Airline employee harassed passenger via text, lawsuit alleges

The texts came from an unfamiliar number. But the man on the other end of the conversation gave the impression that he knew her and could see her. Ashley Barno says she was sitting in the San Diego International Airport in April 2019 when she got a text from someone asking how she was. "I met you the other day at the airport," the person responded when she said she didn't recognise the number, according to copies of the texts. The man texted her that he worked for American Airlines. "Btw I must tell you that you are gorgeous!" he added. When Barno asked how he got her number and what his name was, the man insists she gave it to him and must have forgotten. His name is "Ahmad," he tells her. Later, Barno says he told her he got her phone number from a tag on her luggage. "Ahmad" soon reveals he can see her, asking whether she is on the same flight to Chicago as he is. When Barno asks him to come say hi, he says he can't find her anymore. "But you are looking very gorgeous in grey top today!!" he responds. Barno is suing the American Airlines employee, who is unnamed in the lawsuit, over the encounter for sexual harassment, stalking and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She is also suing the airline for negligent hiring, supervision and retention, as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress. American Airlines did not specifically address the allegations, but said the employee involved no longer works for the company.<br/>