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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Zero Tolerance for Unruly and Dangerous Behavior Toolkit

Airport Digital Signage | News & Press Releases | Public Service Announcements 
Social Media Memes

The FAA has seen a disturbing increase in incidents where airline passengers have disrupted flights with threatening or violent behavior.

On January 13, 2021, Former FAA Administrator Steve Dickson signed an order directing a stricter legal enforcement policy against unruly airline passengers in the wake of recent, troubling incidents.

Historically, the agency has addressed unruly-passenger incidents using a variety of methods ranging from warnings and counseling to civil penalties. Under the new zero tolerance policy, FAA will not address these cases with warnings or counseling. The agency will pursue legal enforcement action against any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates, or interferes with airline crew members.

In an effort to promote safe and responsible passenger behavior and bring awareness to the zero tolerance policy, FAA encourages the widest dissemination of the following digital products.

Airport Digital Signage 

FAA messages regarding unruly passengers and social media memes have been formatted in variety of sizes and orientations for use in airport digital signage and other displays.

Collage of Airport Digital Signage

News and Press Releases on Unruly Passengers 

FAA Administrator Message on Zero Tolerance Policy

Former FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen reiterates that the FAA has zero tolerance for unruly passenger behavior. If you disrupt a flight, you risk not only substantial fines from the FAA, but also federal criminal prosecution and jail time.


Public Service Announcements 

In a new video, the FAA highlights real consequences for disruptive behavior. If you disrupt a flight, you risk not just fines from the FAA, but federal criminal prosecution as well. The FAA has Zero Tolerance for unruly behavior.


Unruly passengers can distract pilots. It is not safe to disrupt a flight. The FAA has ZERO TOLERANCE for not following crew instructions.


As part of FAA's Zero Tolerance campaign, this video features children explaining how to behave on a plane and expressing their disgust about increased unruly passenger behavior. The FAA also released several memes on social media. We are offering these free outreach materials to federal, state, and other partners to educate passengers on FAA's zero tolerance policy against unruly behavior.

View and share the FAA's public service announcements about unruly passengers to raise awareness for the Zero Tolerance campaign.


Social Media Memes 

After opening an image, right click on the image and select "Save image as…"

Refer to the following caption.
Halloween Costume

Refer to the following caption.Wheel of Failure

Refer to the following caption.Don't Embarrass Me

Refer to the following caption.Don't Make Me Turn This Plane Around

Refer to the following caption.Fight Club

Last updated: Friday, October 27, 2023