Woman Who Broke Flight Attendant’s Teeth Sentenced To 15 Months In Prison

Unruly Southwest Airlines Passenger Who Knocked Out Flight Attendant’s Teeth Sentenced

A Southwest Airlines passenger who punched a flight attendant and knocked two of her teeth out last year has been sentenced to serve 15 months in prison.

A California federal judge ordered Vyvianna Quinonez,29, to serve 15 months in prison in addition to paying $33,000 in restitution and fines for the attack plus undergoing anger management courses.

Quinonez is also banned from flying on commercial flights for three years once she’s released from federal prison.

On May 23, 2021, Quinonez was approached by the flight attendant and told to buckle her seatbelt, put away her tray table, and fix her facemask as the plane was preparing for landing in San Diego from Sacramento.

“Last year, Quinonez pleaded guilty to one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants, admitting that she assaulted a flight attendant by punching her in the face and head with a closed fist and grabbing her hair.”

“Violence on aircraft endangers the lives of all onboard. Attacks on flight crew members, who perform vital jobs to ensure passenger safety, will not be tolerated. We will pursue criminal charges against those who violate the law both at the airport and aboard aircraft while in flight.” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman.

An altercation between Quinonez and the flight attendant took place and another passenger recorded the fight. Quinonez could be seen pulling the woman’s hair and then punching her repeatedly. Federal authorities said the victim suffered three chipped teeth and she was required to get crowns. Additionally, she needed stitches for a cut under her eye as reported by Yahoo! News.