Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is expressing exasperation with unruly airline passengers and standing by his decision to float a no-fly list for violent travelers.
During an appearance on CNN on Tuesday, Buttigieg said, “I think every option needs to be on the table. I can’t believe we even have to say this. But for God’s sake, do not — do not — disrespect, let alone harm flight crews who, as the captain always says, are there for your safety.”
“Now, we’ve seen prosecutors stepping up to follow up. This is very important because there has to be that kind of accountability. And that’s why these criminal complaints, obviously nothing about these stories, is good news, but it is encouraging to see those steps being taken. Also, FAA stepping forward with enhanced attention and fines,” he added.
Watch the video below:
Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg on a federal no fly list for unruly airline passengers:
— The Recount (@therecount) November 2, 2021
“I think every option needs to be on the table … for God’s sake, do not — do not — disrespect, let alone harm, flight crews …” pic.twitter.com/bh57TAhiks
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as of Oct. 26, there have been 4,941 reports of unruly passengers this year and 3,580 reports of “mask-related incidents.”
Additionally, the FAA says it has conducted over 900 investigations into reports of unruly passengers — up substantially from the 183 investigations in 2020. The last year the number of investigations surpassed 200 was 2005.
As CNN reports, “This summer, unruly passenger behavior seems to have reached new heights. In one incident, a passenger punched a Southwest flight attendant and knocked out two of their teeth. Video also circulated of a passenger getting taped to their seat after they reportedly punched and groped Frontier Airlines flight crew.“
“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has issued more than $1 million in fines to unruly airline passengers so far in 2021,” it added.
On Monday, prosecutors charged a man with assaulting a flight attendant. The flight attendant reportedly was punched in the nose suffered bleeding and a concussion. The man was also charged with interference with a flight crew.
The alleged assault prompted an unscheduled landing.
During an appearance on CNN on Sunday, Buttigieg floated the idea of putting violent passengers on a no-fly list.
“There is absolutely no excuse for this kind of treatment of flight crews in the air or any of the essential workers — from bus drivers to air crews who get people to where they need to be,” the Transportation secretary said.
He went on to say it is “completely unacceptable to mistreat, abuse, or even disrespect flight crews.”