TSA Doubles Fines For Those Who Refuse To Wear Masks On Planes

Share The Article

Last Updated 3 years ago

On September 10^th, the United States Department of Homeland Security made an announcement that it will greatly increase fines imposed on people who violate the federal mask mandate. As a result, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doubles the fines for all mask mandate violators.

The Federal Mask Mandate Remains in Effect Until January 2022

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implemented a federal mask mandate that remains in effect until January 18, 2022. The mandate covers travelers in all public transportation. This includes airports, while flying on commercial aircraft, railways, buses, and other mode of public transportation.

According to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, “Wearing a mask protects the traveling public and all of the personnel who make the travel experience safe, secure, and comfortable”. Mayorkas also added, “We will continue to enforce the mask mandate as long as necessary to protect public health and safety.”

TSA Doubles Fines For Mask Mandate Violators

The new penalty ranges are in effect as of September 10^th, 2021. The penalties are as follows: 

• First Offense-$500-$1,000

• Second Offense-$1,000-$3,000

The TSA will display updated signage detailing the increased penalties at all airports. TSA Administrator David Pekoske commented, “We appreciate the majority of travelers each day who voluntarily follow the requirement but find this action necessary to maximize the protections for those who use and work within the transportation system, and to contain COVID-19.” Pekoske also stated, “By doubling the range of penalties, we seek to reinforce the importance of voluntary adherence.”

TSA Mask Mandate Penalties Separate From FAA Penalties

The federal mask mandate related penalties imposed by the TSA differ from the civil penalties issued by the Federal Aviation Administration for persons that engage in unruly and unsafe behavior. Since January 2021, the FAA received about 3,889 reports of unruly behavior by passengers with approximately 2,867 of these reports including passengers that refused to comply with the mask mandate. 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Proposes More Penalties

The FAA released a public services campaign last July, called Zero Tolerance. In August, the FAA proposed another $531,545 in civil penalties against over 30 passengers for unruly behavior. These fines have already brought the total so far in 2021 to over $1,000,000. 

Many of these cases involved passengers refusing to follow the federal mask mandate. This has caused increased agitation and physical altercations between airline passengers. For example, on May 16^th, a passenger on a JetBlue flight from New York to San Francisco after interfering with crew members after refusing to wear a mask. This passenger ultimately received a $42,000 fine as a result of his unsafe and unruly behavior which included physical contact with another passenger. 

READ MORE:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021

Airlines that Have Banned Cloth Masks For Passengers

US National Park Service Enforcing Mask Mandates For Visitors and Employees

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.