A 67-year-old passenger who was taped to his seat with duct tape and zip ties on an American Airlines flight in the United States has been indicted on federal charges. The incident happened on 3 September on flight AA618 from Dallas/Fort Worth to Newark, which diverted to Baltimore because of the disturbance12. On 13 October the US Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland announced that Layne Lundeen of Tucson, Arizona, is charged with interfering with flight crew members and attendants and with assault34. The airport police who arrested him in September identified him as Arthur Lundeen1. An indictment is an allegation; he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court5.

What happened on board

Fellow passenger Juan Mejia, a former law enforcement officer, told ABC News the disturbance began about three quarters of the way into the flight. He said the man two rows behind him became belligerent towards the crew and other passengers and used racial slurs1. Mejia and his travelling companion Richard Olenick said they stepped in when the man became physical1. According to Olenick, the man grabbed his seatmate by the neck and bit Mejia during the struggle. Flight attendants handed the helpers zip ties and rolls of duct tape, which Mejia used to secure the man to his seat4. The Maryland Transportation Authority Police confirmed he had been restrained to his seat with duct tape and his hands with zip ties1.

The aircraft landed safely at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) at around 10:15 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration2. Officers removed the man and the flight continued to Newark1. American Airlines said: "The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we do not tolerate violence"1. At his first court appearance in Maryland, the defendant said he had drunk two screwdrivers before the flight and did not remember what happened3.

The charges

Maryland police first charged him with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault, both misdemeanours15. The FBI investigated what happened in the air and consulted the US Attorney's Office on federal charges2. A federal grand jury then indicted him for interference with flight crew members and attendants and for assault by striking, beating and wounding3. The indictment alleges he intimidated flight attendants by making physical contact with them, disregarded their instructions and directed abusive language, including racial slurs, at the crew64. Interference with flight crew carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, the assault charge up to one year38. A federal magistrate judge released him on personal recognizance on 13 October; his attorney declined to comment3.

Who may restrain a passenger?

On international flights, the 1963 Tokyo Convention sets out the powers of the aircraft commander. If the commander has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has committed, or is about to commit, an offence or an act that jeopardises safety on board, the commander may impose "reasonable measures including restraint". That is allowed to protect the aircraft and the people on board, to maintain good order and discipline, or to hand the person over to the authorities after landing11. The commander may require other crew members to help and may request or authorise, but not require, the assistance of passengers. Any crew member or passenger may also take reasonable preventive measures without authorisation when that is immediately necessary for safety11. Before landing, the commander must notify the authorities of the state of landing that a person on board is under restraint and why11.

The convention protects those who act in line with it: neither the commander, other crew members, passengers nor the operator can be held responsible in any proceeding for the treatment of the restrained person11. A domestic flight such as AA618 falls outside this part of the convention. There US rules apply: the pilot in command is "the final authority as to the operation of that aircraft", and no person may assault, threaten, intimidate or interfere with a crew member in the performance of their duties109.

The Montreal Protocol 2014 (MP14), in force since 1 January 2020, amends the Tokyo Convention12. Under the original treaty, jurisdiction rested mainly with the state where the aircraft is registered, and according to IATA about 60% of offences went unpunished as a result12. MP14 extends jurisdiction to the state of landing and the state of the operator13. It only applies in states that have ratified it12.

Restraint kits and duct tape

Many airlines carry a restraint kit with cuffs or zip ties, but duct tape is not a standard item. According to Paddle Your Own Kanoo, American Airlines is one of the few US carriers that explicitly permits duct tape to strap a passenger to a seat. The tape is carried on board for that purpose, together with a safety tape cutter so that the person can be freed quickly if needed6. United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have told their flight attendants not to use it6. What crew may do therefore depends on the procedures and training of their own airline.

FAA zero tolerance and fines

The FAA has a zero-tolerance policy on unruly passenger behaviour7. Separately from any criminal case, it can propose fines of up to $43,658 per violation, and one incident can result in multiple fines7. Cases are referred to the FBI when warranted and can lead to a felony conviction7. Unruly behaviour can also cost a passenger TSA PreCheck eligibility or put them on an airline's internal no-fly list7. The FAA is investigating this incident12.

What a diversion costs

A diversion means extra fuel, landing and handling fees and often hotels and replacement crew. The UK Civil Aviation Authority estimates the cost at £10,000 to £80,000, depending on the size of the aircraft and where it diverts to13. In early 2025 Ryanair itemised the cost of a diversion to Porto at €15,350, including €7,000 for overnight accommodation for 160 passengers and six crew, €2,500 in landing and handling fees and €1,800 for replacement crew. The airline said it would seek to recover that amount from the passenger14. According to law firm Irwin Mitchell, many airlines include a clause in their conditions of carriage that makes a passenger who causes a diversion liable for the costs13.

Frequently asked questions

Can a captain order passengers to help restrain someone?

No. Under the Tokyo Convention the commander may require crew members to assist, but may only request or authorise help from passengers. Anyone on board may act without authorisation when that is immediately necessary for safety11.

What is the maximum FAA fine for an unruly passenger?

The FAA can propose up to $43,658 per violation, and a single incident can lead to several fines. Criminal prosecution is separate7.

Has the passenger on AA618 been convicted?

No. He has been indicted, which is an allegation. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court53.