US728 from Philadelphia to London, on Tuesday, returned to Philadelphia shortly into its flight due to the allegedly disruptive activities of one passenger that may, or may not, have included drinking vodka, being 'disruptive', and challenging Cabin Crew and Air Marshalls on board.
The individual involved was, apparently, travelling to London, to seek employment, after losing his job, but is now in custody awaiting a Federal hearing next week.
International treaties allow prosecution of disruptive passengers in the country of destination. Following on from other threads on this subject, US Federal law can impose fairly severe penalties, under civil and criminal law, on those found guilty, including civil fines of up to $1,100, and criminal fines of up to $10,000, for each violation of Federal aviation law
Additional criminal penalties include imprisonment of up to 20 years if the passenger was not armed and a life sentence if the passenger was armed (a person is considered armed if in possession of any object that can be used, or is used, to cause death or serious bodily injury).
A physical assault on a crew member could, theoretically, result in up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
For the benefit of v-flyers, disruptive behaviour is classified as any behaviour that interferes with an airline crew's duties, including the duties of flight attendants including verbal threats, physical threats, intimidation, assault, including attempt and/or conspiracy.
Additionally, airlines may, sometimes, ban individuals from their service for a number of years, or for life, especially if they are repeat offenders.
2013 FAA Enforcement Actions: 160 cases.
The individual involved was, apparently, travelling to London, to seek employment, after losing his job, but is now in custody awaiting a Federal hearing next week.
International treaties allow prosecution of disruptive passengers in the country of destination. Following on from other threads on this subject, US Federal law can impose fairly severe penalties, under civil and criminal law, on those found guilty, including civil fines of up to $1,100, and criminal fines of up to $10,000, for each violation of Federal aviation law
Additional criminal penalties include imprisonment of up to 20 years if the passenger was not armed and a life sentence if the passenger was armed (a person is considered armed if in possession of any object that can be used, or is used, to cause death or serious bodily injury).
A physical assault on a crew member could, theoretically, result in up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
For the benefit of v-flyers, disruptive behaviour is classified as any behaviour that interferes with an airline crew's duties, including the duties of flight attendants including verbal threats, physical threats, intimidation, assault, including attempt and/or conspiracy.
Additionally, airlines may, sometimes, ban individuals from their service for a number of years, or for life, especially if they are repeat offenders.
2013 FAA Enforcement Actions: 160 cases.
