

The FAA said it has referred 80 unruly airplane passengers to the FBI for potential criminal prosecution. The FAA said since January 2021, there have been a record 7,200 unruly passenger incidents reported - and 70% involved the enforcement of masking rules. The FAA imposed its zero-tolerance mandate when unruly passenger incidents escalated around the time of the Jan. The agency also proposed a $77,272-fine for a Delta (DAL.N) passenger on a July flight, alleging the passenger "attempted to hug and kiss the passenger seated next to her walked to the front of the aircraft to try to exit during flight refused to return to her seat and bit another passenger multiple times." After the passenger was restrained in flex cuffs, she spit at, headbutted, bit and tried to kick the crew and other passengers." The FAA added "two flight attendants tried to restrain the passenger, but she repeatedly hit one of the flight attendants on the head.

It alleged the passenger pushed a "flight attendant aside and tried to open the cabin door." Two new fines issued earlier this month were the highest yet, including an $81,950 fine for an American Airlines (AAL.O) passenger on a July flight. Unruly and disruptive passenger conduct can pose distinct threats to the safety and security of aircraft, flight crew and passengers, Liu said.

Since January 2021, the FAA has proposed fines of about $7 million for disruptive passengers. Under the policy, the FAA issues fines to passengers for unruly behavior instead of warning letters or counseling.
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Most violations related to the federal mask mandate have not resulted in physical assaults.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Register Since September 2021, TSA has imposed almost $400,000 in civil penalties against more than 600 mask violators. The range of penalties was increased to $500-$1,000 for first offenders and $1,000-$3,000 for second offenders. In September 2021, TSA doubled the range of civil penalties that may be imposed on individuals who violate the federal mask mandate at airports, on commercial aircraft, and in various modes of surface transportation to protect public health and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. TSA works closely with airline partners and other federal agencies to share real-time reporting that informs these enforcement actions, while protecting privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
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WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to leverage the full range of its authorities in response to highly concerning incidents in which airline passengers have intentionally engaged in disruptive behavior.
