Drunk JetBlue Passenger Who Threatened Flight Attendants Pleads Guilty
A New York man, James Tyqwon Ford, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges stemming from a disruptive and threatening outburst on a JetBlue flight last year. His behavior, fueled by alcohol, forced the flight to divert and raised concerns about the safety of passengers and crew.
The Incident
The incident occurred on May 13, 2023, aboard JetBlue flight 2404, traveling from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. According to court documents, Ford, 31, became unruly shortly after takeoff.
Flight attendants reported smelling alcohol and made an announcement reminding passengers that consuming personal alcohol onboard was prohibited. Despite the warning, Ford became disruptive, using profanity toward crew members and refusing to comply.
Escalation of Threats
Ford’s behavior worsened when a flight attendant confronted him about drinking his own alcohol. He responded with lewd comments and told the attendant that the police “would have to catch him first.”
At one point, Ford went to the rear galley, where he threatened another flight attendant, saying he wanted to punch her and shoot her. Passengers also reported feeling unsafe due to Ford’s threats, which included claims that he had a firearm and would “tear the plane apart.”
A nearly empty liquor bottle was later found near Ford’s seat. His wife attempted to intervene by removing a bottle of Hennessy from him, but this led to a physical altercation between the two. Other passengers stepped in to help her move to a different part of the plane.
Diverted Flight and Arrest
Due to the escalating situation, the flight crew decided to divert to Richmond International Airport in Virginia. Police boarded the plane upon landing and removed Ford from the flight.
Once the plane continued to New York, the airline provided new accommodations for crew members in light of Ford’s threats that his friends in New York would “follow them to their hotel and destroy them.”
Legal Consequences
In his guilty plea, Ford admitted to being drunk and claimed he could not remember his actions during the flight. He faces up to 20 years in prison for interfering with a flight crew. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 2, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The Broader Problem of Unruly Passengers
Ford’s case is one of many highlighting the growing issue of disruptive passenger behavior on flights. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 2,075 reports of unruly passengers in 2023. So far in 2024, there have been 1,921 reports, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by airlines and flight crews.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment aboard flights. As authorities continue to address unruly passenger behavior, travelers are encouraged to follow airline policies and treat fellow passengers and crew with respect.
