On June 19, 2025, 32-year-old Southwest Airlines passenger Leanna Perry was arrested at LaGuardia Airport after she disrupted a flight and assaulted a fellow passenger before takeoff. According to the New York Post, Perry’s aggressive behaviour led to her detention and criminal charges.
Perry, who appeared visibly intoxicated, kicked and screamed on the plane floor after verbally and physically assaulting another woman. Witnesses reported her yelling derogatory remarks about the woman’s boyfriend. The Port Authority Police Department charged her with aggravated assault. Authorities took Perry to a hospital before transferring her to the New York City Department of Corrections. The incident disrupted the flight and caused delays.
@photonewspk Drunk Southwest Passenger Leanna Perry’s Meltdown at LaGuardia Airport Drunk Southwest passenger Leanna Perry arrested after assault and meltdown at LaGuardia Airport on June 19, 2025. Details on charges & incident. Read Full Story: https://shorturl.at/FDKQq #flighthouse #flightattendant #flightreacts #drums #fighter #newyorkcity #newyorker #laguardia #airport #airportlife ♬ original sound – PhotoNews
The arrest has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter in-flight alcohol policies. Southwest Airlines issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety and cooperation with authorities. According to her LinkedIn profile, Perry, a New York City artist and designer, has not publicly commented about the incident.
NEW: Drunk Southwest Airlines passenger arrested after having a meltdown on a plane before takeoff at LaGuardia Airport.
32-year-old passenger Leanna Perry was seen kicking and screaming on the ground after assaulting a woman on the plane.
"Your boyfriend’s d**k is like… pic.twitter.com/nhaX4lHs7m
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 18, 2025The passenger assault incident in comes amid a rise in disruptive behaviour on airlines. In 2024, the FAA reported over 2,000 cases of unruly passengers. The Port Authority’s charges indicate increased enforcement, with fines reaching up to $37,000 for such incidents. Similar cases, such as a meltdown on a Delta flight in 2024, have led to calls for improved pre-boarding screenings.
