FAA Proposes $531,000 Fine For Airline Passengers Who Refuse To Wear Masks Or Attacked Flight Attendants

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing fines of up to half a million dollars for unruly airline passengers who refused to wear masks or attacked flight attendants.

The FAA announced on Thursday that the 34 passengers accused of unruly conduct would be fined $531,545 each.

House Transportation Chairman Peter DeFazio is proposing even harsher punishment for unruly or violent passengers: “The first time we take one of these jerks who is assaulting flight attendants or attempting to take an aircraft down – and they go away for a few years and they get a massive fine – I think that will send a message.”

The Association of Flight Attendants is also calling for prosecutions. Association President Sara Nelson told CNN: “If you interfere with a crew member’s duties and put the rest of the plane in jeopardy, or assault the crew member, you’re facing $35,000 in fines for each incident and up to 20 years in prison. People need to understand there are severe consequences here.”

The FAA does not have the authority to file criminal charges.