A routine Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Portland turned chaotic when a heavily intoxicated passenger was removed from the aircraft and later accused of sexually assaulting a Delta employee inside the airport. The case sheds light on the rising problem of unruly passengers since the pandemic, many of whom are linked to alcohol abuse.

What happened on the Delta flight?

Authorities say the incident began when 31-year-old Cody Sierra Marie Bryne boarded a Delta flight bound for Portland, Oregon. According to court documents, Bryne refused to move from the aisle, blocking other passengers. After repeated attempts to de-escalate the situation, the pilot ordered her off the plane.

Once removed, Bryne allegedly tried to force her way into a secure airport area, grabbed another woman by the neck, and pulled her hair. Moments later, she reportedly assaulted a Delta employee by grabbing and twisting her breast while shouting a threat.

How was the passenger arrested?

Following the incident, Bryne attempted to flee the terminal and was later spotted trying to purchase a ticket with another airline. Salt Lake City police arrested her, but officers reported that she resisted handcuffs, requiring two officers to restrain her.

During a post-arrest interview, Bryne denied the allegations of sexual assault or physical violence. However, police noted she smelled strongly of alcohol, was unable to hold a coherent conversation, and needed assistance walking. She admitted to drinking earlier that morning.

What charges is she facing?

Bryne has been charged with:

• Sexual battery
• Assault
• Public intoxication
• Interfering with flight crew operations (a federal violation)

Federal law allows fines of up to $37,000 for passengers who interfere with flight crews, in addition to possible jail time. She remains in custody as the case proceeds.

How common are unruly passenger incidents?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has tracked a sharp increase in alcohol-fueled disruptions at airports and on planes since the pandemic. Salt Lake City police have also reported a noticeable surge in unruly passenger arrests in recent years.

According to FAA data:

• In 2021, airlines reported over 6,000 unruly passenger incidents, the highest ever recorded.
• While numbers declined in 2022 and 2023, alcohol-related confrontations remain a significant issue.
• Assaults on airline staff, though rare, have increased in severity.

Delta’s response

A Delta Air Lines spokesperson told media outlets:

“Delta has zero tolerance for abusive, disruptive or unlawful behavior on our flights. The safety and security of our customers and crew is our highest priority, and we take all incidents seriously. While we do not comment on pending litigation, we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation proceeds.”

The airline has worked closely with law enforcement in similar cases, often banning offending passengers from future travel.

Why this case matters

This case illustrates several critical challenges for airlines and regulators:

• Passenger safety: Flight attendants and ground staff are increasingly finding themselves on the frontlines of passenger aggression.
• Alcohol control: Airport bars and pre-flight drinking continue to fuel incidents. Some lawmakers have called for stricter regulation of alcohol sales before flights.
• Legal accountability: Prosecutors are sending a strong message that assaults on airline staff—whether in the air or on the ground—will not be tolerated.

For passengers, it’s a stark reminder: disruptive behavior on a flight doesn’t just lead to removal—it can trigger federal charges, lifetime bans, and massive fines.

TL;DR

A drunk passenger on a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Portland was removed for refusing to follow crew instructions. After being escorted off, she allegedly grabbed a Delta employee’s breast, attacked another passenger, and tried to flee. She now faces charges of sexual battery, assault, public intoxication, and interfering with flight crews—violations that can result in fines up to $37,000 and possible jail time.