Flight Attendant, Airline Sued Over Alleged Sexual Act

DENVER -- A Fort Collins woman has filed a lawsuit after she said a United Airlines flight attendant masturbated in front of her while on a flight.

Austin Godinez said in her suit that the male flight attendant gave free drinks to her and two female co-workers during a Detroit to Denver flight last November, then told her that she was his sexual fantasy.

According to the suit, the flight attendant began masturbating in front of her while he was in a section of the galley where only she could see him.

"In a state of shock, Ms. Godinez stood there looking (the flight attendant) in the eye, telling herself not to look down," according to the suit.

The lawsuit stated that Godinez, 24, didn't know if she stood there for "five seconds or five minutes."

United Airlines and the flight attendant are named as defendants, although the flight attendant is identified only as "Billy Doe." The suit claims violation of the Colorado Consumer Protection Act and breach of contract. It also alleges outrageous conduct and assault.

A spokesman for United Airlines said the airline has conducted its own investigation, but declined comment, other than to say the company would defend its case and its employee in court, which indicates the flight attendant is still employed.