The FBI is reportedly warning air travelers to be cautious about a recent spike in the number of sexual assaults reported on commercial flights, SF Gate wrote.
"This is statistically still very rare; however, it is very good advice for people traveling to have situational awareness," FBI agent David Rodski reportedly told a news conference at Baltimore-Washington International Airport.
"What we're finding is a lot of people do not report the act" or report long after the incident occurs. Hit that call button… notify the flight crew immediately," Rodski advised.
According to flight security specialists, the assaults typically involve alcohol, a passenger who is asleep, or someone who is sitting in a middle or window seat when the cabin lights are darkened.
"We find offenders will often test their victims, sometimes brushing up against them to see how they will react or if they will wake up," Brian Nadeau, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's Baltimore Division, said.
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"Do not give these offenders the benefit of the doubt," he added.
In May, FBI special agent David Gates, who is based at Los Angeles International Airport, offered several useful tips to potential victims of in-flight sexual assault. The tips include keeping the arm rest down at all times and never mixing hard drinks with sleeping pills.
He also advised sticking to aisle seats where there is greater visibility.