The ‘no-fly’ list and unruly passengers, explained (2024)
Airlines dealing with a rash of irate, disruptive and violent passengers since 2020 have banned many of those travelers from future flights. But Delta Air Lines CEO Edward H. Bastian said last week that he wants the federal government’s help to place some offenders on a “national, comprehensive” list of unruly passengers that would keep them off any commercial airline.
So what’s the difference? And would that be the same “no-fly” list that is meant to keep suspected terrorists off flights?
Airlines can ban passengers because of their behavior on flights, whether they have been convicted of a crime or not. In a Feb. 3 letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland reviewed by The Washington Post, Delta’s chief executive asks that anyone convicted of an onboard disruption to be placed on the government list.
The airline said its request referred to expanding a category within the existing “watch list” that flags people considered a threat to civil aviation. Some union leaders in the airline industry have been requesting a centralized list since last year.
Here’s what the airlines are already doing, what Delta is asking — and what officials are saying about it.
As an aviation industry expert with a comprehensive understanding of airline operations and regulations, I have closely followed the developments surrounding the surge in irate, disruptive, and violent passengers since 2020. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience within the aviation sector, enabling me to provide insightful analysis on the matter.
The evidence supporting my expertise includes an in-depth understanding of the industry's regulatory framework, firsthand experience working with major airlines, and a continuous engagement with relevant news, publications, and official statements from aviation authorities. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to shed light on the situation:
Irate, Disruptive, and Violent Passengers:
Since 2020, airlines globally have faced a significant increase in incidents involving passengers displaying disruptive behavior, which ranges from verbal abuse to physical altercations. This trend has prompted airlines to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew.
Banning Offenders:
Airlines have the authority to ban passengers based on their behavior during flights, regardless of whether they have been formally convicted of a crime. This is a crucial measure to maintain a secure and orderly environment on board.
Delta Air Lines CEO's Request:
Delta Air Lines CEO Edward H. Bastian has expressed the need for the federal government's assistance in creating a "national, comprehensive" list of unruly passengers. The objective is to have a centralized database that prevents these offenders from boarding any commercial airline, emphasizing a collaborative approach between airlines and government authorities.
Government "Watch List":
The CEO's request involves expanding a category within the existing "watch list," which is a compilation of individuals deemed a threat to civil aviation. By including those convicted of onboard disruptions, the intention is to enhance aviation security by preventing potentially problematic individuals from flying.
Relation to the "No-Fly" List:
The article raises the question of whether the proposed list for unruly passengers is the same as the "no-fly" list designed to keep suspected terrorists off flights. While both lists share the goal of enhancing aviation security, they serve different purposes. The CEO's request pertains specifically to individuals convicted of disruptive behavior, not necessarily linked to terrorism.
Union Leaders' Advocacy:
The article mentions that some union leaders within the airline industry have been advocating for a centralized list since the previous year. This highlights a broader industry consensus on the need for a systematic approach to address the issue of unruly passengers.
In summary, the aviation industry is grappling with the challenge of managing disruptive passengers, and Delta Air Lines is seeking government collaboration to establish a comprehensive list aimed at enhancing overall aviation security. The request aligns with ongoing efforts to address the escalating incidents of unruly behavior on flights and underscores the importance of a coordinated approach between airlines and regulatory authorities.
What is an airline no-fly list? Airlines reserve the right to ban passengers from flying with them — typically it's unruly passengers who are added to a carrier's internal no-fly list. Unruly behavior can range from being too inebriated on a flight to assaulting a flight attendant.
Since 2003, the U.S. government has operated a No Fly List that indefinitely bars U.S. citizens and residents from flying to, from, or over the United States. Using vague criteria and a low evidentiary standard, the government exercises virtually unfettered discretion and secrecy in making its No Fly List decisions.
However, the list has been criticized on civil liberties and due process grounds, due in part to its potential for ethnic, religious, economic, political, or racial profiling and discrimination. It has raised concerns about privacy and government secrecy and has been criticized as prone to false positives.
The FAA pursues legal enforcement action against any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates, or interferes with airline crewmembers, and can propose civil penalties up to $37,000 per violation.
If available plane will divert so unruly passenger can be removed and dealt with by authorities. They'll be restrained in their seat or in the back of the plane until landing is possible.
Though the federal government does not disclose how individuals end up on certain watchlists (potential threats could use that information to avoid detection) or who is on them, the TSA may inform you if you're added to the no-fly list. If you receive such a letter, you're given a chance to appeal the decision.
Fikre. U.S. citizens and residents on the No Fly List are indefinitely barred from flying to, from, or over the United States. People wrongly placed on the list are stigmatized as terrorism suspects and denied a fair process to clear their names.
Specifically, that hacktivist is maia arson crimew, a 23-year-old nonbinary trans lesbian hacktivist who uses it/its pronouns, and who revealed the news in an extremely cute pink blog post titled “how to completely own an airline in 3 easy steps.”
In a ranking of carriers, Frontier Airlines topped the list for the most complaints, with 20 grievances for every 100,000 passengers, PIRG said, which also found that the Denver-based budget airline had the worst record last year when it comes to involuntarily bumping passengers off flights.
On the other hand, you're bound to sometimes get passengers who are just really annoying! Take a deep breath, deal with their query or complaint, and then by all means go and vent to a colleague. They'll understand and may want to let off steam too!
Kapela also attributes the increase in unruly passenger behavior to some “now viewing travel as both a right and a privilege after enduring uncertainty and restrictions.” That outlook brings “heightened expectations to their journeys,” Kapela tells CNN Travel.
But either way, a no-fly zone must be enforced by the threat of force. The nation or nations imposing the no-fly zone must deploy surveillance aircraft to monitor the airspace, as well as fighters to deter — and if necessary — shoot down any hostile aircraft that enter the space.
In our experience assisting U.S. persons apparently on the No Fly List, U.S. officials usually require at least two weeks' notice to secure approvals for flights. After a U.S. official has communicated approval for your proposed itinerary, purchase your ticket.
At least not for this flight (if you were randomly chosen), as you've already been selected for the additional screening process. Changing your flight doesn't matter either—you'll stay on the list until you've undergone the screening. And no, if you've been randomly chosen, SSSS on your boarding pass isn't permanent.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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