The drunkenness of a JetBlue passenger, the refusal to wear a mask and other unpleasant behavior on a flight at the end of last year can cost him $ 14,500.
That is the Federal Aviation Administration’s proposed fine against the man who allegedly refused to wear a mask and continued to drink the alcohol he brought on board, the agency said on Friday.
The pilot turned around on the December 23 flight to 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 execution letter, the agency said.
JetBlue policy – which complies with federal laws – requires passengers to wear face shields because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and FAA regulations prohibit passengers from drinking alcohol they bring on board.
The passenger allegedly refused warnings to comply with both rules.
He “crowded the traveler seated next to him” and spoke loudly, although he refused to wear a mask, which resulted in his being moved to another seat, the FAA said.
The FAA earlier this year announced it would take a tougher stance with unruly passengers, citing what it called a disturbing increase in violent and disturbing behavior about masks.
The agency said on January 13 that it would no longer deal with passengers who misbehave with warnings or advice and would take legal action against anyone who assaulted, threatened, intimidated or interfered with the airline’s crew.
In late February, the FAA announced that it was proposing a $ 27,500 fine for a passenger who punched a flight attendant after the passenger and the man they were with were asked to get off a plane in Miami. The incident began after the man refused to wear a mask, fasten his seat belt or lift his tray, the agency said.
Airlines have required passengers to wear masks since last year due to the pandemic.
President Joe Biden, the day after he took office, signed an executive order to demand masks on planes and airports, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention demanded the use of masks on public transport.
