Passenger Sues Southwest Airlines Over Viral Attack at LaGuardia Airport

A passenger injured in a viral altercation on a Southwest flight is filing a lawsuit against the airline, asserting that its seating policy contributed to the incident. The woman, identified as Livia Rombola, claims that the airline’s policy of allowing passengers to choose any seat during boarding created a situation that led to her being attacked.

The incident occurred aboard Southwest flight 779 to Kansas City, Missouri, when 32-year-old Leanna Perry, reportedly intoxicated and slurring her words, attacked Rombola. The assault was caught on video and widely circulated online, showing Perry grabbing the woman’s hair and shouting insults. Several passengers and crew restrained Perry, who was then zip-tied, placed on a gurney, and removed from the aircraft.

Rombola sustained serious injuries and alleges she experienced emotional trauma, embarrassment, and reputational harm from the incident and subsequent viral footage. She claims Southwest failed to adequately intervene or prevent Perry’s boarding, despite her apparent intoxication. The lawsuit accuses the airline of neglecting FAA regulations that should have barred Perry from flying while impaired and states that the airline’s “free-for-all seating policy” was a key factor in the conflict.

Southwest has announced plans to end its unassigned seating policy, effective January 26, 2026, moving toward assigned seating to enhance safety. Rombola’s legal action seeks damages exceeding the jurisdictional limits of New York courts, highlighting the significant physical, emotional, and reputational damage she endured.

The case stresses concerns over airline policies that may inadvertently foster unsafe situations, especially when passengers may be impaired or disruptive. Perry has been charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, disorderly conduct, harassment, and attempted assault. She pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for court on September 3.