Delta Air Lines passenger drunkenly slugged retiree over reclining seat: lawsuit
Share this @internewscast.com

A retired woman mourning her son’s death was allegedly punched in the chest by an inebriated Delta Air Lines passenger after she requested that a reclined seat be adjusted, as per a federal lawsuit.

Minnie Holmes, aged 72, was on a flight back to Minneapolis from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She voiced her dissatisfaction when another female passenger reclined her seat so far that it blocked access to her tray table, according to documents reviewed by The Post.

The lawsuit filed against Delta Air Lines on Tuesday claims that the other passenger and her companion were “loud” and “using foul language,” creating a scene after they were served numerous alcoholic drinks.

Holmes’ daughter then “politely” asked the woman to move up her seat, but she angrily refused, the filing stated.


Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 landing at London Heathrow Airport.
Minnie Holmes was allegedly drunkenly punched in the chest by the male partner of a woman whom she complained had reclined her seat back too far. NurPhoto via Getty Images

After the loud retort, a Delta employee was alerted to the group and told the female passenger she was allowed to keep her seat reclined — and eventually came back to serve the already allegedly intoxicated couple even more alcohol, the lawsuit claimed.

The couple then grew more drunk, even jeering at Holmes, all while continuing to be served alcohol, according to the filing, which did not identify the pair.

While Holmes’ daughter went to help her mother grab something from her bag, the angry man allegedly reached behind the seat and forcefully punched Holmes in the chest, according to the lawsuit.

The shocking blow caused Holmes “substantial pain,” the document said.


A hand holding a cup of beer on an airplane.
Flight attendants allegedly continued to serve the couple drinks despite their visible drunkenness and excessive “swearing.” Getty Images/iStockphoto

Despite knowing about the attack, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant allegedly just told the group, “You guys need to figure this out.”

The couple was eventually moved to other seats further away from Holmes and were then escorted off the plane and to law enforcement at the end of the flight, the lawsuit said. It was not clear if they were charged.

Holmes, who had recently lost her son Stephen, had gone on the trip to Puerto Rico for relief during the difficult time, according to the filing.

Now, the retiree is “unable to look at the photos from the trip because it causes her great distress to think about being assaulted by the intoxicated passenger,” the lawsuit said.

Holmes is now seeking a monetary award from Delta for the medical expenses, emotional distress, and pain she allegedly suffered following the assault, the lawsuit said.

“While we don’t have any specific comment on this pending litigation, Delta has zero tolerance for customers who engage in inappropriate or unlawful behavior toward other customers or Delta people and will work with law enforcement to that end,” a Delta spokesperson told the Independent.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Biographer urged Epstein to bash Trump for 'political cover' in newly released emails

Revealed Emails: Biographer’s Push for Epstein to Criticize Trump for Strategic Advantage

In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, the Republican members of…
California university students' third attempt to form TPUSA chapter denied

California Students Face Setback in Effort to Launch TPUSA Chapter

Students at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego have faced another…
Could you see an aurora tonight? NOAA issues Geomagnetic Storm Watch

Catch a Glimpse of Tonight’s Northern Lights: NOAA Alerts on Geomagnetic Storm

In the coming days, certain regions of the United States and Canada…
South Loop's Game Changer: Inside 'The 78,' Chicago Fire Stadium, ABC7 Tanja Babich visits Overflow coffee at 14th and Michigan

South Loop Transformation: A Look Inside ‘The 78’ with Chicago Fire Stadium and ABC7’s Tanja Babich’s Visit to Overflow Coffee

Our Coffee Chat Series recently made its debut in Chicago’s vibrant South…
ABC7 Chicago kicks off annual Feed the Love campaign as SNAP benefits in limbo for millions | How to donate

ABC7 Chicago Launches Annual ‘Feed the Love’ Initiative Amidst Uncertainty Over SNAP Benefits; Here’s How to Contribute

The ongoing federal government shutdown has left millions of Americans without their…
Matching family pajamas: 12 Christmas and holiday options for everyone in the family, including pets

12 Festive Family Pajama Sets: Perfect Holiday Picks for Everyone, Including Pets

As part of various affiliate marketing programs, Localish may earn commissions on…
Passenger finds loaded magazine with mysterious inscription on Atlanta plane; FBI notified

FBI Investigates: Loaded Magazine with Cryptic Inscription Discovered on Atlanta Flight

On Sunday, the FBI was alerted after a loaded gun magazine was…
China moves into Venezuela as Maduro regime gets Beijing lifeline amid US tensions

China Strengthens Ties with Venezuela: Maduro Secures Key Support Amid US Strain

Venezuela’s Maduro accuses US of starting ‘eternal war’ Daniel Di Martino, a…
Two brothers who survived the Parkland shooting hurt after Ybor City crash

Parkland Shooting Survivors and Brothers Injured in Ybor City Collision

On Friday night, Connor and Brandon Dietrich, along with their close friend…
Deadly explosions in India and Pakistan occur within 24 hours — at least 20 dead

Tragic Explosions in India and Pakistan Claim Over 20 Lives Within 24 Hours

In a tragic turn of events, twin explosions in India and Pakistan…
Trump’s America First strategy builds deterrence through strong US-Israel alliance, experts say

Experts Highlight Strengthened US-Israel Alliance as a Pillar of Trump’s America First Strategy for Deterrence

Once dismissed as isolationist, Donald Trump’s “America First” strategy is now being…
Chicago man with 25 prison sentences commits new burglaries within 48 hours of release

Chicago’s Infamous Repeat Offender Strikes Again: A Shocking 48-Hour Crime Spree Following 25 Sentences

A career criminal from Chicago, whose activities span over 40 years, has…