Alleged In-Flight Groping Incident Involving Woman from the Bay Area
Headline: American Airlines Faces Backlash for Alleged Negligence in In-Flight Sexual Assault Cases
Sara from Windsor, California, is suing American Airlines after she claims to have been sexually assaulted on a flight from San Francisco International Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth in 2024. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco U.S. District Court, asserts that American Airlines failed to prevent the assault and allowed a "known sexual predator," Cherian Abraham, to continue abusing another passenger later.
The alleged incident occurred shortly after the cabin lights dimmed, as Abraham, who was seated in the window, started rubbing his arm against Sara's side. Despite her attempts to move away, he persisted, placing his hand on her upper thigh and fondling her genitals. Sara yelled "Stop!" twice, but no airline staff intervened or responded. Passengers appeared to be asleep or wearing headphones, which compounded Sara's distress.
Upon landing, Sara immediately reported the assault to an American Airlines gate agent, pointing out Abraham as the alleged perpetrator. According to the lawsuit, the agent dismissed her concerns and questioned why she had not taken further action during the flight. The agent also failed to contact law enforcement and instead advised Sara to file an online complaint with the airline.
Around ten months later, Abraham was arrested in connection with another alleged groping incident on an American Airlines flight. He currently faces a felony charge of abusive sexual contact in a separate incident involving a 22-year-old woman on a flight from Chicago to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in March 2025[3].
Sara's lawsuit alleges negligence by American Airlines and charges Abraham with sexual battery, seeking unspecified damages. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of airline safety measures in preventing such incidents.
It is worth noting that this isn't the first time American Airlines has faced accusations of mishandling in-flight sexual assault complaints. Other lawsuits against the airline involve similar allegations, such as a drunk man masturbating for an hour on a flight from New York to Milan and the airline staff serving more alcohol to an intoxicated man who later sexually assaulted a woman in a bathroom[4].
As a result, the airline industry is under pressure to improve safety protocols and address these concerns effectively. American Airlines maintains that customer safety is a priority and is cooperating with law enforcement in Cherian Abraham's case[1].
- "Cherian Abraham Indicted on Federal Charges for Alleged Groping on American Airlines Flight," KIRO 7 Seattle News, March 21, 2025. Link
- "American Airlines Sued Over Passenger's Alleged Sexual Assault," CNN, April 7, 2025. Link
- "Cherian Abraham's Criminal Trial Set to Begin August 4," ABC7 News San Francisco, May 1, 2025. Link
- "American Airlines Sued for Negligence in In-Flight Sexual Assault," USA Today, June 15, 2024. Link
- American Airlines will be sending a general-news response to the recent indictment of Cherian Abraham on federal charges for an alleged groping incident that occurred on one of their flights in 2025, following the lawsuit filed by a 22-year-old woman who was assaulted in March.
- The 2024 lawsuit filed by Sara from Windsor, California, against American Airlines, alleging sexual battery and negligence, has sent shockwaves through the crime-and-justice sector, particularly concerning in-flight sexual assault cases, and prompted calls for enhanced airline safety measures and protocols.
- As the trial date for Cherian Abraham's criminal trial draws near (August 4), wrinkles in American Airlines' handling of in-flight sexual assault complaints continue to surface, escalating the pressure on the airline industry to address these issues and prioritize passenger safety.
