Chaos at Orlando Airport: Woman Kicks Airline Employee and Damages Equipment After Outburst at Southwest Gate

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — A chaotic scene unfolded at Orlando International Airport (MCO) when a woman allegedly kicked a Southwest Airlines gate agent, screamed for police, and smashed airline monitors in a public outburst that quickly went viral online.

Witnesses captured the incident on video, showing the woman — described as appearing intoxicated — shouting at staff near a Southwest boarding gate before escalating into physical aggression.

Witnesses Describe Airport Meltdown

The video, posted on social media, shows the woman kicking a gate agent and flailing her arms, while several stunned passengers watch from nearby seats. Moments later, she appears to strike one of the Southwest Airlines check-in monitors, sending it crashing to the floor.

The person who filmed the clip wrote, “She kicks a gate agent, calls for the police (I guess to arrest her…?), then damages Southwest Airlines monitors.”

They added sarcastically, “I wish her the best on her future Amtrak travels once she gets out of jail.”

Police Respond to Disturbance

Airport security and Orlando police officers were reportedly called to the gate area after the disturbance began. While authorities have not yet released the woman’s name or official charges, witnesses say she was taken into custody shortly after the altercation.

“She was screaming for the police and then turned around and kicked a Southwest worker,” one traveler said. “Everyone just froze — it was surreal.”

The flight was temporarily delayed as crews cleaned up the area and repaired damaged monitors.

Viral Reaction and Growing Frustration Over Air Rage

The footage has since spread widely online, sparking strong reactions from viewers frustrated by the rise in unruly passenger behavior. Many called for the woman to be added to the federal no-fly list, while others blamed alcohol and poor airport security for the recurring disruptions.

“These people need lifetime flight bans,” one commenter wrote.

“Imagine having to deal with this while just trying to get to your gate,” another said.

Incidents of aggressive or violent behavior toward flight attendants and gate agents have surged in recent years. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported more than 2,000 unruly passenger cases in 2024 alone, prompting airlines to request stronger penalties for offenders.

Airlines Continue to Push for Tougher Penalties

Airline worker unions, including the Transport Workers Union, have been vocal about the dangers faced by gate and cabin crews. They’ve urged federal lawmakers to expand the no-fly list to include violent passengers, even if the incident occurs before boarding.

“Every time a worker is assaulted, it puts everyone in danger,” said one union spokesperson in a previous statement.

A Reminder of Airline Accountability and Passenger Conduct

Southwest Airlines has not released an official statement but is expected to press charges for property damage and assault. Meanwhile, the video continues to circulate on social media, reigniting debate over public civility and how airlines should handle intoxicated or disruptive passengers before they reach the gate.

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