FAA ISSUES LARGEST FINES EVER IMPOSED AGAINST TWO UNRULY PASSENGERS
May 30, 2022
On April 8, 2022, FAA issued a press release announcing that it proposed the largest-ever fines against two unruly passengers for $81,950 and $77,272 respectively.
In the first instance, the passenger was fined $81,950 for allegedly threatening and physically assaulting several flight attendants, crewmembers, and passengers. The passenger first threatened to hurt the flight attendant that offered to help her after she fell in the aisle of the aircraft, pushed the flight attendant aside, and tried to open the cabin door. Then the passenger repeatedly hit another flight attendant in the head when multiple flight attendants attempted to restrain her and spit at, headbutted, bit and tried to kick other crew members and passengers while being restrained. In the second instance, the passenger was fined $77,272 for attempting to hug and kiss the passenger seated next to her, walking to the front of the aircraft and trying to exit the aircraft during flight, refusing to return to her seat at the direction of crewmembers, and biting another passenger multiple times.
The fines come as FAA continues to try to crack down on unruly passenger behavior on airplanes. In fact, the two fines detailed above are part of the approximately $2 million DOT has proposed against unruly passengers since January 1, 2022.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6665).
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