Unruly airline passengers who have been fined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could now face an additional consequence for their bad behavior- the loss of their TSA Precheck credentials.
TSA PreCheck offers a number of benefits, including an expedited airport security screening process, the comfort of not having to remove shoes, belts or light jackets before clearing airport security, and the ability to leave laptops and TSA-approved liquids and gels in carry-on luggage.
In a statement released on December 21, 2021, the FAA announced that it has formed a partnership with Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Under this partnership, the FAA will share information regarding passengers who face fines for unruly behavior with the TSA. The TSA would then be able to remove the passenger from TSA PreCheck screening eligibility, a privilege reserved for low-risk travelers.
“TSA has zero tolerance for unruly behaviors, especially those involving physical assault occurring aboard aircraft. We have tremendous respect for airport staff, gate agents and flight crews that get people safely to their destinations,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in the press statement.
“This partnership with the FAA will help ensure the safety and security of all passengers and hold those who violate federal regulations accountable for their actions.”
“If you act out of line, you will wait in line,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said in the same statement.
“Our partnership aims to promote safe and responsible passenger behavior. One unruly incident is one too many,” Dickson added.
In addition, the TSA will share information to help the FAA identify and locate unruly passengers and serve them with penalty notices.