Passengers subdue disruptive man on United flight with zip ties
- A man exhibited disruptive behavior by kicking a seat on a United Airlines flight.
- Fellow passengers intervened, using zip ties to restrain him until landing.
- The airline later banned the passenger from future flights due to the incident.
On November 16, 2024, a disconcerting incident occurred on a United Airlines flight traveling from Austin to Los Angeles. During the flight, a male passenger exhibited unruly behavior by repeatedly kicking the seat in front of him. As tensions escalated, other passengers decided to intervene, taking it upon themselves to subdue the individual. Witness Gino Galofaro recorded the events, detailing how he and two other passengers gathered zip ties to restrain the disruptive man, securing his hands and feet before seat-belt strapping him to the seat. The plane was approximately 40 minutes away from landing at Los Angeles International Airport when the incident escalated, prompting a quick response from the other passengers. This unusual action was necessary, as the flight crew did not take immediate action to assist in managing the situation. Upon arrival, local law enforcement met the flight to handle the situation. United Airlines confirmed that the disruptive passenger has been banned from future flights with the airline, highlighting the serious nature of his behavior. Gino expressed a desire to reach out to the man's family, offering help following the distressing episode. The incident unfolded in front of 76 passengers and five crew members, raising concerns about passenger safety and the responsibilities of airline staff in managing disruptive individuals during flights.