While Christmas has come and gone, the holiday travel rush is far from over. Airports across the country are still packed as millions of travelers head home or ring in the New Year.
With crowded terminals, long lines, and delays, tensions can run high. But federal officials are reminding travelers that frustration is no excuse for bad behavior. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says unruly conduct—including verbal outbursts and physical altercations—at checkpoints will not be tolerated, and violators could face steep fines or criminal charges.
Here’s what travelers need to know as they head to the airport during the busy holiday travel period.
The TSA Has Issued A New Warning To Travelers About Airport Behavior
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at a U.S. airportCredit: Michael Ball / Wikimedia Commons
The Transportation Security Administration is reminding travelers that disruptive behavior at airports can carry serious consequences, including hefty fines and possible criminal charges.
In a recent warning posted on X (formerly Twitter), the agency emphasized that passengers who act out during the security screening process or on planes may face jail time and thousands of dollars in penalties.
“If you threaten, endanger, or harm Transportation Security Officers during screening, TSA will pursue criminal penalties and fines of up to $13,910.”
The TSA also shared an image reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance, stating the specific behaviors that will not be tolerated, including threats, verbal abuse, and physical violence.
The warning comes as reports of disruptive passenger behavior continue to rise.
A Passenger Was Fined $30,000 After Disrupting Deplaning On A Frontier Airlines Flight
A Frontier Airlines plane taxiing in Tampa, FloridaCredit: Dreamstime
In addition to the TSA’s warning about behavior at security checkpoints, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says incidents on board aircraft remain a serious concern.
Reported Unruly Passenger Cases By Year:
2017
544
2018
889
2019
1,161
2020
1,009
2021
5,973
2022
2,453
2023
2,074
2024
2,096
2025
1,567
Back in 2021, a passenger on a Frontier Airlines flight from Atlanta to New York was fined $30,000 after assaulting two flight attendants, making violent threats, and attempting to access the flight deck.
More recently, in 2025, an American Airlines passenger traveling from Charlotte to Las Vegas reportedly became aggressive midair and had to be restrained to their seat with duct tape. Ultimately, the individual was taken into custody and now faces federal charges that could lead to a sentence of up to 20 years.
What Passengers Risk When They Break FAA Rules
Unruly behavior in the air can have some serious consequences, including:
- Criminal Charges: Severe incidents may be referred to the FBI and prosecuted as felonies.
- Steep Fines: The FAA can impose fines of up to $43,658 per violation, and a single incident can result in multiple penalties.
- Travel Restrictions: Passengers may lose TSA PreCheck eligibility or be placed on an airline’s internal no-fly list.
As incidents continue to rise, the U.S. Department of Transportation is urging travelers to remain calm and respectful, especially heading into the new year.
The U.S. Department Of Transportation Urges Travelers To “Return To Civility” Amid Rise In Unruly Passenger Incidents
Passengers at a Delta Air Lines check-in desk at an airportCredit: Unsplash
Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation launched a nationwide initiative, “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You,” encouraging travelers to practice good etiquette in airports and on planes.
The campaign was announced alongside a promotional video featuring nostalgic clips of Americans boarding planes set to Frank Sinatra’s iconic song, “Come Fly With Me.”
In the video, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy outlined a set of questions travelers are encouraged to ask themselves before heading to the airport:
- Are you helping a pregnant woman or the elderly with placing their bags in the overhead bin?
- Are you dressing with respect?
- Are you keeping control of your children and helping them through the airport?
- Are you saying thank you to your flight attendants?
- Are you saying please and thank you in general?
In a recent update, Duffy even sat down with etiquette coach Alison M. Cheperdak, J.D., to discuss additional tips ahead of the holiday season.
However, many travelers remain skeptical that this campaign alone can fix the growing tensions seen in airports today. That skepticism helps explain why the TSA continues to issue blunt reminders about enforcement.
