FORT WORTH— An American Airlines (AA) frequent flyer is contesting a lifetime travel ban imposed after a 2022 incident on flight AA1124. The Miami (MIA) to Barranquilla (BAQ) route was forced to divert following a heated argument over the use of the Business Class bathroom.
John Nuñez, a Miami-based AAdvantage Platinum Pro member, was traveling as a non-revenue passenger when the conflict occurred. Now, Nuñez is pursuing legal action against American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to have the ban revoked, PYOK reported.
Photo: JFK SpottingAmerican Airlines Passenger Lifetime Ban
On June 3, 2022, American Airlines flight AA1124, operating between Barranquilla (BAQ) and Miami International Airport (MIA), diverted back to its departure point due to an escalating onboard disturbance.
John Nuñez, despite holding AAdvantage Platinum Pro status, was flying on a non-revenue ticket via retired employee benefits and seated in the Main Cabin.
Shortly after takeoff, Nuñez attempted to use the Business Class lavatory but was redirected by the purser to the rear cabin bathrooms.
Aggrieved by the denial, Nuñez confronted the rear cabin crew, expressing his frustration by loudly stating, “No one treats me like s**t,” while gesturing animatedly.
An FAA administrative law judge later characterized Nuñez’s reaction as a “tirade” but also criticized the crew for not attempting to de-escalate the situation, instead reminding Nuñez of his obligation to maintain decorum as a non-revenue passenger.
After using the Main Cabin lavatory, Nuñez later tried again but was physically blocked by a beverage cart. This led to further verbal insults directed at the crew, including expletives.
Subsequently, his request for an alcoholic beverage was denied, with the crew citing concerns about his apparent agitation.
Photo: Andrew E. Cohen | FlickrThe Diversion, Social Fallout, and FAA Penalty
As Nuñez’s conduct escalated, the flight crew informed the captain, who made the decision to divert the aircraft back to Barranquilla (BAQ). Upon landing, Nuñez was offloaded by American Airlines staff.
A video of the incident surfaced on social media, where Nuñez could be seen being escorted off the aircraft, amplifying public attention. The aftermath also impacted his personal life, reportedly contributing to the end of his engagement.
The FAA launched an enforcement action, initially proposing a $10,500 civil penalty for interfering with the crew’s duties. However, after an appeal, the penalty was reduced to $4,500.
The judge recognized mitigating factors, notably Nuñez’s medical condition — an enlarged prostate — which may have driven his urgent need for bathroom access.
Photo: By BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada – American Airlines Boeing 737-800 N930NN, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36856908Legal Action and Confusion Over Ban Status
Following numerous appeals, American Airlines reaffirmed its lifetime ban on Nuñez in a September 2024 communication.
Yet, in March 2025, Nuñez received correspondence from the airline’s customer relations team that ambiguously addressed him as a “valued Platinum Executive member,” concluding with, “We appreciate your AAdvantage loyalty very much, Mr Nuñez, and look forward to welcoming you on board your next American Airlines flight.”
Interpreting this as a lifting of the ban, Nuñez booked a Miami (MIA) to Orlando (MCO) flight, only to discover at the airport that the ban remained in place.
In addition to suing American Airlines (AA), Nuñez is also challenging the FAA for allegedly withholding documents he believes could support his case to have the lifetime ban rescinded.
Broader Implications for Non-Revenue Travel
The incident highlights the strict, often unwritten, behavioral expectations placed on non-revenue travelers — those flying on discounted or complimentary tickets linked to airline employees.
Such passengers are typically expected to maintain exceptional conduct and avoid confrontation, regardless of circumstances.
While these rules are partly formalized through dress codes and conduct policies, much of the decorum is ingrained as an industry norm.
Nuñez’s case underscores the complexities and potential personal consequences when those norms are challenged, especially under medical distress or misunderstandings.
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