Last summer, an American Airlines passenger claims she was raped onboard one of their redeye flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor to New York’s John. F Kennedy by another passenger in the lavatory. The latest is the airline is trying to dismiss the claim calling it a “nuisance claim” and offering the passenger $5,000.
Per the Dallas News,
It was shortly before 10 p.m. on June 16 when Aubrey Lane boarded American Airlines Flight 1280 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, eager to meet up with family in New York for what she described as a bucket-list trip.
Several hours into the red-eye flight, she got up to use the bathroom.
There, Lane said she was trapped in the lavatory and raped by a noticeably intoxicated man who’d been sitting next to her during the flight.
The following hours were a blur of trauma and confusion, Lane said, as she was moved to a seat toward the back of the plane, met by police officers when she got off the plane at JFK International Airport and then transported to a nearby hospital.
The flight attendants were aware of what happened, as they moved her to another seat and the plane was met by the police when it arrived at JFK. However the man who allegedly raped her wasn’t stopped at the gate and was allowed to deplane, which means something just doesn’t add up here.
Nine months later, Lane’s case is still in the hands of the FBI with little visible sign of progress. The agency did not return a request for comment.
Lane offered to meet with American to discuss what happened, her attorneys said. But the airline declined, in part due to the ongoing FBI investigation, according to the December letter. Lane has retained legal counsel and is planning to sue the Fort Worth-based carrier.
American described Lane’s allegations as a “nuisance claim†in a December letter that offered her $5,000 after her attorneys brought her allegation to the airline.
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Does it say someplace why is American being sued?
i don’t think its american’s fault either. Plus was she a willing participant who’s mind changed? Plus i would take the 5k if i even complained.
several hours into a less than 5 hr flight ?
I only read her side of the story and I do not believe her. The story does not make any sense. Raped in a airplane bathroom with passengers feet away. How did he get in the bathroom without anyone noticing a struggle? Once a defense is presented I doubt any jury will believe this story.
Lotsa people out there trying to take a shot; some have a strategy and some really don’t.
I just traveled with my 5 year old and took her to the lavatory. There is no possible way any normal sized adult could be raped inside the lavatory. I am 6’0” and weigh 180. I could barely help my 5 yr old use the restroom. Honestly, I don’t see how two adults could fit in there.
Something doesn’t add up with her story.