Let’s face it, airport fights and some unruly passengers in the air continue to be an issue. So what’s with the bad behavior anyway that we’ve seen on Twitter and in the news?
Yesterday the FAA said that a violent passenger on Delta’s flight from Honolulu could face a $52.5K fine. In addition, the agency will enforce a no-tolerance policy towards those who instigate in-flight disturbances or don’t comply with crewmember instructions.
The FAA said airlines referred some 1,300 cases referred to it within the past 90 days. And those are just the ones that have the airlines have advised them about. The agency said, “There has seen a disturbing increase in incidents where airline passengers have disrupted flights with threatening or violent behavior.” As a result, FAA has proposed various new fines that include these cases:
- $9,000 for incorrect mask-wearing
- $18,500 for incorrect mask-wearing plus drinking alcohol brought on board.
- $27,000 for screaming and banging on another’s seat, disturbing passengers, and indicating a bomb was on board.
- $52,500 for the incident described below.
Hawaii flight bad behavior is in a league of its own.
FAA’s largest new fine relates to a passenger who attempted to open the cockpit door, disobeyed cabin crew instructions, and physically assaulted a flight attendant multiple times. The passenger was both arrested on arrival and is also now facing a $52,500 FAA fine.
As you may recall, this incident took place in December on Delta’s flight from Honolulu to Seattle. The FAA said that the passenger “Repeatedly refused to comply with crew members’ instructions. He also hit a flight attendant in the face and pushed him to the floor. The passenger then threatened the flight attendant by charging at him as he attempted to restrain the passenger.”
Unbelievably, after the assailant was restrained using plastic handcuffs, he was somehow able to free himself and then struck the flight attendant in the face again. The FAA said, “Police boarded the aircraft after it landed and took the passenger into custody.”
What’s your take on the increase in travel-related violent confrontations?
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Aloha,
If you insist on treating people like dumb farm animals then they will behave as such.
Mahalo,
Gerry
Increased violence on flights….maybe serve some cocktails so people can relax! Half way joking, but not!
I am a very nervous flyer and I’m saddened to hear that Hawaiian Airlines isn’t offering drink service on the airplane. Why not?? My trip is coming up in a few weeks and I hoping for a miracle that this service is resumed.
My comment is about visitor confrontations who are disrespecting the the beauty and pureness of the islands. I am visiting for the month of May and been a constant visitor for many years. This time was an eye opener. I spend most time on the Hilton Hawaiian beach. The sadness of what I have seen with many people with literally cases of alcohol , smoking cigarettes ,cigars ,vaping and loud music blasting from their portable speakers. I know that Oahu recently opened up after the pandemic but if this is what the peaceful islands are going to change to then that is very sad. I hope the people in charge do what they have to do to keep Hawaii, Hawaii.
Simple explanation for this increase in violent behavior- this kind of thing has been made to seem OK.
Thanks for stating the obvious. We have become a society of “me first” and “I don’t have to follow anybody’s rules.” So sad.
Exactly! Everything in our country has become this “me first” attitude. Problem is that with this attitude it becomes very dangerous because these people will do anything including illegal moves in order to be “Me First”. You see that in driving in any state. It’s so sad that our country has become so filled with people that feel so above others that they don’t have to follow rules or laws and it’s become such a problem right now in our country.
You’re absolutely right Kim! A percentage of people don’t think our laws apply to them. I hope the people that violate the rules to fly amongst polite society are placed on a no fly list in America. It’s time to get back to being kind to one another and practice the spirit of Aloha!
I believe anyone violent on a flight should be banned from flying all airlines in all countries for life. Striking anyone is unacceptable. Same goes for a potty mouth. I find that very offensive. It scares children and is horrible to listen too. Airlines should make you sign a code of conduct and have a dress code. You don’t need to dress up, but I have seen people strip down to their underwear, take off shirts, have breast practically jumping out of their shirts, etc. You need to be courteous and have, you know……….manners.
I understand all except the mask wearing….. Give it a rest already…….. I have seen some videos of unruly stewardesses too (just to be fair) and forcing children that are NOT REQURED BECAUSE OF THEIR AGE to wear a mask and throwing off entire families because of it.
I won’t fly again until this is cleared up (if ever) and if not, I will be driving to my destinations and save my money!
Physical assault on a commercial flight should automatically require some serious prison time, or psychiatric hospital time, as deemed appropriate in a court of law, as well as a permanent ban from commercial air travel.
This situation has been escalating for years, beginning with Animals on Board, that were not “Support Dogs”, the escalation seen with Carriers like Spirit in FLL, Puerto Rico and Philadelphia and a few weeks ago at Miami ain’t. With AA is indicative of people who should not be allowed on Aircraft to start with. It began with not olivine the Pets, then Baggage that was over-sized but ignored, people who over-drank before, or brought Liquor on-board, which should be policed and discarded. All are placed in danger by this behavior, most especially when over-Ocean and Emergency Landing is unavailable. There should be no leniency, a Fine and depending on Offense, a suspension of the ability to travel, beginning with One Year! At the same time, common sense has to take over with consistent non-politically punitive policies as to Masks, 6 Hour Flights, translates to 10 Hours from Terminal to Terminal or Hotel. If one has vp been Vaccinated, one has taken the Covid Test and is Negative (72 Hours) why the Mask, we’ve been wearing masks for 16 months and people still got Covid, people still died! Having flown for 30 years weekly, checking into Hotels 4 nights a week, using Concierge Lounges, Airport Lounges, Dining Facilities and never getting sick, there are other things going on! That said, Respect the Carrier and one’s fellow passengers, no one is more special then the next, regardless of Status or Seating!
Friends afraid to return to jobs in the sky because of the high incidents of air violence. More sky marshals are urgently needed like 6 months ago! I’m fearful for all flight crews everywhere, stand up when this happens, don’t allow assaults to go unchecked, show the true American spirit, defend each other all the time.
Banned from all commercial travel; planes, trains, buses, automobiles, etc. for 1 year for the first offense. Additionally, a large fine on the first offense. Jail time if violent. Exponential escalation of penalties if a repeat offender. Other people are put in danger with these childish actions. No excuse, no place for this activity.
Amen! Fine the bullies and put them on the “do not fly list”.
Throw the book at them!!
This passenger should be thrown in prison for a minimum of 15 years as well as both hands amputated. What a jerk. Maybe they need a slide in the plane that they could put an unruly passenger in and eject him (at altitude) so he will never bother anyone else!
Respectfully, that is a bit harsh.
There really is a breakdown of morals, law and order, and safety.
If the streets of most cities now are not safe, why would the sky be?
The joke is the media mob will see that a mask offense is fined but property and violent real crimes are going up with zero bail.