Airlines ask for DOJ help to crack down on unruly fliers

Saturday, 22 Jun, 2021 0

The airline industry is losing patience with out-of-control, unruly passengers.

They are calling for the Justice Department to get involved to take decisive action against violent incidents.

A group of organizations including Airlines for America, Allied Pilots Association, Transport Workers Union of America and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland asking that the Justice Department prosecute these cases under federal law.

"We respectfully request that the FAA refer abhorrent cases to the Department of Justice so that the federal government may fully, swiftly and publicly prosecute criminal acts to the fullest extent of the law and deter this behavior," wrote Nick Calio, CEO of trade group Airlines For America.

So far this year, the FAA has logged more than 3,000 reports of unruly behavior which mostlly escalated after passengers refused to wear or keep a mask on.

The FAA has opened enforcement action in 400 of these cases from January to May this year, compared to only 147 times for all of 2019.

The group wants the FAA and DOJ to pursue ‘public prosecution’ rather than dishing out heavy fines as it has been doing.

"Specifically, the federal government should send a strong and consistent message through criminal enforcement that compliance with federal law and upholding aviation safety are of paramount importance," the letter said.

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TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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