The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not messing around after doling out a $10,500 fine to one Arizona man who just couldn’t seem to keep his mask on and harrassed a flight attendant.
The incident in question dates back to a February flight where a Mesa Arizona man was traveling from Arizona to Provo, Utah on discount airline Allegiant Air. According to some reports, the passenger was advised at least seven times by flight crew to wear his face mask on the flight. Apparently, the man would comply, then after the flight attendant left, would pull the mask back down.
To make matters the worse, the man physically contacted a flight attendant after the plane touched ground and before the door was open, causing her to cry and feel threatened.
The FAA recently released information noting there have been over three thousand inflight incidents this year alone. Incidents range from physical altercations to serious mask violations or otherwise unruly passenger behavior.
Earlier this year, the FAA released revised guidance on fines for unruly passengers recommending steep fines ranging from $7500 to $35,000. Indeed, the FAA has already levied $119,000 in fines and recommended over $600,000 in fines.
In addition to Allegiant Air incident, the FAA recently recommended a $13k fine for a passenger involved in an unruly incident on a Las Vegas-bound flight out of San Diego. Unfortunately, these incidents have been far too common.
Because, apparently, adults have lost their damn minds and incapable of behaving like adults the FAA recently released this public service announcement with kids as the stars. Yeah, ’nuff said. Stop acting like a child and behave yourself when traveling. It really is that simple.
