Flight turbulence: Passenger ordered to pay $38,900 in restitution to airline

A passenger of Hawaiian origin who caused trouble on a flight in February 2022 was last week sentenced to several months in jail, along with a hefty fine of nearly US$40,000 and forced to turn the plane around.

“During the flight, Farris used profanity and threatened the flight crew and passengers. Because of his behavior, the staff was unable to continue their duties,” the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona said in a statement Tuesday.

Kyla Faris, 29, pleaded guilty last September to interfering with an airline crew member while traveling on an airline from Phoenix, Arizona to Honolulu, Hawaii. American Airlines reported in February 2022 The New York Post Thursday.

According to the press release, the captain had no choice but to turn around and return the plane to Phoenix, with threats and profanity.

“For passengers on board, several flights to Hawaii have been diverted due to this disruption,” it reads.

The district judge, Susan Brnovich, sentenced American Airlines to 3.6 months in prison along with a hefty fine of US$38,952 to compensate American Airlines for costs related to the delays caused by its actions.

To this end, the prosecutor’s office announced on Tuesday that the woman will not be allowed on a commercial flight without prior approval for three years after her release.