FAA’s Zero Tolerance for Disruptive Passengers
According to FAA, the new policy is in response to an increasing number of incidents where passengers have refused to wear masks and to recent violence at the U.S. Capitol. FAA has traditionally provided warnings and counseling or imposed civil penalties for unruly passengers. However, under the new policy, FAA is taking a “zero tolerance” approach and will pursue an enforcement action against the passenger, including imposing fines of up to $35,000 and imprisonment, if they interfere with, physically assault, or threaten to physically assault aircraft crew or anyone else on an aircraft. The policy will be in effect through March 30, 2021.