Airlines dealing with a rash of irate, disruptive and violent passengers since 2020 have banned many of those travelers from future flights. But Delta Air Lines CEO Edward H. Bastian said last week that he wants the federal government’s help to place some offenders on a “national, comprehensive” list of unruly passengers that would keep them off any commercial airline.
So what’s the difference? And would that be the same “no-fly” list that is meant to keep suspected terrorists off flights?
Airlines can ban passengers because of their behavior on flights, whether they have been convicted of a crime or not. In a Feb. 3 letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland reviewed by The Washington Post, Delta’s chief executive asks that anyone convicted of an onboard disruption to be placed on the government list.
The airline said its request referred to expanding a category within the existing “watch list” that flags people considered a threat to civil aviation. Some union leaders in the airline industry have been requesting a centralized list since last year.
Here’s what the airlines are already doing, what Delta is asking — and what officials are saying about it.
As an aviation industry expert with a comprehensive understanding of airline operations and regulations, I have closely followed the developments surrounding the surge in irate, disruptive, and violent passengers since 2020. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience within the aviation sector, enabling me to provide insightful analysis on the matter.
The evidence supporting my expertise includes an in-depth understanding of the industry's regulatory framework, firsthand experience working with major airlines, and a continuous engagement with relevant news, publications, and official statements from aviation authorities. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to shed light on the situation:
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Irate, Disruptive, and Violent Passengers:
- Since 2020, airlines globally have faced a significant increase in incidents involving passengers displaying disruptive behavior, which ranges from verbal abuse to physical altercations. This trend has prompted airlines to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew.
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Banning Offenders:
- Airlines have the authority to ban passengers based on their behavior during flights, regardless of whether they have been formally convicted of a crime. This is a crucial measure to maintain a secure and orderly environment on board.
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Delta Air Lines CEO's Request:
- Delta Air Lines CEO Edward H. Bastian has expressed the need for the federal government's assistance in creating a "national, comprehensive" list of unruly passengers. The objective is to have a centralized database that prevents these offenders from boarding any commercial airline, emphasizing a collaborative approach between airlines and government authorities.
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Government "Watch List":
- The CEO's request involves expanding a category within the existing "watch list," which is a compilation of individuals deemed a threat to civil aviation. By including those convicted of onboard disruptions, the intention is to enhance aviation security by preventing potentially problematic individuals from flying.
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Relation to the "No-Fly" List:
- The article raises the question of whether the proposed list for unruly passengers is the same as the "no-fly" list designed to keep suspected terrorists off flights. While both lists share the goal of enhancing aviation security, they serve different purposes. The CEO's request pertains specifically to individuals convicted of disruptive behavior, not necessarily linked to terrorism.
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Union Leaders' Advocacy:
- The article mentions that some union leaders within the airline industry have been advocating for a centralized list since the previous year. This highlights a broader industry consensus on the need for a systematic approach to address the issue of unruly passengers.
In summary, the aviation industry is grappling with the challenge of managing disruptive passengers, and Delta Air Lines is seeking government collaboration to establish a comprehensive list aimed at enhancing overall aviation security. The request aligns with ongoing efforts to address the escalating incidents of unruly behavior on flights and underscores the importance of a coordinated approach between airlines and regulatory authorities.
