US Department of Justice intensifies action against disruptive airline passengers

The U.S. Justice Department is stepping up its response to unruly airline passengers as assaults on flight attendants and other airline personnel have surged.

On Wednesday, November 24, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced that he has instructed DOJ staff to prioritize the prosecution of federal offenses occurring on aircraft and in airports.

This initiative aims to empower law enforcement with greater authority and resources to investigate and prosecute airborne crimes.

In September, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA conducted a survey revealing that 85% of flight attendants reported encountering unruly passengers.

Twenty percent of respondents reported experiencing physical violence while flying.

In a statement released during the hectic Thanksgiving travel season, Attorney General Garland noted:

"Passengers who physically attack, intimidate, or threaten flight crews and attendants not only harm those workers; they disrupt essential operations necessary for safe air travel. Moreover, when passengers engage in violent behavior towards others in the tight quarters of an aircraft, it puts everyone on board at risk."

Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research and a travel industry expert, expressed to TPG, "It's high time we take action against these offenders."

John E. DiScala, known as Johnny Jet and founder of JohnnyJet, shared a similar opinion with TPG, saying, "It's about time. Additionally, there should be an airline no-fly list to ensure that if a problematic passenger creates issues on one airline, they can't purchase a ticket with another."

As reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), over 5,300 incidents of unruly passengers have occurred as of November 23, 2021, with more than 3,850 related to mask compliance. The FAA enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for such behavior, imposing fines that can reach $37,000 per incident. Additionally, at least 37 cases have been referred to the FBI for further investigation.

Harteveldt stated, "There is absolutely no justification for anyone to verbally or physically assault others on an aircraft, be it fellow passengers or crew members. The same goes for any form of abuse directed at airport staff."

Brian Sumers, editor-at-large for travel website Skift, remarked to TPG, "It's encouraging to see the government taking air rage seriously. Front-line airline workers have reported an increase in passengers ignoring federal regulations, with alcohol consumption being a significant issue."

However, Sumers expressed concern that the measures may not be sufficient, saying, "I question whether this will act as a deterrent. Most instances of air rage are not premeditated. Passengers may overindulge in alcohol, have a bad day, or experience stress, leading to outbursts. When conflicts arise with flight attendants, the thought of legal consequences often comes afterward. Ideally, the industry and regulators will devise strategies to prevent air rage from occurring in the first place."

Henry Harteveldt proposed that action from the Justice Department against unruly passengers could encourage others to reconsider their behavior toward airline staff in the future.

"I believe we've reached a stage where airlines would be justified in requiring passengers to agree to a 'code of conduct' during the check-in process," Harteveldt stated.

Harteveldt further commented to TPG:

"While none of us enjoy wearing masks on flights, it has become a federal mandate, and airlines must enforce it. Some passengers seem to feel entitled to challenge this requirement instead of accepting it. Their frustrations with air travel may lead to outbursts, with mask-wearing being the final trigger. This behavior is unacceptable. As a passenger, you can either comply with the rules, like buckling your seatbelt or wearing a mask, or seek alternative travel options to reach your destination."