A Spirit Airlines (S64) (SAVE) passenger was arrested at Nashville International Airport (BNA) after police received a call around 19:00 p.m. on November 27, 2021 from the airline regarding a disruptive passenger on a flight arriving at BNA.
According to an arrest affidavit seen by local media, the arrested passenger assaulted multiple flight attendants, punching one and pulling another flight attendants’ hair. The passenger was then restrained by other passengers on board using zip-ties and was charged with public intoxication.
The passenger was identified as 42-year-old Amanda Henry, who according to an affidavit, was publicly intoxicated. Police described Henry’s eyes as bloodshot and said she had a scent of alcohol so strong that they could smell it while attempting to carry her off the aircraft.
Based on the arrest affidavit, Henry yelled at police officers on several occasions after her
arrest, using expletives and saying “I didn’t do anything wrong” and “shoot me.” The passenger also resisted getting into the police cruiser, including by stiffening her legs to prevent officers from closing the door.
The affidavit said that the flight crew did not want to press charges against Henry.
Henry was released on the morning of November 28, 2021 after posting a $100 bond. Her charges have been dismissed.
Spirit Airlines (S64) (SAVE) did not immediately respond to AeroTime News when asked for a statement regarding the incident.
Alcohol-related incidents on flights have alarmingly risen over the past year.
According to the FAA, it had received nearly 300 reports of passenger disturbances due to alcohol and intoxication since January 1, 2021.
In November 22, 2021, the administration proposed $161,823 in civil penalties against eight airline passengers for alleged unruly behavior involving alcohol.
In August 2021, FAA administrator Steve Dickson wrote a letter to airport leaders advising them that as the number of passengers traveling has increased, so has the number of unruly and unsafe behavior incidents on planes and in airports.
Dickson reminded airport leaders that although the FAA has levied civil fines against unruly passengers, it has no authority to prosecute criminal cases, and has requested airports work to prevent passengers from bringing ‘to-go’ cups of alcohol aboard the aircraft.