The FAA says it has received almost 4,000 reports of in-flight disturbances.
The agency said 71% of the reported incidents involve passengers who refuse to comply with the federal mask mandate.
The FAA had hoped its zero-tolerance policy for in-flight disruptions, which could lead to fines as high as $52,500 and up to 20 years in prison, would be enough to deter potential offenders, but they've still seen hundreds of incidents per month.from September into January.In this March 11, 2020, file photo, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson arrives to testify before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies in Washington, D.
"While the FAA has levied civil fines against unruly passengers, it has no authority to prosecute criminal cases," Dickson told airport executives. He said they see many passengers -- some who physically assaulted flight attendants -- interviewed by local police and then released"without criminal charges of any kind.""When this occurs, we miss a key opportunity to hold unruly passengers accountable for their unacceptable and dangerous behavior," he said.
The agency has looked into more than 682 potential violations of federal law so far this year -- the highest number since the agency began keeping records in 1995. But it is unclear how many people have actually paid the FAA's proposed fines.
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