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
Body camera video released from fatal officer-involved shooting at Jacksonville home

Newly Released Body Cam Footage Reveals Details of Jacksonville Officer-Involved Shooting

In a tense incident earlier this month, Jacksonville police officers shot and…
Several treated due to mysterious smell in Glynn County; no threat to public safety, officials say

Mysterious Odor Incident in Glynn County: Officials Confirm No Public Safety Threat

A group of 11 individuals from Altama Elementary, encompassing both students and…
'El Mencho' dead: What comes next after notorious drug boss, leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel killed by Mexican military?

Impact of ‘El Mencho’s’ Death: Future of Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Mexico’s Drug War

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, infamously known as “El Mencho,” met his end in…
LAUSD meeting after FBI raid on Alberto Carvalho

LAUSD Holds Urgent Meeting Following FBI Raid on Superintendent Alberto Carvalho

The Los Angeles Unified School District is set to convene a private…
Los Angeles social media addiction trial: Plaintiff identified only as KGM describes emotional toll of Instagram, YouTube use

Los Angeles Trial Explores Emotional Impact of Social Media: Plaintiff KGM Shares Experiences with Instagram and YouTube

In a groundbreaking trial taking place in Los Angeles, a 20-year-old woman…
Frozen blueberries recalled over possible Listeria contamination

Urgent Recall Alert: Frozen Blueberries Pose Listeria Risk – What You Need to Know Now!

A company based in Oregon is pulling back almost 56,000 pounds of…
CIA makes social media push to recruit Iranians as Trump threatens military action

CIA Launches Social Media Campaign to Attract Iranian Recruits Amid Rising Tensions

WASHINGTON — In an effort to reach out to Iranians, the U.S.…
Alleged New Hampshire country club shooter said he was targeting wealthy ‘elites’: report

Report: New Hampshire Shooter Allegedly Targeted Affluent Club Members

A man from New Hampshire, accused of a deadly shooting at a…
Pakistan bombs Taliban targets in Afghan cities, minister calls it 'open war'

Pakistan Launches Strikes on Taliban Positions in Afghan Cities, Minister Declares ‘Open War

Pakistan launched airstrikes on Taliban government positions in key Afghan cities overnight,…
Ex-coach remembers Joseph Boutros after sudden death

Former Coach Reflects on the Legacy of Joseph Boutros Following Tragic Passing

The tragic passing of Joseph Boutros, a promising offensive lineman from Salve…
Asking Eric: Differing religious traditions create confusion in friendship

Navigating Faith: How Diverse Religious Traditions Challenge and Strengthen Friendships

Dear Eric: As an African American man nearing 70, I wouldn’t say…
LAPD officer hit with felony charges after allegedly skydiving while collecting full disability benefits

LAPD Officer Faces Felony Charges for Allegedly Skydiving During Disability Leave

Authorities have leveled accusations of insurance fraud against a Los Angeles police…