Unruly Passenger That Caused Diversion Now Owes Delta $9,118
At the end of May, a man caused Delta Flight 1156 from Portland (PDX) to Atlanta (ATL) to divert to Tulsa, Oklahoma (TUL) after behaving unruly while in flight. Now, that man has pleaded guilty to a federal assault charge regarding the incident — and it'll cost him.
According to the Associated Press, 29-year-old Bolutife Olorunda of Vancouver, Washington, owes Delta $9,118 for the cost of diverting the flight after pleading guilty to a federal assault charge. On top of that, Olorunda is facing up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
According to a passenger on the flight, Olorunda was "singing really loudly," and when a flight attendant attempted to tame him, Olorunda reportedly "threw off his headphones and said, 'Touch me again and you'll regret it.'"
The scenario ultimately led to a federal air marshal intervention, an apology from Delta to those affected by the diversion delay and an investigation by the FBI. Interfering with the duties of a flight attendant by assault or intimidation is a federal crime punishable by a fine and/or prison time.
Though the $9,118 fine owed to Delta may seem steep, it's probably not that bad considering what a flight diversion actually costs an airline. A Hawaiian Airlines passenger was charged $98,000 for causing a diversion after threatening his family, flight attendants and other passengers on board, with the costs stemming from "fuel cost, maintenance, ground crew, a new flight crew and re-accommodating passengers on other flights." That cost left out the airline's $47,000 expense toward meal vouchers for the affected passengers.
H/T: AP News
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app