Crazy Florida Couple Arrested For Trying To Force Their Way Onto American Airlines Flight

A Florida couple was arrested for trying to force their way onboard an American Airlines flight after showing up late to board and then using hot coffee as a weapon to repel gate agents from stopping them. No, the couple was not successful. Yes, they were arrested and face criminal charges. What a surprise…

Florida Couple Tries To Force Way Onto American Airlines Flight, Attacks Gate Agents With Coffee In Miami

The cacophony unfolded at Miami International Airport (MIA) on March 2, 2025 when Rafael Seirafe-Novaes, 40, and Beatriz Rapoport De Campos Maia, 29, showed up late at the gate of their American Airlines flight to Cancun International Airport (CUN).

Gate agents informed them that they were denied boarding due to their late arrival (you must be onboard at 15 minutes before scheduled departure) but the couple reacted poorly, trying to argue their way onto the flight. When that did not work, they became violent and decided it was a good idea to try and push their way onboard. Like an American football blitz, they rushed forward, catching the gate agents unexpectedly, and tried to make a run down the jetbridge to get on their flight to Cancun.

When gate agents pursued, the couple got even more physical and Rapoport De Campos Maia flung coffee at them.

Police were called and the couple were arrested.

Per American Airlines:

Prior to boarding American Airlines Flight 2494 from Miami (MIA) to Cancún (CUN), law enforcement responded to the gate for two disruptive customers. Acts of violence are not tolerated by American Airlines, and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement in their investigation.

AA has not confirmed, however, whether the couple is banned from future travel on American Airlines (though I would suspect that is a safe assumption).

The couple now face multiple charges against them. Seirafe-Novaes has been charged with resisting an officer without violence and trespassing while Rapoport De Campos Maia was charged with two counts of battery and trespassing. Both have been released on bail.

Lesson: if you show up late to your flight, don’t try other means to get onboard. It’s a guaranteed failure (unless you are Robert Schuller…)

mug shots: Miami-Dade corrections