to her assigned seat.
She reportedly explained that she was uncomfortable sitting next to the man again. However, because no alternative seats were available, she said she was told she would need to return to her original seat for the final part of the flight.
The passenger said she was told the landing process would take only about five minutes. She later said the process took longer, leaving her beside the same passenger for a greater portion of the approach and landing.
She described the man as being approximately 35 to 40 years old and said he appeared outwardly ordinary. Her account also included concerns about whether similar behavior may have occurred previously, although that conclusion was her personal impression and was not independently established.
Flight Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 3, 2026 |
| Flight | United Express 3626 |
| Airline | United Express, operated by Republic Airways |
| Aircraft | Embraer E175 |
| Departure | Rochester International Airport (ROC) |
| Destination | Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) |
| Departure time | 6:13 a.m. local time |
| Arrival time | 6:57 a.m. local time |
| Flight duration | Approximately 44 minutes |
Passenger Says the Man Left the Airport Without Being Stopped
The passenger said the man was allowed to leave the aircraft after it arrived at Newark and was not stopped by police at the airport.
She subsequently reported the incident to a United gate agent. According to her account, the agent questioned what could be done and told her that she was responsible for contacting police.
The passenger said another United employee later told her that established procedures had not been followed and advised her to submit a formal complaint to the airline.
She also said she contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about the incident.
Federal Law May Apply to Certain Conduct on Aircraft
Federal law addresses lewd, indecent, or obscene acts committed aboard aircraft in flight. The passenger’s complaint referenced 49 U.S.C. § 46506, a federal statute covering certain offenses involving aircraft.
The specific legal consequences depend on the facts established by investigators and prosecutors. A passenger’s allegation alone does not establish that a criminal offense occurred or that a particular penalty applies.
United Responded With a $100 Flight Credit
The passenger said United responded to her complaints by email but did not agree to discuss the incident with her by telephone.
She also said the airline did not confirm whether the flight crew formally documented the alleged conduct.
United subsequently provided her with a $100 flight credit. According to the passenger, her trip had cost approximately $400, meaning the credit represented about one-quarter of that amount.
The passenger characterized the compensation as inadequate given her experience.
Previous Incidents Have Raised Similar Questions
The reported incident follows earlier cases involving allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct aboard commercial aircraft.
In 2018, United faced criticism after a female passenger reported that a male seatmate had exposed himself during a flight to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The case also drew questions about whether police had been contacted.
More recently, an American Airlines flight involved a female passenger who allegedly removed her clothing and engaged in indecent behavior during the flight. Authorities met the aircraft after landing in Miami, and the passenger was arrested.
These incidents illustrate the range of responses that can follow reports of disruptive or allegedly criminal behavior aboard aircraft. The response can depend on the circumstances, available evidence, crew actions, law-enforcement involvement, and the applicable jurisdiction.
What Remains Unclear
Several aspects of the September 3 incident remain unresolved based on the passenger’s account.
It has not been established publicly whether the alleged conduct was independently witnessed by other passengers or crew members, whether the crew created a formal incident report, or whether law enforcement subsequently investigated the matter.
The available account also does not establish whether the male passenger was interviewed or identified by authorities.
United’s reported email response and the $100 flight credit indicate that the airline addressed the passenger’s complaint, but they do not by themselves establish what actions were taken during the flight or whether the incident was referred to law enforcement.
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