An airline passenger who tried to open the cockpit door and hit a flight attendant in the face twice is facing the year’s largest fine from the Federal Aviation Administration: $52,500. The passenger on a December 23 Delta airlines flight from Honolulu to Seattle is one of four “unruly passengers” the agency announced Monday it is seeking fines against under its zero-tolerance policy.
The FAA says the passenger facing the largest fine also refused to comply with crew members’ instructions, threatened the flight attendant and slipped out of plastic cuffs during the flight, which was met by police when it landed. While it’s unclear if this is the highest fine ever sought by the agency, it is the most announced this year. The largest fine the agency can seek is $35,000, but multiple offenses can result in a higher penalty, officials told CBS News.
The agency also announced it is seeking fines against three other passengers, who have 30 days to respond to the agency. One woman is facing a $9,000 fine for continually refusing to wear a mask properly and cursing at flight attendants on a February 15 Allegiant Air flight from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Knoxville, Tennessee.
Source: “Unruly” passenger faces $52,500 fine as FAA announces new penalties – CBS News
