Security Policy Alert: TSA Launches Anti-Violence Campaign

June 24, 2021

As traveler volumes steadily increase, TSA is reminding passengers to remain calm and respectful at the security checkpoint or face criminal and civil penalties. As of June 20, over 3,000 unruly passenger behavior incidents were reported to the Federal Aviation Administration in 2021, a marked increase over previous years. TSA is also seeing unruly and disruptive behavior at the security checkpoint. Like FAA, TSA has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for unruly and disruptive behavior that could harm Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) or flight crew.

In a press release, TSA highlighted several recent attacks against TSOs and stated that the agency will not tolerate such actions, and may pursue criminal charges and a civil penalty up to the maximum allowable by law. TSA also highlighted the resumption of flight crew training led by Federal Air Marshals to help deter assaults against officers and flight crew. 

TSA also reminded passengers that face masks continue to be required in airports and on aircraft. According to FAA, approximately 75% of the unruly passenger reports involve non-compliance or resistance to face mask requirements.