Passenger’s alcoholism, mask refusal, bad behavior in flight could cost him $ 14,500

A JetBlue passenger’s alcoholism, mask refusal and other obnoxious behavior on a flight late last year could end up costing him $ 14,500.

This is the fine proposed by the Federal Aviation Administration against the man who allegedly refused to wear a mask and continued to drink the alcohol he had brought on board, the agency said on Friday.

The pilot turned around on the Dec. 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’s policy – which matches federal law – requires passengers to wear face masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and FAA regulations prohibit passengers from drinking alcohol they bring to edge.

The passenger reportedly refused the warnings to comply with the two rules.

He “crowded the traveler sitting next to him” and spoke loudly while refusing to wear a mask, which caused him to be moved to another seat, the FAA said.

The FAA announced earlier this year that it would take a tougher line on unruly passengers, citing what it called a worrying increase in violent and disruptive behavior towards masks.

On January 13, the agency said it would no longer treat misbehaving passengers with warnings or advice and that it would take legal action against anyone assaulting, threatening, intimidating or interfering with the crew of the airline company.

In late February, the FAA announced it was proposing a fine of $ 27,500 for a passenger who struck a flight attendant after that passenger and the man they were with were told to get off a plane at Miami. This incident began after the man refused to wear a mask, fasten his seat belt or lift his tray, the agency said.

Airlines have asked passengers to wear masks since last year in the wake of the pandemic.

President Joe Biden, the day after his inauguration, signed an executive order imposing masks on planes and at airports, and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention then demanded that the masks be worn on public transportation.