The Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation announced on Tuesday that unruly passengers can lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
According to the FAA, the agency will share information of fined passengers for unruly behavior with the TSA. TSA can then revoke the TSA PreCheck privileges.
This new announcement is the latest attempt by agencies to reduce the number of unruly passengers onboard planes.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske said that “TSA has zero tolerance for unruly behaviors, especially those involving physical assault occurring aboard aircraft”. Pekoske added that “This partnership with FAA will help ensure the safety and security of all passengers and hold those who violate federal regulations accountable for their actions”.
FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said that “If you act out of line, you will wait in line”.
Aside from the FAA providing passenger information of those who received fines, the partnership will also allow TSA to help FAA locate passengers. This will make it easier for the FAA to serve penalty notices.
Removing TSA PreCheck Privileges
The trusted traveler program costs $85 for five years. This program requires a background check. According to the TSA, 94% of passengers in the TSA PreCheck program waited for less than 5 minutes in November 2021.
Enrolled passengers can enjoy a dedicated security lane. They also get to wear their shoes and keep laptops and approved liquids in carry-on bags.
According to the TSA, passengers who are facing fines will not enjoy expedited security screening “for a period of time”. The duration will depend on the seriousness of the offense. By December 21, FAA already received 5,779 unruly passenger reports. Majority of these cases involved passengers who refused to wear their masks properly.
Given the prevalence of unruly passengers, Democratic congressmen on Tuesday sent letters to airline CEOs asking them to require flight crew to attend TSA’s self-defense program. The lawmakers also want airlines to cover associated expenses for the training. The training is free but flight crew members pay for their hotel and other expenses.
