The FAA extends the zero-tolerance policy for unruly passengers

The Federal Aviation Administration said Monday it would continue to crack down on unruly passengers, expanding the zero tolerance policy he implemented in January. Airlines have reported more than 500 cases since the end of December, according to the agency.

Most of these cases were related to travelers who refused to wear face masks, which both airlines and the federal government require for commercial air travel, the FAA said.

“I have decided to expand the FAA’s zero tolerance policy for unruly passengers as we continue to do our best to deal with the pandemic,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said in a statement. “The policy instructs our security inspectors and attorneys to take strong enforcement action against any passenger who disrupts or threatens the security of a flight, with penalties ranging from fines to jail. The number of cases we are seeing it is still too high, and it tells us that urgent action needs to be taken. “

The FAA will maintain its zero tolerance policy at least as long as the federal mask mandate is in effect.

According to federal data, cases of unruly passengers increased per capita throughout 2020. Flight attendant unions raised concerns about the safety of unruly passengers, especially after the January 6 pro-Trump revolt at the Capitol.

“Administrator Dickson’s firm stance in January on zero tolerance supported us and now is not the time to lower our guard,” said Sara Nelson, president of the Vol-CWA Assistants Association. , which represents about 50,000 cabin crew members at more than a dozen airlines.

“The disorderly and politically biased discussion around masks has created confusion and conflict,” he said in a statement. “We don’t have time to break the federal mask mandate. On a plane, this behavior puts everyone at risk and we can’t stand it.”