A passenger who recently disrupted a Delta Airlines flight from Honolulu to Seattle has now been charged with federal crimes. These latest charges follow the unprecedented $52,500 fine imposed by the FAA for assaulting and interfering with the aircraft and its crew. In total, the potential fine is more than $300,000, plus the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.
A federal grand jury in Seattle just returned the indictment that charged Ryan Cajimat, 21, of Kapolei, Hawaii. He is accused of two federal crimes for disruptive and violent conduct on the December 24, 2020 flight. Cajimat is due to appear for arraignment on the charges on November 18, 2021.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, and based on records filed in the case and in public reports, Cajimat became disruptive about two hours prior to landing in Seattle. He attempted to open the cockpit door and fought with flight attendants who attempted to restrain him.
The assailant punched one of the Delta Airlines flight attendants twice in the face. Cajimat was subsequently restrained for the duration of the flight and then removed from the plane when it landed in Seattle.
While the FAA issued a $52,500 fine, Delta Airlines has banned him from any future travel on the airline.
Cajimat is facing charges for interfering with the flight crew and for assault “within a special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Interference is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assault on an aircraft is punishable by up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.” That according to the US Attorney’s Office in Seattle.
The FBI is continuing to investigate the case with the help of Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Walton-Anderson.
This comes following a widely publicized issue that happened this week on American Airlines, albeit not involving Hawaii. In that case, a New York to California flight was diverted to Denver when a passenger assaulted a flight attendant in what was described as an altercation related to a mask requirement.
The man had been drinking and did not want to wear a mask apparently. He punched a female flight attendant in the face, breaking her nose, which required hospitalization.
American Airlines said it was “outraged by the reports of what took place on board. The individual involved in this incident will never be allowed to travel with American Airlines in the future, but we will not be satisfied until he has been prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” it said without elaborating on what triggered the altercation. “This behavior must stop, and aggressive enforcement and prosecution of the law is the best deterrent.”
Bad behavior on this Hawaii flight resulted in the highest FAA fine to date.
The FAA’s fine, in this case, is the largest yet, as relates to this passenger who attempted to open the cockpit door, disobeyed cabin crew instructions, then physically assaulted a flight attendant multiple times.
Managing stress on a plane.
1. Don’t fly if you are angry or having a difficult time dealing with a situation in your life. That could make matters worse in the air.
2. Watch alcohol intake if that changes your personality. You are still responsible for your actions.
3. Remember that flight attendants are there for our safety. They work in an incredibly stressful environment, and need to be treated professionally.
Um Yes…both are 100% useless in your two scenarios. I’m sorry, but where exactly is the logic here, Stanley?
Why would you “be more relaxed without the mask”, if you have anyone untested that gets on a plane, regardless if they have been vaccinated or not? The logical conclusion would be that everyone should be tested, and test negative, before getting on a plane, since the virus can be passed along by anyone. Being vaccinated has no relevance, and definitely shouldn’t allow a free pass.
These incidents might slow down if severe penalties are actually applied and not just set out as “possible”. Plus, the lifetime ban needs to not only be enforced on the airline where the event occurred but on all US carriers. Let the misbehavior on other airlines be dealt with by those countries.
They Must be held accountable.The Message must be united and very Strong, if you do these things you will Pay for it. If customers lose faith in flying safely, that could impact so many and cost big $$$ not to mention putting people out of work when the flying numbers drop. There is NO excuse for these behaviors. The do not-fly list needs to be shared so All other Airlines unite together and the message is clear, this is Unacceptable, won’t be tolerated!