What should have been a routine flight turned into a legal nightmare for one passenger whose public displays of affection crossed every line of decency. The case of Reuben Jeremy Finn serves as a stark reminder that the skies aren't as free as they seem—and that inappropriate behaviour comes with serious consequences.
Finn was travelling on an Air New Zealand flight when his romantic enthusiasm with his partner escalated far beyond what 48 fellow passengers and cabin crew should ever have to witness.
What started as 'excessive kissing' shortly after takeoff quickly progressed into sexual behaviour that left everyone onboard deeply uncomfortable.
Despite multiple interventions from flight attendants—who warned the couple they'd escalate the matter to the pilot—Finn and his partner continued their inappropriate conduct.
Witnesses reported seeing Finn with his hands inside his partner's bra and later down her trousers. When confronted again, the pair even pretended to be asleep while continuing the behaviour.
'The incident had placed the public in an 'extremely uncomfortable position''
A growing problem in the skies
Unfortunately, Finn's case isn't an isolated incident. Unruly passenger behaviour is on the rise, with airlines reporting over 2,102 cases of disruptive passengers in 2024—up 1 per cent from the previous year's 2,076 cases.
Among these incidents, sexual misconduct features prominently, with multiple cases involving sexually inappropriate behavior toward crew members and fellow passengers being referred to authorities.
Aviation experts believe this uptick correlates with broader societal behavioural shifts since the COVID pandemic, with European law enforcement noting similar patterns in general society. The confined space of an aircraft, combined with stress, alcohol consumption, and reduced social inhibitions, creates a perfect storm for inappropriate behaviour.
Unruly passenger statistics
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported over 10,000 unruly passenger cases annually in recent years
The FAA initiated 512 investigations in 2024 alone, with 402 seeing enforcement actions
What Australian law says about mile-high misconduct
For Australian travellers, it's crucial to understand that Australian law prohibits acts deemed offensive or disruptive to passengers, with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) governing passenger conduct and potential legal consequences upon landing.
Australian airlines like Qantas define sexual conduct as any unwanted or inappropriate physical contact, advances, or comments, stating such conduct disrupts the safety and comfort of flight experiences. The consequences aren't just embarrassing—they're financially and legally severe.
Passengers engaging in disruptive sexual behaviour can face criminal charges including disorderly conduct, civil fines imposed by airlines, and expulsion from flights. Under recent legislation, aviation authorities can impose fines up to $37,000 per violation, and one incident can result in multiple violations.
The human cost of inappropriate behaviour
While the legal consequences are serious, the human impact on cabin crew and fellow passengers is often overlooked.
Recent surveys reveal that 68 per cent of flight attendants have experienced sexual harassment during their careers, with 35 per cent experiencing verbal sexual harassment from passengers in the past year—and of those, 68 per cent faced it three or more times.
Aviation researchers note that disruptive passenger incidents can cause 'physical, emotional or psychological injury' for flight attendants and other passengers alike.
Risks to passengers include physical injury and declining perceptions of airline safety, while crew members face immediate risks of physical or psychological injury and long-term mental health impacts.
Flight safety implications
- 10 per cent of air-rage cases result in flight-crew errors
- Risks include cockpit breach and flight plan diversions
- Incidents disrupt operations and cause delays
- Law enforcement meets flights less than half the time, leaving crew to handle incidents with minimal formal guidance
Prevention and reporting: What you need to know
Airlines have implemented comprehensive strategies to prevent such incidents. Check-in staff are trained to identify potentially problematic passengers, with assessments made by designated personnel before boarding.
Airlines now provide extensive guidance and training in de-escalation techniques and responsible alcohol service, working with airports and duty-free retailers to prevent incidents resulting from intoxication.
If you witness inappropriate behaviour during a flight, passengers are encouraged to report incidents immediately to flight attendants, with airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia emphasising prompt reporting for timely intervention.
Expert advice for travellers
Aviation safety experts recommend several strategies for maintaining appropriate behaviour during flights:
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading contributor to unruly behaviour, sometimes combined with recreational drug use that impairs judgment.
- Manage travel stress: Travel stress, fear of flying, flight delays, and overcrowded airports create frustration that can trigger inappropriate outbursts.
- Understand consequences: Unruly behaviour can affect TSA PreCheck eligibility and result in airline no-fly lists.
- Respect crew authority: Interfering with crew duties violates federal law, and airlines deal firmly with disruptive behaviour as a deterrent.
Justice served, lessons learned
Reuben Jeremy Finn's case concluded with a six-month community detention sentence, including a curfew from 8pm to 5am on weekdays, plus 12 months of intensive supervision.
