The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) charged a disorderly passenger with a $14,500 civil penalty after he refused to put on a face mask and caused the plane to turn around.
The JetBlue passenger was on a flight leaving John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and headed for the Dominican Republic on December 23, USA Today reported.
In addition to the passenger’s incompliance to the airline's face mask policy, he also continued to drink alcohol that he had brought on board and ultimately caused the plane to return to the departure airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
"The passenger crowded the traveler sitting next to him, spoke loudly, and refused to wear his face mask, the FAA alleges," the FAA stated. "Flight attendants moved the other passenger to a different seat after they complained about the man’s behavior."
The flight attendant on board at the time of the incident warned the man that he was not in accordance with the airline’s policies to wear a face mask. The flight attendant later gave two additional warnings that the FAA forbids passengers from drinking alcohol that they have carried on board, according to the statement.
Related
Despite the flight attendant's warnings, the man continued to drink his alcohol without a face mask on.
"A flight attendant issued the passenger a 'Notice to Cease Illegal and Objectionable Behavior,' and the cabin crew notified the captain about his actions two separate times," the FAA said. "As a result of the passenger’s actions, the captain declared an emergency and returned to JFK."
The unnamed passenger has 30 days to respond to the agency's "enforcement letter."
In January, the FAA implemented more stringent policies in response to the siege at the U.S. Capitol and will no longer give disorderly passengers a warning.
The FAA's maximum fine for unruly behavior is $35,000.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram