The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a fine of $165,000 against Alaska Airlines for allegedly allowing intoxicated passengers to board flights. This is prohibited in accordance with FAA regulations, which state that nobody who appears intoxicated should be allowed to board an aircraft.
Why is Alaska Airlines in trouble?
According to FAA regulations, passengers who appear to be intoxicated should be refused boarding by the airline they are flying with. However, it is alleged that Alaska Airlines has repeatedly failed to comply with this rule.
In an official statement shared on May 26 on the FAA’s website, the agency accused the airline of breaching this regulation in 11 separate incidents between February 2024 and February 2025 by allowing intoxicated travellers to board flights. Subsequently, it proposed a civil penalty of $165,000 to be issued against the airline.
What comes next?
Alaska Airlines has since spoken out to say that it complied fully with the FAA audit of its policies and takes the issue seriously. According to Reuters, the airline’s spokesperson, Tim Thompson, responded to the news of the potential fine with a statement saying:
“Since the FAA shared these concerns with us over a year ago, we made meaningful changes to ensure compliance with the FAA’s expectations – including enhanced training for all flight attendants and customer service agents. We respect the results of the FAA’s audit and are confident in the changes that have been in place for the last year to ensure our shared standards are being met.”
The spokesperson also added that they were confident in the changes it has implemented over the past year to ensure compliance with FAA guidelines.
The FAA has stated that the airline has 30 days from the date of receival of its enforcement letter to respond to the agency.
Have you ever flown with this airline? Do you think this potential penalty is justified? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
