A federal grand jury indicts 43-year-old Nicole Pizzi for allegedly assaulting multiple individuals during and after an American Airlines flight from Pittsburgh to Charlotte. The indictment, handed down earlier this week, charges Pizzi with four counts of assault by striking, beating, or wounding—charges that stem from a disruptive and violent incident that took place on June 1, 2024.
According to court documents, Pizzi is accused of being intoxicated during the flight and engaging in aggressive behavior toward the airline crew. She allegedly hit, kicked, and spit on several American Airlines flight attendants mid-flight, interfering with their duties and placing passengers and crew at risk. Upon landing in Charlotte, her conduct escalated, and she reportedly assaulted an EMT, a medic, and a nurse while being removed from the plane and receiving initial medical attention.
Authorities say Pizzi was arrested shortly after the aircraft landed and initially faced local charges before being released from custody. The federal indictment significantly elevates the case’s profile, as interfering with airline personnel during flight is a federal offense carrying steep penalties, including prison time.
This incident adds to a growing number of unruly passenger cases across the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has increased enforcement efforts in recent years, citing a rise in physical altercations and disruptive in-flight behavior. Assaulting flight attendants and medical personnel in any capacity is taken seriously under federal law, particularly given the safety-sensitive nature of air travel.
The FAA and Transportation Security Administration have repeatedly warned that such conduct can lead to lifetime flight bans and criminal prosecution. If convicted, Nicole Pizzi faces the possibility of years in prison, hefty fines, and permanent inclusion on federal no-fly watchlists.
Pizzi’s arraignment date has not yet been made public. The case highlights the ongoing challenges airline staff and first responders face while managing volatile passengers and the legal consequences that await those who endanger public safety during commercial flights.
Sources:
https://www.wbtv.com/2025/03/19/woman-accused-assaulting-spitting-crew-members-during-american-airlines-flight-charlotte
https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/grand-jury-indicts-woman-who-spit-on-american-airlines-crew-on-flight-to-charlotte/83-84922a5d-5fb0-4b02-b0d8-7d53164aa0e3
https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/woman-charged-with-hitting-spitting-on-american-airlines-flight-crew-to-charlotte/275-d87ff23f-2506-49fc-a7de-a0e81ddaa55a
https://www.yahoo.com/news/woman-facing-federal-charges-assaulting-192825960.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/woman-facing-federal-charges-assaulting-224232967.html
https://youtu.be/nnElxfGKW28
