The passenger, a 25‑year‑old pediatric crisis therapist, told NBC News she was seated beside a man who, she said, began masturbating while staring at her as the flight took off at 6 am. She moved away from him and reported the behaviour to the cabin crew, who let her stand for the remainder of the hour‑long flight. Yet, when the aircraft was preparing to land, crew members asked her to sit back next to the same man because there were no empty seats. She repeatedly told them she felt uncomfortable, but was told she would only have to sit beside him for a few minutes while the plane touched down. She later filed complaints with the Federal Aviation Administration, the FBI, and United Airlines. A United Airlines spokesperson said the company is investigating the incident. The outcome of the investigation will be announced after the agency reviews the crew's actions and the flight's records.