FORT WORTH- Layne Lundeen, 67, a realtor from Tucson, Arizona, has been indicted on federal charges following an alleged violent incident aboard an American Airlines (AA) flight from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Newark (EWR) on September 3, 2026.
The flight diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), where police removed Lundeen after passengers and crew restrained him with duct tape. Federal prosecutors announced the indictment on October 13.
What Happened Aboard the Flight?
According to the US Department of Justice, Lundeen allegedly assaulted another passenger and interfered with flight attendants attempting to perform their duties.
The incident reportedly began about an hour before the aircraft was due to land in Newark. Lundeen allegedly grabbed a seatmate by the neck and directed racist and homophobic abuse at nearby passengers and crew members.
Passengers and flight attendants intervened to control the situation. During the struggle, Lundeen allegedly bit one person hard enough to leave teeth marks. Other people reportedly had blood on them from wounds Lundeen appeared to have inflicted on himself.
The passengers and crew eventually restrained Lundeen in a first-class seat using duct tape wrapped around his body, shoulders, head and face.
The pilots diverted the aircraft to Baltimore so police could remove him. Photographs showing Lundeen restrained in his seat later circulated widely online.
Federal Charges and Potential Penalties
The federal indictment, announced on October 13, charges Lundeen with interfering with flight crew members and attendants, as well as assault by striking, beating and wounding.
Prosecutors allege that Lundeen interfered with crew duties by making physical contact with crew members, disregarding their instructions, using abusive and aggressive language, including racial slurs, and behaving disruptively toward crew members and other passengers.
If convicted, Lundeen faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for interference with flight crew members and attendants.
The assault charge carries a maximum prison term of one year. The interference charge may also carry a fine of up to $250,000 under applicable federal sentencing law.
These are maximum potential penalties, not a prediction of the sentence. The court would determine any sentence after considering the applicable law and sentencing factors. An indictment does not establish guilt, and Lundeen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The original report stated that Lundeen had been released on bail while awaiting trial or a possible plea agreement.
American Airlines’ Duct-Tape Restraint Policy
American Airlines is among the few US carriers reported to permit duct tape as a restraint in certain situations involving violent passengers. The airline reportedly carries tape onboard alongside a safety cutter so crew members can remove it quickly if circumstances change.
Other airlines have adopted different policies. United Airlines reminded its flight attendants in 2021 not to use duct tape to restrain passengers. Southwest Airlines has also instructed its crews not to use it.
The debate followed several restraint incidents across the industry. One earlier case involved a 13-year-old boy who was taped to his seat after attacking his mother.
Frontier Airlines faced a separate controversy in 2021 after crew members used duct tape to restrain a passenger accused of sexually assaulting a flight attendant. The airline initially suspended the crew members for not following its restraint procedures, then reversed its decision following pressure from the flight attendants’ union.
These cases highlight the challenges airlines face when managing violent behavior onboard. Crew members must protect passengers and staff while following approved restraint procedures.
FAA Reports on Unruly Passengers
PYOK reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had received 1,369 reports of unruly passenger behavior so far in 2026.
The FAA investigates incidents reported by airline crews when they involve possible violations of aviation regulations or federal law. Its official guidance on unruly passengers explains that interfering with crew duties can lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal prosecution.
The FAA’s figures cover reported incidents, not necessarily every disruptive event that occurs onboard an aircraft.
Lundeen’s case now moves through the federal court system. Its outcome will depend on the evidence presented, any plea agreement and the court’s findings.
The indictment underscores the potential consequences of allegedly assaulting passengers or interfering with flight crew members responsible for maintaining safety onboard.
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