Authorities in the US are following through on threats to slam travelers who misbehave on flights with a massive fine.
The US Federal Aviation Administration Wednesday announced civil penalties of $US20,000 and $US12,500 against two passengers for allegedly interfering with flight attendants who told them to wear face masks and obey other rules.
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It is part of a policy of zero tolerance towards passengers who cause disturbances on flights, fail to obey flight crew instructions in violation of FAA regulations, or break federal laws.
The FAA is proposing a $20,000 fine for a JetBlue passenger on a flight between Boston and Puerto Rico on December 27.
The authority claims the woman passenger failed multiple times to comply with flight attendants’ instructions to wear her facemask and remain seated with her seatbelt fastened.
“The passenger shoved a flight attendant multiple times in her chest/shoulder area, shouted obscenities at the flight attendant, and threatened to have her fired,’’ the FAA said.
“As a result of the passenger’s behavior, the captain diverted the flight back to Boston”
The second case involving the $US12500 fine was also on a JetBlue flight, this time from New York to the Dominican Republic, on December 31, 2020.
The FAA says a male passenger also failed multiple times to comply with instructions to wear a face mask and to stop drinking from a personal bottle of alcohol, an act prohibited under FAA regulations, and to hand over the bottle.
“After flight attendants issued the passenger a “Notice to Cease Objectionable Behavior” card, he shouted profanities at them, slammed overhead bins and became more and more uncooperative and agitated,’’ the FAA said.
“During the landing phase of flight, including when the plane was taxiing to the gate, the passenger stood up while the “fasten seatbelt” sign was illuminated, threw his bottle of alcohol behind a seat, and went to the lavatory.
“As a result of the passenger’s behavior, the flight crew requested that law enforcement meet the aircraft at the gate.”
The passengers have 30 days after receiving the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.
Airlines can also sue passengers for costs when they are forced to divert a flight due to misbehavior.
