Three days after an American Airlines in-flight meltdown involving an unruly passenger being duct-taped surfaced online, he has now faced the music. The incident occurred on American Airlines flight 618, which diverted its route after a midflight meltdown on September 3. Arthur Layne Lundeen, 67, was onboard flight AA 618, caused a ruckus, and was strapped to his seat with duct tape while his hands were secured with zip ties by fellow passengers.

Lundeen, who was employed at the Long Realty brokerage firm, has been terminated from his job, the company announced in a social media post on Sunday, September 6, 2026. Flight 618 was en route to Newark, having taken off from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Lundeen, an Arizona native, was arrested by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police after the flight made an emergency landing.

According to media reports, Lundeen started yelling midflight and used offensive language against a Black flight attendant. He then struck a passenger beside him and smashed that person's laptop. Following the incident, two men intervened and zip-tied him using duct tape provided by flight attendants.

Following his arrest by Maryland police, the flight continued to Newark, according to American Airlines. He was detained on suspicion of second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Lundeen was released without bail on his promise to appear in court, with his trial scheduled for October 19, 2026.