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Number of unruly air travelers lower, still too high

FILE - This July 2, 2021, file photo shows a sign stating face coverings are required is displayed at O'Hare airport in Chicago. Federal officials say unruly passengers are becoming a bit less common on airline flights, but they are still causing disruptions at twice the rate of late last year. The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday, Sept, 23, the its zero-tolerance policy — including fines against more passengers — is helping. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
FILE - This July 2, 2021, file photo shows a sign stating face coverings are required is displayed at O'Hare airport in Chicago. Federal officials say unruly passengers are becoming a bit less common on airline flights, but they are still causing disruptions at twice the rate of late last year. The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday, Sept, 23, the its zero-tolerance policy — including fines against more passengers — is helping. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File) FILE - This July 2, 2021, file photo shows a sign stating face coverings are required is displayed at O'Hare airport in Chicago. Federal officials say unruly passengers are becoming a bit less common on airline flights, but they are still causing disruptions at twice the rate of late last year. The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday, Sept, 23, the its zero-tolerance policy — including fines against more passengers — is helping. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

By The Associated Press 2 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – The rate of unruly passengers on airline flights is down sharply from early this year but is mostly unchanged over the past three months and remains more than twice the level seen in late 2020, according to government figures.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday took credit for the recent decrease, linking it to the agency’s use of larger fines against violators. Those fines have added up to more than $1 million.

“Our work is having an impact and the trend is moving in the right direction,” said FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson, “but we need the progress to continue. This remains a serious safety threat.”

At a congressional hearing Thursday, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., called for more criminal prosecutions of unruly passengers. He also said airports should stop concessioners from selling alcohol to go.

“Get a great big to-go cup with four shots in it and take it on the airplane – that needs to end,” he said.