After a series of high-profile unruly passenger incidents, many of which made their way across the internet for thousands to see, a bipartisan group of lawmakers announced a new push for legislation to ban passengers fined or convicted of serious physical violence from commercial flights.
The plan to reintroduce the Protection from Abusive Passengers Act aims to protect crew members and other passengers and prevent future problematic traveler situations. Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), along with Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), expects to introduce the bill.
According to the FAA, in 2021 alone, nearly 1,100 investigations were initiated into unruly passenger incidents. While this number dropped to 831 for 2022, this number remains well above initiated investigations for 2019 and 2020, which were 146 and 183, respectively.
In 2022, the FAA noted a total of 2,456 unruly passenger reports, 567 enforcement actions initiated and a proposed $8,449,543 in fines against unruly passengers. For context, the proposed penalties by the FAA for 2021 was $5 million.
The bill proposed by Senator Reed and Representatives Fitzpatrick and Swalwell would see the TSA manage the no-fly list and create guidelines for removal from the list. The TSA would also hold authority in granting flexibility on determining the length of a passenger’s ban based on the severity of each case.
At of press time, the bill will be proposed March 29, in which flight attendants across various major U.S. airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines and American Airlines, join in support of the bill. Representatives from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA and Air Line Pilots Association will appear behind the bill, as well.
Not everyone supports government intervention into the problem; the American Civil Liberties Union argues the government’s history of prejudice will pose more problems in the future should a no-fly list for unruly passengers come to fruition.
In the last month alone, several unruly passenger incidents made the news. On a United Airlines flight bound for Boston in early March 2023, a man tried to stab a flight attendant with a broken spoon before attempting to open the plane door. Also in early March, an unruly passenger was removed from a Delta Air Lines flight at Des Moines Airport over disruptive behavior. An American Airlines flight made an emergency landing in late February 2023 after a passenger stormed the cockpit demanding a drink. These comprise just some of the incidents involving unruly passengers and the threats posed to flight crew and passenger safety.
Do you support this bill? Have you been on a flight with an unruly passenger? How did the airline handle the situation? Do you think unruly passengers should face a flight ban? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at [email protected]. Please include your full name and location.
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 18, 2024Noble House Hotels & Resorts Acquires Chatham Inn Relais & Châteaux
Noble House Hotels & Resorts, the family-owned boutique hotel brand, welcomes Chatham Inn Relais & Châteaux to its portfolio of unique properties. The previous owner and now co-owner of this award-winning property, Jeff Ippoliti, selected Noble House to co-own and manage the property, bringing the total number of North American luxury hotels, resorts and experiences for the brand to 24.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
Daily
Mar 18, 2024A New Six Senses Comes to the Caribbean This May
Designed to reflect the look and atmosphere of a Caribbean village, the new Six Senses La Sagesse on the Spice Island of Grenada will offer 56 pool suites with open-plan bedrooms, each with an outdoor terrace leading to a private plunge pool, when it opens this May. The property marks the first Six Senses resort in the Caribbean.
March 2024
Mar 18, 2024Women Hoteliers Share Their Stories of Accomplishment in Rising to the Top
The hospitality workforce is more than 50 percent female (according to the 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics), but the top tier remains very much male-dominated. The Penn State School of Hospitality Management’s 2023 Women in Hospitality research report finds that for every female chief officer, four men hold that title. Global Traveler had the privilege of speaking with several women in leadership roles to gain their insights and personal stories and to learn what it takes for a woman to reach a top position in hospitality today.
Sponsored Content
Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip
Corporate events can often feel … too corporate. Where to go to get the team out of the office environment to bond and think outside the box? Starting with an unconventional, unique space to make them feel like the all-stars they are will get the juices flowing and make your LinkedIn profile glow.
Daily
Mar 18, 2024Miami International Airport Reaches Unprecedented Heights in Passenger, Cargo Numbers
2023 marked a historic year for Miami International Airport. Recent reports show MIA achieved its highest-ever annual passenger total, seeing 52.3 million travelers in 2023, which marked a 3.2 percent increase over the previous year’s record. International travel surged 8.5 percent, with 23.2 million passengers. Domestic traffic was just slightly down, at 0.5 percent and 29.1 million.
Saint James Paris Welcomes New Chef
Daily
Mar 15, 2024March 2024
Mar 14, 2024San Antonio Preserves Its Past While Envisioning What Lies Ahead
The most historic city in Texas is refurbishing, renovating and reimagining heritage sites, old buildings and whole neighborhoods, bridging the centuries of this Lone Star treasure.
Sponsored Content
Revel in a European Summer with AmaWaterways
Pedal through sun-drenched vineyards, hike amidst blooming wildflowers and take a refreshing dip in your ship's sun-deck whirlpool. Indulge in the flavors of the region with delectable dishes featuring luscious Wachau Valley apricots and succulent Serbian plums. As night falls, watch as the cities along the rivers come alive, pulsating with an irresistible electric energy. The sun-soaked days and vibrant nights offer a compelling reason to embark on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the upcoming summer months.
Daily
Mar 14, 2024Coco Collection Introduces New Villa Designs and Features
Coco Collection debuts updated offerings at its two resorts in the Maldives, with remodeled villas at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and a new infinity pool at Coco Bodu Hithi.
ShareThis