DHS addresses unruly airline passenger actions

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said the agency does not tolerate behavior placing the safety of airport and airline personnel as well as the traveling public at risk.

“We will continue to use our authorities to hold accountable those passengers that intentionally violate our safety and security rules and regulations, including by issuing fines, referring individuals for criminal prosecution, revoking access to trusted traveler programs, and denying boarding when appropriate,” he said.

Disruptive behavior includes verbal abuse, physical assault, and other threats to the safety and security of airline flight crews, Transportation Security Officers, and passengers.

Enforcement actions depend upon the severity of the incident and are based on a case-by-case determination. Actions include issuing fines to individuals who violate applicable federal regulations or directives; referring individuals who assault airport personnel, airline flight crews, or other passengers to the Department of Justice for potential criminal prosecution; and revoking or denying eligibility for TSA (Transportation Security Administration) PreCheck or other traveler programs such as Global Entry for individuals who violate applicable rules and regulations.

Last September, TSA doubled the range of civil penalties potentially imposed on individuals violating the federal mask mandate at airports, on commercial aircraft, and in various modes of surface transportation to protect public health and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, penalties increased from $500 to $1,000 for first offenders and $1,000 to $3,000 for second offenders. Since September 2021, TSA has imposed almost $400,000 in civil penalties against more than 600 mask violators.