Sexual assaults on airplanes are on the rise, CBS News investigation finds

CBS News Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane revealed in a recent investigation that sexual assaults on commercial airplanes are increasing nationwide, with many incidents likely going unreported due to various barriers victims face when reporting such crimes during flights. The analysis examined federal data and interviewed victims, airline staff, and law enforcement officials to document the disturbing trend of rising sexual assaults in the unique environment of aircraft cabins. Investigators found that the confined spaces, limited escape options, and power dynamics between passengers and crew create an environment where predators may feel emboldened and victims may feel particularly vulnerable and unable to seek immediate help. Many survivors of these incidents choose not to report them due to embarrassment, fear of not being believed, concerns about flight delays, or uncertainty about which jurisdiction has legal authority over crimes committed in airspace.