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Incidents of Sexual Misconduct

Incidents of Sexual Misconduct – What is It and What Can You Do?

 
Sexual Misconduct Defined

Sexual misconduct is a broad term. It encompasses any behavior or attempted behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without consent or with someone incapable of consent, or by force, intimidation, coercion, or manipulation. Sexual misconduct also includes physical or verbal advances or harassment of a sexual nature, or public indecent exposure.

Who to Contact If You Experience In-Flight Sexual Misconduct?

Airline

If you experience in-flight sexual misconduct you should report the incident promptly to a flight attendant or an airline agent. If this is not feasible, you should immediately afterward seek local law enforcement at the airport.

FBI

You may also contact the FBI. The FBI conducts criminal investigations of sexual misconduct incidents occurring aboard aircraft within its jurisdiction. A State may also have concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal government to investigate and prosecute in-flight sexual misconduct incidents in situations where the flight operated solely within one State. Incidents of sexual misconduct can be reported to the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or 1-800-CALL-FBI.

FAA 

Acts of sexual misconduct are also punishable by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA is continuing to implement a Zero Tolerance policy for unruly passenger behavior which includes assessing significant fines against passengers who engage in conduct that interferes with a crewmember’s performance of duties or who physically or sexually assault or threaten to physically or sexually assault crewmembers or other individuals on the aircraft. You may contact the FAA through the FAA Hotline Reporting Form at https://hotline.faa.gov/.

OST’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection

You may also submit a complaint to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP). OACP will use your complaint to evaluate the need for future rulemaking or guidance but is unable to take any action to directly address your complaint. 

Last updated: Tuesday, July 8, 2025