TSA DOUBLES FINES FOR REFUSAL TO WEAR MASKS DURING TRAVEL
October 10, 2021
On September 9, 2021, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) issued a press release announcing its plans to increase the range of civil penalties that may be imposed for violations of the federal mask mandate, which applied to certain modes of transportation. The decision was announced around the same time a new federal vaccine mandate was publicized by the White House, and nearly two weeks after news that the federal mask mandate will continue through January 18, 2022.
The previous range of civil penalties for noncompliance was $250 for first time offenders and went up to $1,500 for repeat offenders. The updated range of civil penalties for noncompliance is now $500-$1,000 for first-time offenders and $1,000-$3,000 for travelers who have previously violated the rule. The updated penalty regime became effective on Friday, September 10, 2021 and will apply not only to air travel, but also to travel via bus and rail. The TSA penalties are also separate from those that the FAA has imposed on travelers known as “unruly passengers” who have disrupted flights or assaulted airline personnel. The FAA can fine an unruly passenger up to $37,000 per violation for unlawful or disruptive behavior, which can include the failure to follow a crewmember’s directive to wear a face mask.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6622); Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6665), or Andy Orr (aorr@eckertsemans.com or 202-659-6625).
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