While the ultimate status of masks on U.S.-based flights is still in the courts, the FAA has made it clear that it will keep on with its 'zero tolerance' policy for unruly passengers, even as the prospect looms of fewer incidents. But the airlines which have wielded their own weapon by banning violators seem on the verge of welcoming them back.
FAA's policy, now 16 months old, skips the old step of issuing warning letters and goes straight to hefty fines—$2 million worth in the past three months alone. FAA says that's contributed heavily to a 60% reduction over the previous year. Eighty incidents have been reported to FBI for possible prosecution.
The airlines have done their part by banning passengers involved in air rage, drunken behavior and fights with cabin staff, and had recently asked, along with flight attendant unions, for a federal 'no-fly' list to keep bad actors from simply switching airlines. But now while the bill is still under consideration, Delta, United and Alaska may be paddling in the opposite direction.
Last week, United told reporters that "On a case-by-case basis we will allow some customers who were previously banned for failing to comply with mask-related rules to fly United again – after ensuring their commitment to follow all crewmember instructions on board," and Delta and Alaska noted similar steps, all three indicating that some sort of contrition will be required.
United banned some 1,000 passengers, Delta around 2,000 and Alaska 1,700. Other major airlines, including American, have not yet weighed in.
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