A 69-year-old Australian woman was forcibly restrained by flight attendants on Fiji Airways flight 871 from San Francisco to Nadi, Fiji after becoming abusive inflight.
About six hours into the 11-hour trip on January 18, she began screaming, throwing cups, and slapping a flight attendant.
She was using racist and vulgar language directed at Fijian flight attendants. She complained, “I have done nothing wrong. You ugly people—get your hands off of me” when being subdued. Eventually, two members of the cabin crew used duct tape on her mouth to silence her.
Woman restrained with duct tape after outburst during Fiji Airways flight | WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT
Video Source: https://t.co/FDJjQwswpl pic.twitter.com/Evnxa6mT94— fijivillage (@fijivillage) January 24, 2025
She’s being called a “Karen”. Apparently the incident began after her husband asked to be seated away from her. Maybe moving seats wasn’t enough?
The flight continued to Nadi, where law enforcement met the aircraft. She was determined to be intoxicated and faces charges for her unruly behavior. She’s being held by immigration in Fiji and is scheduled to appear before the Nadi Magistrates Court.
According to Fiji Airways, “We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.”
This is just sad. Hope this lady gets some help, and stops taking out her problems on others.
Somewhat related, Fiji’s a350 from SFO-NAN is excellent, especially if you can snag business class using AA points. Highly recommend the Six Senses Malolo Island.
In vino, veritas. Usually about oneself.
We have an undiscussed problem, mostly in Western Culture and even more particular to the US (although this was outside of the US) with hysterical, toddler like Cluster B adults. Youtube is littered with videos. It’s both sexes but seems to skew more women.
My guess it’s the result of over use of prescription drugs, culture, upbringing (indulging children doesn’t seem to create stable, mature adults) and the education system.
The Medical Industrial Complex doesn’t seem to want to touch mental health with a ten foot pole, presumably because they’ve help create the problem and profit from it.
@George N Romey Well said, sir. No notes. You win.
@Gary You can close this thread now. George got a 10/10.
If she’s Australian she would not have said ‘off of me’. She would have said ‘off me’.
Hope she enjoys a slow boat back to OZ!
Everyone on the flight got drink vouchers to compensate them for the inconvenience. Because, you know, alcohol solves everything.