His conviction serves as a warning that the confined space of an aircraft doesn't excuse inappropriate behaviour—if anything, it makes such conduct more serious given the captive audience and limited escape options for fellow passengers.
The case also highlights a troubling pattern. In 2019, a British tourist received a suspended prison sentence for similar behaviour on a Caribbean-bound flight, becoming abusive when asked to tone down her 'amorous' conduct with her boyfriend.
These incidents demonstrate that inappropriate public behaviour at 30,000 feet carries real consequences.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The Montreal Protocol of 2014 expanded international jurisdictional authority to address unruly passenger behaviour more effectively, meaning passengers can now face prosecution even if incidents occur over international waters or in foreign airspace.
What This Means For You
For Australian travellers, understanding these boundaries isn't just about avoiding legal trouble—it's about respecting fellow passengers and the hardworking crew members who ensure everyone's safety. The skies might seem limitless, but common decency should never lose altitude.
Have you witnessed inappropriate behaviour during a flight? What do you think airlines should do to better prevent these situations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/...ed-kissing-excessively-girlfriend-flight.html
2024 Saw A Rise In Unruly Passenger Incidents
Cited text: Despite improvements from earlier years, according to the FAA, airlines reported over 2,102 cases of unruly passengers. This number is up 1 per cent from 2023...
Excerpt: Unruly passenger behaviour is on the rise, with airlines reporting over 2,102 cases of disruptive passengers in 2024—up 1 per cent from the previous year's 2,076 cases.
https://simpleflying.com/2024-unruly-passengers-rise/
FAA Refers More Unruly Passenger Cases to the FBI | US Department of Transportation
Cited text: · Feb. 13, 2024: Exhibited sexually inappropriate behavior toward a crewmember.
Excerpt: sexual misconduct features prominently, with multiple cases involving sexually inappropriate behavior toward crew members and fellow passengers being referred to authorities.
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/faa-refers-more-unruly-passenger-cases-fbi
FAA Refers More Unruly Passenger Cases to the FBI | US Department of Transportation
Cited text: · Dec. 30, 2023: Sexually assaulted and exhibited inappropriate behavior toward a fellow passenger.
Excerpt: sexual misconduct features prominently, with multiple cases involving sexually inappropriate behavior toward crew members and fellow passengers being referred to authorities.
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/faa-refers-more-unruly-passenger-cases-fbi
FAA Refers More Unruly Passenger Cases to the FBI | US Department of Transportation
Cited text: Oct. 15, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger, exhibited aggressive behavior. · Aug. 11, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger.
Excerpt: sexual misconduct features prominently, with multiple cases involving sexually inappropriate behavior toward crew members and fellow passengers being referred to authorities.
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/faa-refers-more-unruly-passenger-cases-fbi
FAA Refers More Unruly Passenger Cases to the FBI | US Department of Transportation
Cited text: · July 9, 2023: Sexual misconduct.
Excerpt: sexual misconduct features prominently, with multiple cases involving sexually inappropriate behavior toward crew members and fellow passengers being referred to authorities.
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/faa-refers-more-unruly-passenger-cases-fbi
FAA Refers More Unruly Passenger Cases to the FBI | US Department of Transportation
Cited text: · June 14, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger. · June 13, 2023: Sexually assaulted a fellow passenger.
Excerpt: sexual misconduct features prominently, with multiple cases involving sexually inappropriate behavior toward crew members and fellow passengers being referred to authorities.
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/faa-refers-more-unruly-passenger-cases-fbi
Unruly passengers were a problem before the pandemic. Now they’re even worse | CNN
Cited text: The pandemic, as former Japan Airlines flight attendant Mizuki Urano puts it, was a “turning point.” · John Franklin, head of safety promotion at EASA...
Excerpt: Aviation experts believe this uptick correlates with broader societal behavioural shifts since the COVID pandemic, with European law enforcement noting similar patterns in general society.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/unruly-airplane-passengers-post-pandemic-problem
Unruly Passengers: The Growing Challenge for Airline Security Part one: Understanding the Problem | Transport Security International Magazine
Cited text: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported over 10,000 cases annually in recent years, with some incidents escalating to severe threa...
Excerpt: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported over 10,000 unruly passenger cases annually in recent years
https://tsi-mag.com/unruly-passenge...-security-part-one-understanding-the-problem/
2024 Saw A Rise In Unruly Passenger Incidents
Cited text: Unruly travelers face stiff fines from the FAA and possible criminal prosecution too.” · As a result of the FAA's stricter rules, 512 investigations w...
Excerpt: the FAA initiating 512 investigations in 2024 alone, with 402 seeing enforcement actions.
https://simpleflying.com/2024-unruly-passengers-rise/
Is Sex On A Plane Against The Law In Australia? Risks, Penalties, And Airline Policies [Updated On 2025]
Cited text: For example, Australian law prohibits acts that may be deemed offensive or disruptive to passengers, which applies equally on airlines.
