Sitting in first class does not always mean that you have “class.” Two women from the Bronx, New York, were taught a lesson during their American Airlines flight last year. Interfering with crew members on a flight is not a good idea.
Kelly Pichardo, 32, and Leeza Rodriguez, 29, were in first class aboard an American Airlines plane in February 24, 2021 when they assaulted another passenger.
According to reports, another male passenger tried to intervene, but Pichardo used racial slurs against him.
Another passenger tried to use his mobile phone to take a video of the fight and Pichardo spat on him.
Both women were arrested for disorderly conduct and for assault of the other passengers and the members of the flight crew.
The flight, which was originally from Dallas/Fort Worth to Los Angeles, had to be diverted to Phoenix , where both women were removed from the aircraft.
The FBI and Phoenix police conducted an investigation of the incident. According to the US Department of Justice, Pichardo has been sentenced to four months in prison and three years of supervised release. She also was ordered to pay $9,123 as compensation to the airline.
Rodriguez, who pleaded guilty, will receive her sentence in November.
Attorney Gary Restaino said, “There is a line between boorish behavior on an airplane and criminal activity” and that everyone may be subject to prosecution, even first class passengers.
The unruly and intimidating behavior displayed by both women caused them to be permanently banned from the airline.
American Airlines also thanked their crew members for managing the situation in a professional manner.