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Home » Law In Travel » Drunken WestJet Passenger Fined $21,000+ For Diversion
Law In TravelWestJet

Drunken WestJet Passenger Fined $21,000+ For Diversion

Matthew Klint Posted onFebruary 1, 2019November 14, 2023 2 Comments

a white airplane in the sky

Another datapoint to be sober-minded when you travel: one man must now pay $21,260.68. To start…

David Young, who has battled alcohol problems for years, consumed six alcoholic drinks prior to boarding his WestJet flight from Calgary to London last month. Immediately after takeoff, while the seatbelt light was still on and plane rapidly ascending, Young made repeated attempts to use the lavatory. Although flight attendants advised him it was unsafe, he tried to force open lavatory doors that were locked shut. A short time later, he became “aggressive” with a flight attendant and another passenger. This included coarse language and swearing.

The crew opted to divert the flight, but had to dump about 20,000 pounds of fuel first.

Young was arrested upon landing in Calgary and later pleaded guilty to failing to adhere to safety instructions and  resisting arrest. Now has been sentenced to pay restitution to WestJet and serve two additional days in jail.

Lori Ibus, the prosecutor, told USA Today:

Mr. Young was sentenced to one additional day of jail on each count, considering the seven days he spent in pretrial custody…” He was also ordered to pay WestJet $21,260.68 in restitution as part of his sentence. This amount represents the cost to WestJet for the fuel costs relating to the having to return to Calgary International Airport.

But $21,260.68 is a just a slap on the wrist. WestJet estimates that the diversion cost the company over $200,000 when the full fuel and passenger compensation costs are factored in. Now WestJet can choose to go after Young civilly for that amount.

CONCLUSION

Of course the word “sober-minded” in my opening paragraph remains much more than avoiding alcohol. There are so many snares when we find ourselves traveling in a confined space with tight legroom and little elbow room. But every time I read one of these stories is a reminder to think twice about that extra drink before boarding a flight or once onboard.

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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2 Comments

  1. J Munene Reply
    February 1, 2019 at 8:30 pm

    All the passengers should sue Mr. Young for time lost, anxiety, and inconvenience among others. Should serve as a good lesson for all these snowflakes who bring personal problems to the inconvenience society.

  2. PVG Reply
    February 2, 2019 at 11:51 am

    “Now has been sentenced to pay restitution.”

    I thought his name was David Young.

Leave a Reply to J Munene Cancel reply

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