United Airlines Lawsuit: Passenger Sues After Pilot Allegedly Forces Him Out of Bathroom

United Airlines Lawsuit: Passenger Claims Pilot Forced Him Out of Bathroom

A recent United Airlines lawsuit alleges that an Orthodox Jewish passenger was forcibly removed from an airplane bathroom by a pilot, leading to claims of physical harm, discrimination, and emotional distress. The legal complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses United Airlines and federal authorities of excessive force and religious bias.

United Airlines Lawsuit Alleges Forced Removal from Bathroom

The lawsuit centers on Yisroel Liebb, a New Jersey resident, who was traveling from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston, Texas, on January 28, 2025. According to the United Airlines lawsuit, Liebb experienced constipation and remained in the airplane restroom for approximately 20 minutes. A flight attendant, concerned about the duration, woke up his fellow traveler, Jacob Sebbag, asking him to check on Liebb.

Liebb assured them that he would exit shortly, but the pilot allegedly demanded immediate compliance. When Liebb failed to leave quickly, the pilot reportedly broke the bathroom door lock, forcibly pulled him out while his pants were down, and exposed him to nearby passengers.

Claims of Discrimination and Physical Harm in United Airlines Lawsuit

The United Airlines lawsuit also details allegations of discrimination. Both Liebb and Sebbag claim the pilot made offensive remarks about their Jewish faith while aggressively escorting them back to their seats. Upon arrival in Houston, federal agents, including officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), detained the passengers.

According to the complaint, officers restrained Liebb, handcuffed him tightly, and refused to explain why he was being held. Sebbag was also detained after confirming that Liebb was in his phone contacts. The men were placed in separate holding cells, subjected to invasive searches, and later released after missing their connecting flight to New York City.

Legal Implications of the United Airlines Lawsuit

The lawsuit cites violations of the Montreal Convention, which protects international air travelers from mistreatment. The plaintiffs argue that their treatment was not only humiliating but also unlawful. They seek financial compensation for physical injuries, emotional trauma, and additional travel expenses incurred due to their detention.

United Airlines has not provided a formal statement regarding the lawsuit, while CBP officials acknowledged responding to a disturbance on the flight but declined further comments due to ongoing litigation.

Passenger Rights and Airline Accountability

This United Airlines lawsuit raises significant concerns about airline policies, passenger rights, and the treatment of travelers based on their religion or identity. Legal experts suggest that if the allegations are proven, United Airlines and federal authorities could face serious repercussions.

Passengers have a right to dignity and fair treatment during air travel. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing airline accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the United Airlines lawsuit unfolds, it will likely spark discussions about discrimination in air travel and the boundaries of airline authority in handling passenger-related incidents. The outcome could set a legal precedent for future cases involving passenger mistreatment.