TSA Announces New Consequence for Unruly Passengers

In case fines of nearly $50,000 weren’t enough of a deterrent for bad behavior on airplanes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will now team up to take away the privilege of TSA PreCheck memberships for unruly passengers. 

“If you act out of line, you will wait in line,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. 

Under the new partnership, the FAA will pass along the names and information of passengers who are facing fines for disruptive behavior to the TSA. The TSA may then decide to revoke the TSA PreCheck membership of the unruly passenger. 

TSA PreCheck membership, which costs $85 for five years, lets passengers skip long security lines, and go through an expedited security screening (including a metal detector instead of a body scanner). 

“TSA has zero tolerance for the unruly behaviors, especially those involving physical assault occurring aboard aircraft. We have tremendous respect for airport staff, gate agents and flight crews that get people safely to their destinations,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “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.”

According to the TSA, members can be disqualified or suspended from TSA PreCheck for violating federal security regulations, including refusing to wear a mask.