Man bites fellow passenger on flight: “Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior”
Airlines are dealing with increasing numbers of disruptive passengers. One company has vowed a crackdown on badly behaved customers.
Air rage is on the rise. We are seeing more and more incidents of unruly or drunken passengers making life a misery for their fellow travelers and airline staff.
The post-pandemic era has brought with it a rise in high-risk incidents in the skies. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 2,102 cases of unruly passengers last year - up 1% from the previous year (2,076) - but less than half the 2021 high of 5,973.
After more than 4,000 incidents of violent behavior were reported in 2021, the Flight Attendants Association is saying unruly passengers must be criminally prosecuted, not just fined for violent conduct. pic.twitter.com/rPnoV3fj48
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 25, 2021
The stresses or air travel
Let’s face it, flying is more stressful than ever - for a number of reasons: ticket prices are more expensive and usually come with hidden charges for seat allocation and luggage; flights are delayed, cancelled, redirected... last minute gate changes causing some passengers to miss their flight or connection, lost suitcases, no room in the overhead lockers... and passengers who have had too much to drink - either before boarding the plane or during the flight.
Unfortunately, not a week goes by without some kind of mid-air drama making the headlines and alcohol is usually behind it.
Passenger bitten by another traveler en route to LA
This week, an altercation onboard an LA-bound flight was reported to the FAA. A male passenger onboard Delta Flight 501, traveling from Atlanta to Los Angeles allegedly bit another passenger and assaulted several others, Transportation Security Administration officials confirmed.
“Delta Air Lines Flight 501 landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport around 11:45 a.m. local time on Monday, March 17, after the crew reported a passenger disturbance,” the FAA told USA TODAY.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and World Airports Police Department responded to the plane shortly after it landed and the suspect was detained, then taken to hospital for a psychological evaluation. The passenger who was bitten was assessed by paramedics.
Dangerous behavior doesn’t fly! FAA Administrator Steve Dickson has directed the agency to take strong action against any passenger who disrupts or threatens the safety of a flight. Penalties range from up to $35K in fines and 20 years of imprisonment. #FlySmart pic.twitter.com/pOCiDXx12Y
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) January 14, 2021
Unruly passengers face hefty fines
The FAA said it is currently investigating the incident. The FAA proposes fines of up to $37,000 per violation for unruly passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate or interfere with airline crew.
The airline underlined its strict policy regarding badly behaved passengers: “Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior and will work with law enforcement authorities,” Delta spokesperson Samantha Moore Facteau said.
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