When the flight attendants tell a plane full of passengers that smoking is prohibited onboard, perhaps they should clarify that lighting anything on fire is not okay. Some people could probably use a reminder, like the traveler accused of using a lighter to set two blankets aflame during a JetBlue flight.
According to a statement released by the FBI’s field office in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Wednesday, a passenger aboard a flight from New York City bound for Ponce, Puerto Rico “utilized a lighter to ignite and successfully damage two blankets and a portion of the in-flight control panel of the seat next to hers.”
Upon the plane’s arrival early Tuesday morning, the passenger was detained by police, and then placed in FBI custody on charges of destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities, the agency said.
If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison.
“The incident is under investigation and we are cooperating with law enforcement,” JetBlue said in a statement. “Additional inquiries should be directed to the FBI.”
by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist