ARIZONA NEWS

FAA proposes $19,000 fine for unruly passenger on Phoenix flight

Jun 22, 2021, 4:00 PM | Updated: Jun 23, 2021, 9:11 am
Two passengers wearing face coverings wait for a flight at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport...

Two passengers wearing face coverings wait for a flight at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX – A passenger on a flight out of Phoenix is among eight fliers facing thousands of dollars in fines over unruly behavior while traveling earlier this year, authorities said Tuesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration proposed a $19,000 civil penalty for a passenger on a Jan. 20 SkyWest Airlines flight from Phoenix to Hermosillo, Mexico, who allegedly became angry after learning the plane had to return to Sky Harbor Airport because of bad weather south of the border.

The individual, whose name was not provided, allegedly hit the plane’s ceiling and intimidated flight attendants, who felt compelled to recruit several passengers to be ready to subdue the person if it became necessary, the FAA said in a press release.

The person also allegedly hit a neighboring passenger’s shoulder while standing up to exit before law enforcement escorted him off the plane.

The eight fines announced by the FAA on Tuesday ranged from $9,000 to $22,000 and totaled $124,500 for incidents in January and February.

The subjects are accused of a variety of violations, including assaulting flight crew, drinking alcohol carried aboard and refusing to wear face masks.

The FAA said it has now proposed $563,800 in fines against passengers since adopting a zero-tolerance policy for dangerous behavior on Jan. 1.

The agency said it has received 3,100 reports of airline passengers causing disturbances in that time, including 2,350 incidents of individuals refusing to comply with federal face mask mandates.

Face coverings are still required aboard public transportation, including planes, buses and trains, as well as inside airports and stations.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photo/Bike Easy)...
KTAR.com

Chandler wants residents to have their say on protected bike lanes

An East Valley city is asking for feedback through on online survey regarding the potential installation of protected bicycle lanes.
1 day ago
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)...
Associated Press

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes bill to ban tents in public places

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill Thursday that would have prohibited people from setting up tents or tarps in public areas.
1 day ago
This undated image provided by Raman and Puja Kalra shows their Dairy Queen franchise restaurant in...
Associated Press

Arizona Dairy Queen on the hunt for missing red spoon statue

The owners of a Dairy Queen in Phoenix remain perplexed as to why someone would steal the giant red spoon that adorned their restaurant.
1 day ago
(Facebook Photo/City of Phoenix, AZ USA)...
KTAR.com

Population growth in Maricopa County was largest in nation for second consecutive year

For the second consecutive year, more people have been moving to Maricopa County than any other county in the nation.
1 day ago
(AP Photo/Reba Saldanha, File)...
KTAR.com

Arizona politicians react to indictment of former President Donald Trump

Arizona politicians were quick to speak on the unprecedented news of Donald Trump's indictment, with reactions split along party lines.
1 day ago
(Google Maps Screenshot)...
Taylor Kinnerup

Arizona’s News Roundup: Phoenix business owners win homelessness suit, Hobbs’ staffer resigns

KTAR’s Arizona’s News Roundup this week catches you up on homeless encampment updates, a change in the governor's office and more.
1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...
Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Celebrate 50 years of Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade magic!

Since its first production in the early 1970s, the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe has been a staple of Valley traditions, bringing family fun and excitement to downtown Phoenix.
...
Quantum Fiber

How high-speed fiber internet edges out cable for everyday use

In a world where technology drives so much of our daily lives, a lack of high-speed internet can be a major issue.
(Photo via MLB's Arizona Fall League / Twitter)...
Arizona Fall League

Top prospects to watch at this year’s Arizona Fall League

One of the most exciting elements of the MLB offseason is the Arizona Fall League, which began its 30th season Monday.
FAA proposes $19,000 fine for unruly passenger on Phoenix flight