Amanda Strickland and her boyfriend Kyle Rinker were en route to Ontario, California to visit family when a door plug suddenly blew out, forever changing their lives.

The couple, joined by another passenger from the same flight, has teamed up to sue both Alaska Airlines and Boeing, seeking a staggering $1 billion in punitive damages. Strickland revealed that not a single day has passed without them reflecting on the traumatic event that unfolded mid-flight.

Strickland and Rinker were seated just two rows diagonally behind a 15-year-old passenger whose shirt was sucked off when the plug blew out. The force of the incident created a chilling wind throughout the cabin, making it difficult for the couple to comprehend what was happening. Despite the chaos, they sought solace in each other's embrace, desperately hoping for a safe landing. Strickland described the experience as intense, with the loud rush of wind drowning out any other sounds.

Their lawyer, Jonathan Johnson, expressed that warning signs were evident even before passengers boarded the ill-fated aircraft. "The issue with Alaska, on this particular aircraft, they had several warnings, air pressure monitor warnings. In fact, I think they had said this aircraft couldn't fly over water," he stated. Johnson further raised concerns about the outsourcing of manufacturing, arguing that safety protocols may not be followed consistently by third-party contractors.

Strickland and Rinker are determined to hold both airlines accountable for the incident and ensure that such an ordeal never happens again. However, Alaska Airlines has refrained from making any comments on the pending litigation or the ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the case will progress and whether the couple's demand for $1 billion in damages will be granted. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for both Alaska Airlines and Boeing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols and addressing potential risks before they manifest in real-world consequences.