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Passenger Arrested for Slapping Flight Attendant
11 Jun
Summary
- Passenger charged with federal offense for allegedly slapping flight attendant.
- Flight diverted to Atlanta after the alleged assault occurred mid-flight.
- Delta states zero tolerance for disruptive behavior on its flights.
A federal indictment was issued on June 9 for Cody James Maluck, 32, following an alleged assault on a Delta Air Lines flight attendant. The incident occurred on May 9 during a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles. A flight attendant reported being slapped on the buttocks by Maluck while he claimed he was trying to get her attention.
The alleged physical contact caused the flight attendant to move forward, prompting her to turn around and confront Maluck. Another flight attendant corroborated the report, stating they heard a yell and saw the victim's body move as if struck. In-flight service was halted following the disturbance.
Maluck admitted to touching the flight attendant but denied slapping her hard enough to cause significant movement. He explained he was wearing headphones and trying to get her attention for a beverage. The flight was diverted to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where authorities met the aircraft and detained Maluck.
Delta Air Lines has affirmed its stance of zero tolerance for disruptive or unruly behavior, pledging full cooperation with law enforcement. The Federal Aviation Administration has recorded 687 reports of unruly passengers so far in 2026, leading to 33 enforcement actions.
