Two Passengers Arrested, Two Spirit Agents Hurt in Fight

Image: PHOTO: Spirit Airlines plane. (photo via Spirit Airlines Media)
Image: PHOTO: Spirit Airlines plane. (photo via Spirit Airlines Media)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 10:30 AM ET, Tue January 19, 2021

Welcome to yet another installment of The Naughty Passenger Chronicles, a seemingly daily diary and an unending list of rude, unruly and otherwise disruptive airline passengers making headlines across the country.

This time, a dispute over a carry-on bag led to a physical assault that left two Spirit Airlines workers injured and two passengers in handcuffs on Sunday.

The incident apparently started when the passengers were boarding Flight 646 from Detroit to Atlanta and gate agents asked one to verify that the carry-on in question was of a size and dimension to bring on the plane, or if it had to be checked.

Apparently, the passengers and two of his fellow travelers took umbrage and "attacked our agents without provocation," Spirit Airlines said in a statement.

One of the agents was taken to a nearby hospital after the incident, airline officials said. Two passengers were arrested and the third was cited by police and released.

"All of us at Spirit wish the agents a speedy recovery and thank them for their courage and professionalism," the airline said in an email statement. "We also thank law enforcement for responding quickly and arresting those involved in the attack. This violent behavior is completely unacceptable and has absolutely no place in airports or any other place of business. We will not tolerate abusive behavior of any kind and these passengers will be banned from any future travel with Spirit. Further questions about this incident should be referred to law enforcement."

It is incidents like this that prompted Delta CEO Ed Bastian to threaten a permanent ban for any passengers who exhibit disruptive behavior.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...