France is cracking down on disruptive airline passengers.
Air travel has become a nightmare. If it’s not the squeezed seats, flight disruptions, or baggage restrictions, it’s the people behaving poorly on board. But one European country has had enough of temper tantrums by fliers. France is introducing new sanctions, including bans and heavy fines, to deal with disruptive passengers who make the experience unpleasant for everyone.
The French government argues that disruptive passengers pose a safety risk. There are between 200 and 500 incidents in Europe every month. Passengers who behave poorly can now face fines between €10,000 and €20,000 ($11,543-$23,000) or be banned from flying for four years for more serious offenses. The rules apply to all flight operators licensed by the country.
The three offenses are using electronic devices when prohibited, obstructing flight crew or compromising safety operations, and refusing crew safety instructions, EuroNews reports. French Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot said, “With this decree, we’re equipping ourselves with the means for swift, fair and proportionate enforcement. This new regulatory framework sends a strong message: disruptive behaviour will no longer be tolerated.”
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France also has policies in place to criminally prosecute people for the worst offenses on board; disruptive passengers can be jailed for up to five years and/or face fines up to €75,000 ($86,500). The new sanctions will work alongside these policies.
Across Europe, an airline is also pushing back against disruptive passengers. Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair is taking disruptive passengers to court and announced that if a passenger is ejected due to their behavior, they will be fined £500 ($654) by the airline.
Related: Can Airlines Sue You if You Behave Badly?
Disruptions in the U.S.
Worldwide, interfering with the crew or hindering flight operations is an offense and can land you in serious legal trouble. But that hasn’t stopped people from losing their cool. Every week, there are multiple incidents of fights, screaming, biting, and punching on board, and the friendly skies are feeling hostile.
In the U.S., unruly passenger incidents peaked during the pandemic. In 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration received 5,972 reports—a 492% increase from the previous year. Although the incidents have decreased drastically since the FAA introduced hefty fines and jail time under its zero-tolerance policy, disruptions still occur. Just this month, a flight carrying four members of Congress was diverted when a passenger turned disruptive.
This week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched a new initiative, The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You, urging fliers to behave civilly. The video shows clips of air travel in the past followed by recent clashes, fights, and outbursts on planes. Duffy addresses passengers in the video and says, “We should bring civility and manners back,” referring to the Golden Age of Travel.
In an Instagram post where he shared the video, he said that one in five flight attendants have reported experiencing physical incidents. He also advises people to dress with respect, be courteous, and say thank you to their flight attendants and pilots.