14 passengers banned by airline
after rowdy DC to Seattle flight
- The passengers were "non-mask compliant, rowdy,
argumentative and harassed our crew members," the airline said.
(CNN)Alaska Airlines banned more than a dozen
passengers this week for not complying with its mask mandate and for harassing
staff members.
The 14
passengers were banned from flying with the airline after they were "non-mask
compliant, rowdy, argumentative and harassed our crew members" on a flight from
Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC, to Seattle on Thursday evening,
according to a statement from Alaska Airlines.
- Delta has banned 460 anti-maskers
"Their
behavior was unacceptable," the statement from the airline said. "We apologize
to our other guests who were made uncomfortable on the flight."
When
asked for more detail on the passengers, the airline told CNN that they're
"focused on the individual actions of those passengers and their non-compliance
with our mask policy."
"We're
thankful and appreciative of the efforts of our dedicated crew members who are
committed each day to keeping travel safe and respectful," the airline
said.
Alaska
Airlines says it has banned 288 passengers for violating its mask policy since
it went into effect -- a number that does not include these 14
passengers.
Other
airlines have banned passengers for not complying with mask rules while
flying.
Across
the country, anti-maskers have, in some cases, threatened or assaulted employees
when asked to wear a mask, leading the US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention to issue a recommendation in August to not argue with customers if
they become violent.
In a
statement sent to CNN, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said a cabin crew's
"primary responsibility" is to ensure the safety of people on
board.
"I
expect all passengers to follow crew member instructions, which are in place for
their safety and the safety of flight," Dickson said.
"The
FAA will pursue strong enforcement action against anyone who endangers the
safety of a flight," he added, "with penalties ranging from monetary fines to
jail time."
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