Passenger Sues Southwest Airlines After Violent Incident on Flight
In a notable incident at LaGuardia Airport, a Southwest Airlines passenger is taking legal action against the airline following a violent confrontation onboard. The passenger, Livia Rombola, alleges that Southwest’s “free-for-all seating policy” contributed to an attack she endured from a fellow traveler.
The event unfolded aboard Southwest flight 779, which was headed to Kansas City, Missouri. A 32-year-old woman, reportedly named Leanna Perry, allegedly assaulted Rombola with aggressive language and physical violence. The altercation, which was recorded and widely shared online, showcased Perry pulling Rombola’s hair and hurling insults at her.
Witnesses reported that passengers and flight attendants had to intervene, ultimately using zip ties to restrain Perry, who appeared to be intoxicated. She was then removed from the aircraft on a stretcher.
In her lawsuit filed in Brooklyn’s New York State Supreme Court, Rombola claims she has suffered serious physical injuries from the incident, some of which may be permanent. Moreover, she speaks to the emotional distress caused by the video going viral, stating that it led to embarrassment and ridicule.
Rombola attributes her unfortunate experience to Southwest Airlines’ policies, particularly their unassigned seating arrangement. According to her legal complaint, this practice permits passengers to select their seats on a first-come, first-served basis during boarding. She argues that this approach is not only unusual within the airline industry but also creates a climate ripe for conflict between passengers.
The lawsuit asserts that the airline’s lack of proper seat assignments contributed to the altercation, blaming Southwest for failing to take proactive measures to ensure passenger safety. Rombola’s attorney emphasized that the seating policy played a crucial role in the incident, arguing that it should be re-evaluated for the safety of all passengers.
In response to the rising concerns over passenger safety, Southwest Airlines has indicated plans to change their boarding procedures. They announced they would be discontinuing the controversial seating policy starting January 26, 2026, opting instead for a system that might better separate passengers and reduce the likelihood of such incidents.
Rombola further alleges that Southwest failed to act upon clearly visible signs of Perry’s intoxication before boarding. According to the lawsuit, the airline should have recognized Perry’s impaired state and denied her entry, thereby preventing the foreseeable harm to Rombola.
The incident raises questions about how airlines manage disruptive behavior. Rombola accuses Perry of battery and physical assault, asserting that the attack caused not only physical injuries but also significant mental distress. She claims that the continued exposure from the viral video has aggravated her trauma, invaded her privacy, and caused reputational harm.
The lawsuit seeks damages that exceed the jurisdictional limits set by all other courts in New York State, indicating the seriousness of Rombola’s claims.
As Perry faces multiple charges—including resisting arrest and disorderly conduct—she has pleaded not guilty in court and is scheduled to appear again on September 3.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges airlines face regarding passenger management and safety. In a business where consumer trust is paramount, incidents like these highlight the need for clear policies and effective enforcement to protect all travelers.
As this case progresses, it will be interesting to see if it leads to broader changes in airline policies regarding seating arrangements and how passenger behavior is monitored, marking a potential shift toward more stringent safety measures. The conversation around airline regulations and customer experience is far from over, as many continue to advocate for more accountability in the industry.
