Turbulent Skies: Unruly Travelers are Causing Flying to Become Terrifyingly Insecure
In recent times, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been dealing with an increase in unruly passenger incidents, with over 870 such cases reported in the U.S. during 2025. This surge in disruptive behavior has led to a multi-pronged approach from the FAA, focusing on safety, enforcement, and deterrence.
The FAA's response includes raising penalties for disruptive behavior, with large fines, civil and criminal charges, and the possibility of jail time. The agency is also enforcing permanent travel bans on the worst offenders to prevent repeat disturbances. In addition, the FAA is collaborating with law enforcement agencies such as the FBI to prosecute cases swiftly and thoroughly.
To ensure crew members are equipped to handle such situations, the FAA is mandating enhanced airline crew training on managing unruly passengers. This includes training in de-escalation techniques and physical restraint protocols when necessary. Airlines have also adopted zero-tolerance policies under FAA guidance, stressing that any behavior risking flight safety is unacceptable and will be met with serious consequences.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing nearly 50,000 flight attendants, has stated that the current unruly passenger situation is the worst they have seen in their careers. The group of airlines' stakeholders, including unions representing pilots and flight attendants, have demanded more action from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to address rowdy passengers.
In January 2021, the FAA administrator Steve Dickson signed a "zero tolerance" order for stricter penalties for passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with a crewmember. This order is currently in effect. The federal mask mandate, in place to protect everyone onboard and prevent the spread of coronavirus variants, also requires most travelers to wear masks in all transportation networks, including at airports, on planes, and on buses, and lasts through Sept. 13.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also taken steps to address the issue, announcing in July that it would reinstate its Crew Member Self-Defense (CMSD) training to provide flight crew members with defensive techniques for responding to an attacker on an aircraft.
The FAA Administrator and leadership continue to emphasize these policies publicly, reinforcing the importance of safety standards and regulatory enforcement across the aviation industry. Several airlines also offer onboard messages to deter disruptive behavior.
The current state of air travel, once symbolized by the slogan "Come fly the friendly skies of United" in the 1960s, is now seen as anachronistic due to a post-pandemic travel surge, workforce limitations, mask mandates, politics, and general pent-up anger leading to onboard showdowns between passengers and flight attendants. However, with the FAA's increased focus on safety and enforcement, the hope is that the skies will once again become friendly for all.
References: [1] FAA. (2021). FAA Announces Enhanced Actions to Address Unruly Passenger Behavior. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=25346 [2] FAA. (2021). FAA Orders New Enhanced Actions to Address Unruly Passenger Behavior. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=25486 [4] FAA. (2021). FAA Takes Action to Address Unruly Passenger Behavior on Flights. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=25346 [5] FAA. (2021). FAA Administrator Steve Dickson Addresses Unruly Passenger Behavior. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=25486
- In the realm of data published in 2025, general-news outlets reported an upsurge in unruly passenger incidents, indicating a potential shift in lifestyle and social behavior.
- Amidst this surge, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) collaborates with agencies such as the FBI to enforce travel bans and punish offenders with fines, charges, and even jail time for criminal behavior, demonstrating a renewed focus on crime-and-justice.
- As the FAA endeavors to restore the tranquility associated with air travel, an increased emphasis on training crew members in de-escalation techniques, history of onboard messaging, and the adoption of stricter policies akin to the 1960s slogan "Come fly the friendly skies of United" suggests a revival of the valuable recipes that once made air travel a cherished part of lifestyle and history.
