A US woman has shared footage of an airline passenger nudging the back of her reclined seat on a domestic flight, alleging his actions sparked severe headaches and forced her to visit a doctor.
NBC News reports Wendi Williams took to Twitter last week to alert American Airlines to the alleged altercation, which she says took place on a January 31 flight from New Orleans to Charlotte, North Carolina.
Williams said she reclined her seat on the flight, but the man behind her asked for the seat to be returned to its original position while he ate. She complied with his request, saying she reclined it once he had finished eating.
“At that point, he started hammering away at me,” Williams said.
Williams said the punching stopped when she turned her camera on the man, but the forcible nudging continued.
She also accused a flight attendant of dismissing her complaint and allegedly offering the man a rum for his troubles.
https://twitter.com/steelersfanOG/status/1226346795741143040
In a separate tweet, Williams alleged the flight attendant told her to delete the video.
https://twitter.com/steelersfanOG/status/1226180457152294913
In tweets directed at American Airlines, Williams said she has undergone “extensive neck surgeries” in the past and alleged the incident caused her significant pain.
“I’ve lost time at work, had to visit a doctor, got x-rays, and have has horrible headaches for a week,” she said.
Williams said an American Airlines staff member directed her to the FBI if she wanted to make a formal complaint, but she maintains responsibility lies with the airline, not law enforcement.
https://twitter.com/steelersfanOG/status/1228015476825088004
The footage has caused an outpouring of support for Williams on Twitter, with many users expressing their concern over the incident.
But the video has also reignited debate on about airline passenger etiquette, with some saying Williams should not have reclined her seat on a relatively short domestic flight in the first place.
https://twitter.com/steelersfanOG/status/1227958121429110784
https://twitter.com/steelersfanOG/status/1227749034250657792
https://twitter.com/steelersfanOG/status/1227818768140730368
https://twitter.com/steelersfanOG/status/1227769086081478656
In a statement obtained by Fox News, American Airlines said it is investigating the incident.
“We are aware of a customer dispute that transpired on American Eagle flight 4392, operated by Republic Airways on January 31,” an airline representative said.
“The safety and comfort of our customers and team members is our top priority.”
