Multiple families have initiated legal action against American Airlines following the disturbing revelation that a flight attendant covertly recorded children in airplane lavatories. The families contend that the airline neglected clear warnings and are now aggressively seeking justice.

In a particularly harrowing incident, a 13-year-old girl, referred to as Jane Doe in legal documents, experienced what was supposed to be a joyful trip to Disney World turn into a nightmare. Unknown to her at the time, her privacy was grossly violated by Estes Carter Thompson III, a flight attendant, who had concealed his iPhone under the toilet seat to film her during the flight from Orlando to Charlotte in August 2023.

The lawsuit, filed on August 6, 2025, in North Carolina, accuses American Airlines of negligent hiring, supervision, and retention. Disturbingly, it emerged that federal authorities had previously flagged Thompson as a potential threat, a fact the airline should have been aware of. Furthermore, the FBI had found evidence of similar misconduct by Thompson involving other minors on his iCloud account.

Despite Thompson's subsequent arrest and an 18-year sentence for sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography, American Airlines has yet to formally apologize to the victims, a silence that has only intensified the families' grievances.

Legal experts emphasize the heightened duty of care airlines owe to their passengers, especially minors. According to aviation law specialists at Clifford Chance, failing to safeguard minors in enclosed environments like airplane lavatories not only breaches regulatory standards but also exposes the airline to significant civil liabilities.

Additional lawsuits are surfacing, echoing similar allegations. In one case, the parents of a nine-year-old, known as Mary Doe, claim that despite previous employee complaints and reports about Thompson's behavior, American Airlines failed to act. Another distressing case involved a 14-year-old who discovered Thompson's phone taped under a lavatory seat. Although she alerted the flight crew immediately, it is alleged that Thompson was allowed access to his phone long enough to delete crucial evidence.

These cases highlight a potentially systemic issue within American Airlines' handling of employee conduct, particularly regarding the safety and privacy of minor passengers. The ongoing lawsuits are not just about seeking financial restitution but are calling for substantial changes in how airlines monitor and regulate employee behavior to prevent such egregious violations in the future.

For concerned parents and guardians, it is recommended to review airline policies, especially those pertaining to the travel of unaccompanied minors, and to educate children about maintaining privacy and safety while flying.

Victims and their families are encouraged to seek legal advice and report any misconduct to authorities, including the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Unit, to ensure such violations are thoroughly investigated and addressed.