FAA Enforcement Actions
Violations of 14 CFR 91.11, 121.580, 135.120 & 49 U.S.C. 46318
"Unruly Passengers"
Calendar Years 1995-2013
Year Total
1995 146
1996 184
1997 235
1998 200
1999 226
2000 227
2001 300
2002 306
2003 302
2004 330
2005 226
2006 156
2007 176
2008 134
2009 176
2010 149
2011 140
2012 130
2013 85 as of December 31, 2013

General notes:

  • Interfering with the duties of a crewmember violates federal law.
  • Federal Aviation Regulations 91.11, 121.580 and 135.120 state that "no person may assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with a crewmember in the performance of the crewmember's duties aboard an aircraft being operated."
  • The FAA's database contains only those incidents reported to FAA. Reporting is at the discretion of the crewmember.
  • Security violations are excluded. Those cases are handled by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
  • Updated numbers are posted on this web page quarterly.
  • The repercussions for passengers who engage in unruly behavior can be substantial. They can be fined by FAA or prosecuted on criminal charges.
  • As part of the FAA's Reauthorization Bill (April 16, 2000) FAA can propose up to $25,000 per violation for unruly passenger cases. Previously, the maximum civil penalty per violation was $1,100. One incident can result in multiple violations.