Refusing to wear masks on airplanes is going to be very costly. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), announced it would double civil penalties for anyone who fails to comply with federal mask requirements on commercial airlines, airports, and certain public transport such as passenger rail or intercity buses. Repeat offenders may now be subject to fines up to $3,000.
The new fines for first-time offenders are $500-$1,000. This is an increase from the $250 previously assessed. The second offense will be assessed a $1,000-$3,000 fine. TSA penalties will be separate from those issued by Federal Aviation Administration for unsound behavior. They will go into effect on September 10.
Protecting the traveling public by wearing a mask
In a statement, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas stated that wearing a mask protects travelers and the staff who make travel safe, secure and comfortable. We will enforce the mask mandate for as long as it is necessary to ensure public safety and health.
Joe Biden, the President, issued an executive order that required masks to be worn on planes, buses, and trains just one day after taking office. This was a drastic change from Donald Trump's predecessor, who actively blocked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) from issuing a similar order for 2020.
This mandate was originally set to expire in September 2021. However, the TSA extended it today through January 18, 2022.
The airline crews are responsible for enforcing the mask mandate. They have been dealing with an increase in passengers who are disruptive since flight operations resumed after lockdown. The FAA has received 4,184 reports of unruly passengers so far this year. Of these, 3,057 were mask-wearing. Sara Nelson, a flight attendant union leader, recently stated that passengers who behave badly on planes is completely absurd.
