The Chicago Tribune says that a couple are suing United Airlines, claiming that the airline “negligently over served” the man — causing him to become drunk and to beat his wife.

According to the lawsuit, United supplied the man with wine every 20 minutes on the couple’s flight from Osaka, Japan to San Francisco. This apparently caused the flier in question to become “so inebriated “that he could not manage himself,” according to a lawsuit filed Dec. 5 in U.S. District Court.

Shimamoto was arrested, accused of disorderly conduct and battery after he struck his wife, Ayisha, six times, injuring her face and upper lip as they were heading through U.S. Customs in San Francisco, the complaint said.

The lawsuit is highly unusual and will likely hinge on whether Chicago-based United, in effect, operated a flying bar that’s subject to the same legal liabilities as earthbound drinking establishments, legal experts said.

At issue: whether laws that hold bars and restaurants responsible for harm caused by intoxicated patrons apply when the bartender and drinker are flying at 40,000 feet across international territory.

Is an airline a flying bar? Are they responsible for this sort of thing? Is anyone other than you responsible for you beating up your wife?

Couple accuse United Airlines of overserving husband, causing him to beat wife [Chicago Tribune]
(Photo: Sprit635 )

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.