Air Rage: The Hidden Costs of Head-Butting Your Flight Attendant

Getting stressed out on a flight can have major consequences, and not only for the man in 24J who has to listen to your griping. Disruptive behavior can also result in heavy fines and jail time.

WHAT CAUSES IT
Changes in air pressure at high altitudes can increase the psychoactive effects of chemicals on the body, like alcohol.

Reasons for unruly behavior:
Too much alcohol
Claustrophobia (oversold flights/crowded planes)
Too many/large carry-on bags
Delays/cancellations
Conflicting carrier policies

Categories of unruliness:
Alcohol-related
Drug-related
Use of prohibited electronics
Smoking

U.S. Government agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) haven’t issued specific stats about air rage. In 2004, USA Today reported that incidents reached a 10-year high.

The crew is responsible for handling in flight incidents and if a flight attendant solves the problem, it usually won’t be reported. However, if the FAA hears about it, passengers can be fined a whopping $25,000 for violating FAA regulations against passengers disrupting crew members’ duties. The bill can triple depending on the type and amount of violations. Assault a flight attendant and you could be looking at 20 years behind bars, $10,000 in criminal penalties and $25,000 in civil fines.

WHY IT’S DANGEROUS
Disruptive behavior can endanger the lives of everyone on board. In a March 2000 study by NASA/ASRS, pilots left the cockpit to calm passengers or were interrupted by attendants in 40% of cases. In a quarter of those reported cases, pilots flew too fast, flew at the wrong altitude or used the wrong runway.

DON’T BE LIKE THESE CELEBRITIES
What happened: In June, supermodel Naomi Campbell let out her claws, swearing, kicking, spitting and accusing airline personnel of racism on an LA bound flight.

Result: Campbell avoided jail but was sentenced to 200 hours community service and ordered to pay hefty fines ($400 to each police officer, $300 to the captain and a general $4,600 fine).

What happened: In July, hockey player David Cornacchia (Florida Everblades) slapped a flight attendant for refusing him a third alcoholic drink, exposed himself and head-butted a passenger.

Result: Cornacchia got one year and a day in jail, will be under supervised release for three years afterwards (including abuse and anger management programs), and must pay a $4,000 fine.

OR THIS DRAMA QUEEN
What happened: In June, 35 year-old Christina Szele lit up a cigarette on a JetBlue (JBLU) flight. Then, she went berserk, punched a flight attendant in the jaw, kicked and screamed when restrained, and threatened to kill a flight attendant, shouting “dumb Mother F*****.” You get the point. She drank two beers before boarding and three vodka drinks onboard, but claimed to have a high tolerance.

Result: Szele faces two different charges, up to 20 years in prison, and up to a $250,000 fine.