Excerpt: Australian law prohibits acts deemed offensive or disruptive to passengers, with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) governing passenger conduct and potential legal consequences upon landing.
https://travelpander.com/is-sex-on-a-plane-against-the-law-australia/
Is Sex On A Plane Against The Law In Australia? Risks, Penalties, And Airline Policies [Updated On 2025]
Cited text: For instance, the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) governs passenger conduct. Disruptive behavior may result in a report to authoriti...
Excerpt: Australian law prohibits acts deemed offensive or disruptive to passengers, with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) governing passenger conduct and potential legal consequences upon landing.
https://travelpander.com/is-sex-on-a-plane-against-the-law-australia/
Is Sex On A Plane Against The Law In Australia? Risks, Penalties, And Airline Policies [Updated On 2025]
Cited text: It defines sexual conduct as any unwanted or inappropriate physical contact, advances, or comments. Qantas’ policy states that such conduct disrupts t...
Excerpt: Australian airlines like Qantas define sexual conduct as any unwanted or inappropriate physical contact, advances, or comments, stating such conduct disrupts the safety and comfort of flight experiences.
https://travelpander.com/is-sex-on-a-plane-against-the-law-australia/
Is Sex On A Plane Against The Law In Australia? Risks, Penalties, And Airline Policies [Updated On 2025]
Cited text: Possible Criminal Charges, Including Disorderly Conduct: Possible criminal charges, including disorderly conduct, can be enacted against individuals w...
Excerpt: Passengers engaging in disruptive sexual behaviour can face criminal charges including disorderly conduct, civil fines imposed by airlines, and expulsion from flights.
https://travelpander.com/is-sex-on-a-plane-against-the-law-australia/
Unruly Passengers | Federal Aviation Administration
Cited text: As part of the FAA's Reauthorization Bill, FAA can propose up to $37,000 per violation for unruly passenger cases.
Excerpt: Under recent legislation, aviation authorities can impose fines up to $37,000 per violation
Unruly Passengers | Federal Aviation Administration
Cited text: One incident can result in multiple violations.
Excerpt: one incident can result in multiple violations.
#MeToo in the Air—Association of Flight Attendants-CWA
Cited text: Key findings include: 68 per cent of flight attendants experienced sexual harassment during their flying careers. 35 per cent experienced verbal sexual harassment fro...
Excerpt: Recent surveys reveal that 68 per cent of flight attendants have experienced sexual harassment during their careers, with 35 per cent experiencing verbal sexual harassment from passengers in the past year—and of those, 68 per cent faced it three or more times.
Unruly passengers were a problem before the pandemic. Now they’re even worse | CNN
Cited text: Simmons says disruptive passenger incidents can cause “physical, emotional or psychological injury,” for flight attendants and other passengers alike....
Excerpt: Aviation researchers note that disruptive passenger incidents can cause 'physical, emotional or psychological injury' for flight attendants and other passengers alike.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/unruly-airplane-passengers-post-pandemic-problem
Responding to unruly airline passengers: The Australian context Responding to unruly airline passengers
Cited text: Risks to other passengers include the risk of physical injury, either directly from the unruly passenger or indirectly due to proximity if an altercat...
Excerpt: Risks to passengers include physical injury and declining perceptions of airline safety, while crew members face immediate risks of physical or psychological injury and long-term mental health impacts.
https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi510
Responding to unruly airline passengers: The Australian context Responding to unruly airline passengers
Cited text: A 2000 study conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration reported that 10 percent of air-rage cases resulted in flight-crew errors ...
Excerpt: 10 per cent of air-rage cases result in flight-crew errors
https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi510
Responding to unruly airline passengers: The Australian context Responding to unruly airline passengers
Cited text: Risks to the aircraft relate to its safe operation and include cockpit breach, flight-crew error due to preoccupation with the unruly passenger and di...
Excerpt: Risks include cockpit breach and flight plan diversions
https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi510
IATA—Unruly Passengers
Cited text: Committed by a minority of passengers, unruly incidents have a disproportionate impact, threatening safety, disrupting other passengers and crew and c...
Excerpt: Incidents disrupt operations and cause delays
https://www.iata.org/en/programs/passenger/unruly-passengers/
#MeToo in the Air—Association of Flight Attendants-CWA
Cited text: Law enforcement was contacted or met the plane less than half of the time. Most intervening actions taken must have been due to the resourcefulness of...
