FAA FINES ALASKA FOR ALLOWING INTOXICATED PASSENGERS TO BOARD
July 17, 2026
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The FAA recently fined Alaska Airlines $165,000 for letting visibly intoxicated passengers board flights in violation of safety regulations. Due to the significant risks associated with drunken passengers who could become unruly and threaten crew members/other passengers, federal regulations prohibit carriers from allowing passengers who appear intoxicated to board an aircraft. Even after consenting to an audit of airline policies/practices and implementing enhanced training for flight attendants to ensure proper handling of intoxicated passengers, Alaska was nevertheless hit with $165,000 in civil penalties because regulators remained concerned about eleven (11) alleged incidents which occurred on board Alaska flights between February 2024 and February 2025. Carriers are strongly encouraged to have detailed policies and procedures in place to outline both crew member and ground handler personnel duties when responding to disturbances involving the consumption and/or service of alcoholic beverages on board.
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