Just hours after I posted the newsletter on what’s going on with unruly passengers, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a news release saying that more than $1 million in fines have been proposed. The key word here is proposed. It is unlikely that many of these fines, proposed against passengers who allegedly interfered with a flight crew, will be assessed anytime soon. There is a long process, including appeals, before a fine sticks.
It is, however, another sign that the FAA is doing what it can to try and turn the tide of this wave of bad behavior on aircraft. As I mentioned in earlier posts, the associations representing airlines and several unions, express frustration that the Department of Justice is not using the hammer of Federal prosecution more often. Those flying are asking DOJ to send a stronger message.
The FAA release:
