TSA to Double Fines for Travelers Who Refuse to Wear Masks
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is doubling fines for people who fail to wear masks while traveling with public transportation. The new rules were announced by the White House and will go into effect today, Friday, September 10th.
Travelers who won’t follow a federal mask mandate for air, bus and other forms of transportation will face a $500 to $1,000 fine for their first offence, and up to $3,000 for repeat offenders.
The Federal Aviation Administration has already received close to 4,200 cases of unruly passengers this year, which is more than a ten fold increase from previous years. Disputes over the federal mask rules on planes were cited in nearly 75% of those cases. Over $1 million in fines have already been handed out.
“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,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, as reported by Travel Pulse. “By doubling the range of penalties, we seek to reinforce the importance of voluntary adherence.”
The federal mask mandate for public transportation has been extended through Jan. 18 in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19 as infections have surged around the country. It was originally set to expire in mid-September.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the old king of travel rewards cards. Right now
bonus_miles_full
Learn more about this card and its features!
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Good! Not sure if this will change their behavior but at least they’ll pay for it. I’m sick and tired of seeing those people NOT follow the rules. If you can’t follow the rules, don’t fly.
Fines are a form of regressive taxation. Pocket change for a rich guy, they will bankrupt and perpetuate the cycle of poverty for the poor.