FAA Extends Zero Tolerance Mask and Behavior Policy on Flights

The Federal Aviation Administration said that it would extend its zero-tolerance policy for unruly airline passengers who violate coronavirus-related regulations.  The agency emphasized that the number of incidents of disruptive behavior are still “far too high” to rescind the order.

The action was announced by FAA head Steve Dickson late Monday.  The policy was originally announced in January amidst a slew of mask- and social-distancing-related issues on flights.  It was originally slated to expire on March 30.

“The number of cases we’re seeing is still far too high, and it tells us urgent action continues to be required,” said Dickson. The former Delta Air Lines executive, who was appointed by then President Trump in 2019 to head the agency, added that the agency’s safety inspectors and attorneys plan to “take strong enforcement action against any passenger who disrupts or threatens the safety of a flight, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time.”

The FAA has recently said it would seek civil penalties of $14,000 and $27,000 in two highly publicized instances of mask mandate violations.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)