FAA Sends More Cases of Unruly Passengers to FBI

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials have noted a decrease in the number of unruly airline passengers being referred to the FBI for potential prosecution compared to the pandemic period, despite ongoing concerns about the high volume of incidents. Since late 2021, over 310 cases have been reported, although the exact number leading to prosecution remains unclear. In 2023 alone, airlines have reported more than 1,240 cases of passenger misconduct to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has observed a significant decline in passenger misbehavior, with incidents dropping by over 80% since early 2021, a time when many confrontations stemmed from mask mandates during the pandemic. Following a federal judge's decision to strike down the mask rule in 2022, airlines and transit systems were left to establish their own mask policies, a move that the Biden administration chose not to contest. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the importance of maintaining safety on flights, stating, “There’s absolutely no excuse for unruly behavior.” He reiterated the agency's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy, which was implemented in January 2021, allowing for civil penalties of up to $37,000 for misbehavior. While the FAA can impose fines, it does not have the authority to file criminal charges, leading to a partnership with the FBI to enhance prosecution efforts for serious cases.