The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will extend its zero-tolerance policy against unruly passengers implemented a year ago on March 15, according to a report by CNBC.
More than 500 cases of unruly passengers have been reported by airlines since last December, according to Reuters.
“I have decided to extend the FAA’s unruly-passenger zero-tolerance policy as we continue to do everything we can to confront the pandemic,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said in a statement. “The policy directs our safety inspectors and attorneys to take strong enforcement action against any passenger who disrupts or threatens the safety of a flight, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time.”
Dickson stated in press appearances on networks like CNBC that the no-tolerance policy will remain in effect as long as the federal mask mandate remains in effect.
“The number of cases we’re seeing is still far too high, and it tells us urgent action continues to be required,” Dickson added.
Throughout much of 2020, case numbers continued to climb at higher rates per capita, sparking frustration from flight attendant unions concerned about their members’ safety.
Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, the nation’s largest flight attendant union, applauded the decision by the FAA.
“We applaud FAA Administrator Steve Dickson for his strong statements and emergency order to make clear there will be no second chances for passengers who fail to comply with crewmember instructions that keep everyone safe,” said Nelson in a statement.
Violators will face penalties up to $35,000 and, in some instances, imprisonment for assaulting or threatening airline crew or passengers, according to The Hill.
The FAA is currently seeking civil penalties against four unruly passengers, according to Travel Weekly.
One case seeks a $20,000 fine against a woman who caused a Dec. 27 JetBlue Airways flight bound for Puerto Rico to return to Boston. The passenger repeatedly ignored requests to remain seated and wear her mask before shouting profane language and ultimately shoving a flight attendant.
Another case involves a man who was escorted by police upon reaching his final destination of the Dominican Republic. The FAA is perusing a $12,500 fine from a passenger who illegally smuggled and consumed alcohol on board a flight while refusing to wear a mask. Later, during the flight, he shouted profanities, slammed overhead bins, and threw his bottle behind his seat.
