Be on your best behavior: FAA refers in-air criminals to FBI

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The Federal Aviation Administration continues to refer cases of air rage to the FBI, and the agency said it’s 43 unruly passenger incidents for investigation in the past year. 
“There’s absolutely no excuse for unruly behavior,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in a statement. “It threatens the safety of everyone on board and we have zero tolerance for it.”   
Among the cases submitted in the last year are incidents of assault, sexually inappropriate behavior and multiple attempts by passengers to breach the flight deck or open exit doors. 
According to the FAA, some of the referred incidents include: 
“Dangerous passengers put everyone at risk.” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “Unruly travelers face stiff fines from the FAA and possible criminal prosecution too.”   
Passengers who exhibit unruly conduct on a plane can face civil penalties up to $37,000 per violation but can also face criminal prosecution if the FAA refers the case to the FBI. 
According to the FAA, it has referred more than 310 cases for criminal investigation since 2021. 
The FBI has guidelines on its website for reporting criminal offenses that take place on airplanes.  
‘My heart sunk’:She knew something was wrong when he sat near her kids. He was removed from the flight.
If you witness crimes on a plane, especially those that involve sexual misconduct, experts say you should help document the incident and try to distract the assailant, as well as report it to cabin crew members or other authorities.  
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].