Southwest Airlines pilot cited for alleged assault of flight attendant

A Southwest Airlines (LUV) pilot has been summoned to appear in court after allegedly assaulting his colleague, a flight attendant, during a heated argument about wearing masks. 

The incident occured on October 18, 2021 at a Doubletree by Hilton hotel bar in San Jose, California, where the crew stayed overnight in between flights.

The case is being handled by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for review and possible charges. 

"The event involved a disagreement over mask wearing or masks," San Jose Police Department spokesman Sgt. Christian Camarillo told local media. 

Camarillo also mentioned that police are not releasing the name, profession, or any other details about the victim due to privacy reasons.

A spokesperson for the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office advised local media that prosecutors had not yet obtained a formal citation referral from police, but noted such referrals can often take up to two weeks to be received.

A Southwest Airline representative confirmed to AeroTime Hub that they indeed received reports last month about the off-duty disagreement between crew members on an overnight trip.

"Our internal investigation, now ongoing, would regard the outcome of charges filed with local authorities. One employee currently is on leave as this internal process unfolds," the airline representative said.

This is the second time in a week that a Southwest Airlines (LUV) pilot has attracted media attention. 

On October 31, 2021, the airline advised that it is conducting an internal investigation after a video surfaced online showing one of its pilots allegedly making a political remark over the intercom during a Houston to Albuquerque flight.