Sun Dec 28 16:50:00 UTC 2025: Holiday Travel Turns Hostile: Officials Warn of Fines, Jail Time for Unruly Airport Behavior
[City, State] – The holiday travel season may be winding down, but the potential for turbulence remains high. With airports still packed with travelers heading home or celebrating the New Year, federal officials are issuing a stern warning: disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reminding passengers that acting out at security checkpoints can lead to serious consequences, including fines of up to $13,910 and even criminal charges. The warning comes as reports of unruly passenger behavior continue to rise both in airports and on airplanes. The FAA reported 2,074 incidents in 2023 and 1,567 incidents in 2025.
“If you threaten, endanger, or harm Transportation Security Officers during screening, TSA will pursue criminal penalties and fines,” the agency posted on X. The FAA reports incidents on board aircraft also remain a serious concern.
In one instance from 2025, an American Airlines passenger traveling from Charlotte to Las Vegas became aggressive midair and had to be restrained with duct tape. The individual now faces federal charges that could lead to a sentence of up to 20 years.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched a campaign, “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You,” to encourage travelers to practice good etiquette, but some remain skeptical that it will be enough to curb bad behavior.
The TSA says specific behaviors that will not be tolerated include threats, verbal abuse, and physical violence.
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