For passengers who refuse to wear masks on commercial airplanes and other public transportation in violation of a federal mandate, fines will be doubled, the Transportation Security Agency announced on Thursday.
The new range of penalties, which take effect Friday, will be $500-$1,000 for first offenders and $1,000-$3,000 for second offenders, the Homeland Security Department said in a press release. The announcement came hours after President Joe Biden said the TSA would double fines against violators and urged people to “show some respect.”
TSA EXTENDS TRANSPORTATION MASK MANDATE INTO 2022
“Wearing a mask protects the traveling public and all of the personnel who make the travel experience safe, secure, and comfortable,” said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “We will continue to enforce the mask mandate as long as necessary to protect public health and safety.”
TSA administrator David Pekoske said the Biden administration hopes the heightened penalty fees discourage people from violating the mandate meant to stem the spread of COVID-19.
“We appreciate the majority of travelers each day who voluntarily follow the requirement but find this action necessary to maximize the protections for those who use and work within the transportation system and to contain COVID-19,” Pekoske said. “By doubling the range of penalties, we seek to reinforce the importance of voluntary adherence.”
President Biden announces double the fines for air travelers who refuse to wear masks:
“If you break the rules, be prepared to pay. And by the way, show some respect!” pic.twitter.com/sWtnBlREh4
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 9, 2021
A federal mask mandate on public transportation set to end later this month has been extended until at least Jan. 18, including air, train, and bus travel.
TSA’s extension followed an update in guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 27, which recommended even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in COVID-19 hot spots.
Health authorities cited the high level of infectiousness of the COVID-19 delta variant and pointed to evidence showing vaccinated individuals can catch and spread it.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Aircrews, tasked with enforcing the mask mandate, have faced unruly customers. Sometimes these confrontations have gone viral.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 4,200 cases of unruly passengers this year, with 75% violating the mask mandate.
