FAA Enforcement Actions
Violations of 14 CFR 91.11, 121.580, 135.120, 125.328, 49 USC 46318 & 46504
"Unruly Passengers"
Calendar Years 1995-2016
Year Total
1995 146
1996 184
1997 237
1998 204
1999 226
2000 255
2001 305
2002 279
2003 286
2004 310
2005 205
2006 137
2007 153
2008 124
2009 139
2010 128
2011 155
2012 183
2013 150
2014 145
2015 103
2016 31 as of July 12, 2016

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.