Table of Contents
Is it a felony to disobey a flight attendant?
These days, air travel rarely brings out the best in anyone. But hitting, threatening, or interfering with a crewmember working on an airplane violates federal law and can result in a felony conviction.
When can an airline give away your seat?
When a flight has more passengers who are ready to fly than there are seats available, airlines must first ask passengers to give up their seats voluntarily, in exchange for compensation, before bumping anyone involuntarily. Airlines may offer passengers incentives, such as money or vouchers, to volunteer.
What happens if a passenger refuses to obey a flight attendant?
Passengers on all U.S. flights are required to obey the orders of crew members, including flight attendants. Refusing is a federal crime that can (and often does) result in the defiant passenger (s) being taken off the plane in handcuffs and delivered into the tender warmth that is the FBI.
What is the penalty for interfering with a crew member?
The maximum civil penalty for interfering with a crewmember is a fine of up to $25,000. (49 U.S.C. § 46318.) To impose a fine, the FAA files a notice of a proposed civil penalty. The passenger can request a hearing, which will be held before a federal Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
What happens if you hit a crew member on an airplane?
But hitting, threatening, or interfering with a crewmember working on an airplane violates federal law and can result in a felony conviction. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can also impose substantial fines. For more information on the laws surrounding air travel, see Disobeying a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Official.
What is considered assault on an airplane crew member?
(49 U.S.C. § 46504.) For example, striking a flight attendant or trying to hurt a pilot on an airplane would probably be considered assault on a crewmember. Actions that don’t rise to the level of a physical assault (or the threat of an assault) can nonetheless dangerously affect the ability of the crew to keep the plane flying safely.