Archive · 14 Sep 2026
United Passenger Allegedly Attacks Crew After Alcohol Refusal
A passenger on a United Airlines flight allegedly became unruly after crew members stopped serving her alcohol.
The flight was traveling from Milan to Newark on September 8.
She reportedly kept asking for more drinks and filmed the flight attendants.
Authorities said she kicked a senior flight attendant and scratched an off-duty pilot.
The flight attendant and pilot received medical treatment.
Crew members and other passengers restrained the woman.
She also allegedly tried to reach the rear aircraft door handle.
The plane landed in Bangor so she could be removed before the flight continued.
The woman said she was very drunk and could not remember everything, and she denied some of the accusations.
A woman on United Flight 18 allegedly kicked and bit a flight attendant after being refused more alcohol.
The September 8 flight from Milan to Newark diverted to Bangor, where the passenger was removed.
The purser reportedly suffered breathing difficulty and a shoulder injury after the confrontation, while an off-duty pilot was scratched.
Crew members and passengers restrained the woman after she refused repeated instructions to return to her seat.
The woman told officials she was too drunk to remember the incident and denied biting or reaching for the aircraft door.
- Who
- A female passenger, United Airlines crew members, an off-duty pilot, other passengers, and law-enforcement officials.
- What
- A passenger allegedly became violent after being refused more alcohol, leading to her restraint and removal from the flight.
- When
- September 8; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- United Flight 18 was traveling from Milan Malpensa to Newark and stopped in Bangor, Maine.
- Why
- The reported confrontation began after the passenger repeatedly demanded more alcohol and was refused.
Authorities' and crew's account
Passenger's account
Physical confrontation
Authorities' and crew's account
The FBI affidavit and reports described the passenger as kicking a purser, scratching an off-duty pilot, and resisting restraint.
Passenger's account
The passenger denied biting or scratching anyone, while acknowledging that her intoxication might have affected what she did.
Attempt to reach aircraft door
Authorities' and crew's account
Reports said the passenger tried to grab the rear aircraft door handle before being restrained.
Passenger's account
The passenger denied trying to reach the door handle.
Alcohol and behavior
Authorities' and crew's account
The passenger's video reportedly showed her repeatedly demanding more alcohol, walking around the cabin, and not returning to her seat.
Passenger's account
She said she had consumed three glasses of red wine and a whiskey and cola, and claimed the flight attendants were rude.
- Airline
- United Airlines
- Flight
- United Flight 18
- Route
- Milan Malpensa to Newark
- Diversion stop
- Bangor
- Reported incident date
- September 8
- Alleged conduct
- Kicking, biting, scratching, and attempting to reach a rear aircraft door handle
- Passenger's account
- She said she was too drunk to remember and denied biting anyone or trying to reach the door