A United Airlines flight attendant was arrested at Tampa International Airport (TPA) after an altercation with a Cayman Airways crew member. The incident, which occurred on March 8, 2025, has gained attention following the release of bodycam footage showing the flight attendant’s arrest. The confrontation reportedly began when the United Airlines employee tapped his Cayman Airways counterpart on the shoulder during a shuttle bus ride, resulting in a charge of battery.
Incident Details and Escalation
According to reports from aviation news sources, the situation escalated aboard a crew shuttle bus transporting employees from the parking lot to the terminal. A Cayman Airways employee was engaged in a loud phone conversation prior to boarding the bus, which prompted the United Airlines flight attendant to comment on her volume. The Cayman Airways crew member claimed he told her that her voice was annoying, asking her to “close [her] mouth.” This remark led to accusations of racism, intensifying the exchange as they boarded the bus.
During the bus ride, the United flight attendant attempted to gain the Cayman crew member’s attention by tapping her shoulder. His goal was to identify her for a potential complaint regarding her phone conversation, but she perceived it differently. The flight attendant later acknowledged that his intention was to ask for her identification in order to report the incident to Cayman Airways.
Legal Consequences and Operational Impact
The confrontation did not end there. After they arrived at the terminal, the United Airlines crew member reportedly followed the Cayman staff member in an effort to obtain her details. His actions prompted local police to intervene, leading to his arrest. Under Florida law, the tap on the shoulder was classified as battery, a designation that sparked discussions about the nuances of such laws and the challenges of managing public behavior without crossing physical boundaries.
The arrest resulted in significant operational disruptions for United Airlines, as the flight attendant was unable to fulfill his scheduled flight duties. According to Cayman Marl Road, this incident underscores the need for police discretion in dealing with minor disputes, especially considering the subsequent need for United Airlines to arrange for a standby crew member.
United Airlines operates a substantial network at Tampa International Airport, with 1,659 flights scheduled for December 2025, while Cayman Airways has a much smaller presence with only 42 flights for the same month. As the investigation continues and further information emerges, the implications of this incident may resonate beyond the immediate parties involved.
