'Pee Pee Seat' Passenger Confesses

A recent incident aboard a United Airlines^® trans-Atlantic flight shocked passengers and staff alike, as a disruptive passenger forced an emergency diversion. Here are the crazy details from the recent case.

1. Disruptive Behavior Mid-Flight:

Zachary Greear, 34, allegedly mixed Xanax^® and alcohol to combat his fear of flying. Two hours into the trans-Atlantic flight from Amsterdam to Newark, he began behaving erratically, including urinating in his seat and down the aisle, disturbing the 153 passengers and 13 crew members aboard.

Mixing Xanex and alcohol can be dangerous, and medical professionals generally advise against it.

2. Emergency Diversion to Dublin:

The captain diverted the flight to Dublin, Ireland, to address the escalating situation. To make a safe landing, the aircraft had to dump over $30,000 worth of jet fuel.

3. Arrest and Intoxication:

Upon landing, Greear was arrested by Irish police. Authorities reported that he was so intoxicated he was unaware of his location.

4. Charges and Guilty Plea:

Greear was charged under Ireland's Air Navigation and Transport Act for intoxication, abusive behavior, and causing serious annoyance to others. He pleaded guilty to all charges.

5. Court Ruling and Fines:

The court sentenced Greear to a two-month suspended sentence and imposed a €5,000 fine (approximately $5,154). Additionally, he was ordered to donate €5,000 to charity. In total, his penalties amounted to about $10,308.

6. Impact on Passengers and Crew:

During the hearing, Judge Michéle Finan emphasized the emotional and logistical toll Greear's actions took on the passengers, crew, and flight staff. As reported by PEOPLE, she stated, "Can you imagine the fear and trauma he caused to a pilot who is trying to manage people safely on his aircraft, to passengers, to employees of the airline who have to dump fuel and turn around a flight and land in a jurisdiction they never expected to be in?"

7. Growing Concerns Over In-Flight Behavior:

Incidents of unruly passenger behavior have become more frequent in recent years. Airlines like Ryanair^® are urging stricter alcohol regulations at airport bars to help mitigate such events.

This case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of poor decisions while flying. For Greear, mixing alcohol with medication not only resulted in legal penalties but also caused distress to fellow passengers and costly disruptions for the airline. As airlines and airports work to address rising incidents of in-flight misconduct, this event underscores the importance of maintaining proper conduct and making safe choices in the air.

References: 'Intoxicated' United Airlines Passenger Fined $10,000 for Urinating on Seat During Flight | United Passenger Gets $10K Fine for Urinating in Seat Mid-Flight | Intoxicated 'nervous flyer' caused New York flight to divert to Dublin