Unruly passengers must pay a fine of $20,000 and be banned from flying on United flights for life

A federal judge ruled last week that a British airline passenger must pay $20,638 for interfering with flight crew. United Airlines flight between London and Newark, New Jersey on March 1. According to account of the Ministry of JusticeThe unruly passenger had a heated argument with his girlfriend to the point that he had to intervene flight diverted to Bangor, Maine. The fine was staggering, but it was a much better outcome than a possible 20-year prison sentence.

The passenger, Alexander Michael Dominic MacDonald, has been detained since the flight landed in Maine. On the plane, the chief flight attendant attempted to calm MacDonald down before he responded verbally. New York Times reported that MacDonald said he would “damage the plane.” He pushed the attendant into a corner before another passenger stepped in to help restrain him. Even after tying him up, MacDonald still did not comply.

MacDonald pleaded guilty to cheating with flight crew on March 22. After he was sentenced to time served and huge finehis lawyer speak time, “He has apologized for his actions in court and looks forward to returning home to his family in the UK.” United is banned Both MacDonald and his girlfriend are flying with the same carrier for the rest of their lives, so you can rest easy knowing that it will be someone else cause problems with your flight.