Excerpt: Law enforcement meets flights less than half the time, leaving crew to handle incidents with minimal formal guidance
Unruly Passengers | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
Cited text: Check In—Check In staff should be encouraged to identify, and to report, any passenger whose behavior would suggest that they might be unsuitable fo...
Excerpt: Check-in staff are trained to identify potentially problematic passengers, with assessments made by designated personnel before boarding.
https://skybrary.aero/articles/unruly-passengers
IATA—Unruly Passengers
Cited text: To review the types of enforcement measures that are in place, consistent with the severity of the incident, including civil and administrative penalt...
Excerpt: Airlines now provide extensive guidance and training in de-escalation techniques and responsible alcohol service, working with airports and duty-free retailers to prevent incidents resulting from intoxication.
https://www.iata.org/en/programs/passenger/unruly-passengers/
Is Sex On A Plane Against The Law In Australia? Risks, Penalties, And Airline Policies [Updated On 2025]
Cited text: Reporting Procedures: Passengers who witness or experience inappropriate behavior are encouraged to report it. Most airlines have dedicated channels f...
Excerpt: passengers are encouraged to report incidents immediately to flight attendants, with airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia emphasising prompt reporting for timely intervention.
https://travelpander.com/is-sex-on-a-plane-against-the-law-australia/
Is Sex On A Plane Against The Law In Australia? Risks, Penalties, And Airline Policies [Updated On 2025]
Cited text: These procedures encourage individuals to report inappropriate behavior to flight attendants immediately. Airlines, such as Qantas and Virgin Australi...
Excerpt: passengers are encouraged to report incidents immediately to flight attendants, with airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia emphasising prompt reporting for timely intervention.
https://travelpander.com/is-sex-on-a-plane-against-the-law-australia/
Unruly Passengers: The Growing Challenge for Airline Security Part one: Understanding the Problem | Transport Security International Magazine
Cited text: • Substance Use: Excessive consumption of alcohol, often available in airport lounges and on flights, is a leading contributor. Some passengers may al...
Excerpt: Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading contributor to unruly behaviour, sometimes combined with recreational drug use that impairs judgment.
https://tsi-mag.com/unruly-passenge...-security-part-one-understanding-the-problem/
Unruly Passengers: The Growing Challenge for Airline Security Part one: Understanding the Problem | Transport Security International Magazine
Cited text: ... • Stress: The stress associated with travel — from security checks to navigating crowded terminals — can lead to heightened irritability. Fear of ...
Excerpt: Travel stress, fear of flying, flight delays, and overcrowded airports create frustration that can trigger inappropriate outbursts.
https://tsi-mag.com/unruly-passenge...-security-part-one-understanding-the-problem/
Unruly Passengers: The Growing Challenge for Airline Security Part one: Understanding the Problem | Transport Security International Magazine
Cited text: ... • Flight Delays and Overcrowded Airports: Prolonged delays, cancellations, and overcrowding create frustration and fatigue, leading to shorter tem...
Excerpt: Travel stress, fear of flying, flight delays, and overcrowded airports create frustration that can trigger inappropriate outbursts.
https://tsi-mag.com/unruly-passenge...-security-part-one-understanding-the-problem/
Unruly Passengers | Federal Aviation Administration
Cited text: Unruly behavior can affect your TSA PreCheck® eligibility or land you on an internal no-fly list for an airline.
Excerpt: Unruly behaviour can affect TSA PreCheck eligibility and result in airline no-fly lists.
Unruly Passengers | Federal Aviation Administration
Cited text: Interfering with the duties of a crewmember violates federal law.
Excerpt: Interfering with crew duties violates federal law
Unruly Passengers | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
Cited text: Dealing firmly with disruptive behavior will likely serve as a deterrent to unruly passenger events.
Excerpt: airlines deal firmly with disruptive behaviour as a deterrent.
https://skybrary.aero/articles/unruly-passengers
Unruly Passengers: The Growing Challenge for Airline Security Part one: Understanding the Problem | Transport Security International Magazine
Cited text: The Montreal Protocol of 2014, an amendment to the Tokyo Convention, expanded jurisdictional authority to address unruly passenger behavior more effec...
Excerpt: The Montreal Protocol of 2014 expanded international jurisdictional authority to address unruly passenger behaviour more effectively
https://tsi-mag.com/unruly-passenge...-security-part-one-understanding-the-problem/
Seniors Discount Club
Latest Articles
-
-
Possum season is here! Are you accidentally inviting them into your home?
- Started by Maan
- Replies: 1
-
Is dyeing your dog’s fur actually cruel or harmless fun? Aussies are divided
- Started by Maan
- Replies: 0
-
This part of Oz plans to stock life-saving overdose medication in Australian first
- Started by Michelle Engbino
- Replies: 0
-
