A JetBlue passenger’s booze, refusal to wear a mask and other unpleasant behavior on a flight late last year could end up costing him $ 14,500.
That is the fine the Federal Aviation Administration is proposing against the man who allegedly refused to wear a mask and drank the alcohol he brought on board, the agency said Friday.
The pilot reversed the Dec. 23 flight destined for the Dominican Republic and returned to John F. Kennedy International Airport, the FAA said.
The passenger, who has not been identified, has 30 days to respond to the enforcement letter, the agency said.
According to JetBlue’s policy – which complies with federal law – passengers must wear face masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and FAA regulations prohibit passengers from drinking alcohol they bring on board.
The passenger apparently refused warnings to comply with both rules.
He “displaced the traveler sitting next to him” and spoke loudly while refusing to wear a mask, which resulted in him being moved to another seat, the FAA said.
The FAA announced earlier this year that the rioting passengers would take a more difficult position, citing a disturbing increase in violent and disruptive behavior over masks.
The agency on January 13 said it would no longer deal with passengers who were misbehaved with warnings or counseling, and that they would take legal action against anyone who assaulted, threatened, intimidated or interfered with airline personnel.
In late February, the FAA announced that it would impose a $ 27,500 fine on a passenger who punched a flight attendant after the passenger and the man with whom they were asked to get off a plane in Miami to climb. The incident began after the man refused to wear a mask, fasten his seat belt or lift his tray, the agency said.
Airline requires passengers to wear masks in the aftermath of the pandemic since last year.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order the day after his inauguration to require masks on planes and at airports, and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention requires masks to be worn on public transportation.
