What Law Applies to Disruptive Behavior by Airplane Passengers?
Penalties for disruptive behavior by airline passengers vary according to what type of law applies. Federal law applies to incidents of disruptive passenger behavior that occur within the United States on ¿closed door¿ aircraft. A ¿closed door¿ aircraft is one that is not connected to the walkway ramp leading into the airport. If the disruptive incident occurs while the airplane is still connected to the walkway by means of an open door, the local jurisdiction¿s laws apply. Under international law, if a passenger causes a disruption, the country in which the airplane arrives can prosecute the passenger, regardless of the origin of the flight. This means that disruptive passengers arriving in the United States are subject to federal law. What are the Penalties for Disruptive Behavior? Federal law provides severe penalties for disruptive behavior by airline passengers. If a passenger engages in disruptive behavior, the airline may file a report with the Federal Aviation Administration. I
