Traveling should be synonymous with excitement, with packing your suitcase with hundreds of “just in case” items and a lot of nerves. But be careful, because nerves can make you miss your flight. The TSA has made it clear that bad behavior, both at security checkpoints and inside the plane itself, can result in very large fines.
We are in peak season, airports are full of people and we are all a bit on edge, but that does not give anyone the right to shout, threaten, push, or disobey airline and airport staff. That, in addition to being rude, is a legal problem that can cost you more than 17,000 dollars, or even worse. So watch your nerves and your temper on your next flight.
The TSA warns
Zero tolerance for anyone who shows bad or disruptive behavior at security checkpoints, boarding gates, or on the plane itself. They will not allow anyone to put their workers at risk.
Any incident can put a flight in danger and no one is willing to risk lives over a moment of tension, so they are very clear about it. They will not tolerate any confrontation.
How big are the fines?
They can exceed 17,000 dollars. Threatening or assaulting a security agent cannot go unpunished or set precedents, and there have already been cases where this fine has been applied. Be very careful, because if after the warning there is still no change in attitude, the matter can end up in court and even in criminal proceedings.
Only inside the plane?
No. Inside the plane it is more dangerous for a confrontation to happen, but these rules also apply at security checkpoints, as they are one of the hottest spots in an airport. Some people refuse to follow instructions or argue over basic rules. So when you go from being an “angry passenger” to being a problem, you are putting the future of your bank account and your travels at risk.
Why such a harsh warning now?
According to the TSA, although incidents have decreased compared to the worst years of the pandemic, they are still much higher than before 2020. Back then there were around 800 cases a year, but that number has increased significantly.
We are increasingly on edge and tolerate stress less, and it is normal for someone to feel angry, but you cannot disrespect a worker or allow someone to “explode” (figuratively, please) over a delay or an incident.
If you are going to fly, do not drink
If you know that alcohol makes you act foolish, try not to drink before taking a flight. Alcohol makes us bolder and any situation can get worse if we have been drinking. And no, it will not serve as an excuse, because you will face the same penalty and they may even ban you from flying.
You could lose your flight and you could have problems flying in the future because you could be temporarily banned by the airline, so it is not worth risking this over a bad day. It is better to take a deep breath and try to handle the situation as calmly as possible.
Before getting on the plane
Remember that you are not alone and that traveling is a collective act. You have to follow basic rules, because they are there for a reason. Treating staff and other travelers with respect is crucial and it is also self protection. If you feel that you might lose control at any moment, it is better to learn to self regulate if you do not want to end up paying 17k.