DHS increases fines for not wearing masks on airplanes, public transportation
The Department of Homeland Security announced it is doubling monetary penalties for those caught in violation of the federal mask mandate aboard various transportation methods, including in airports, on planes and passenger trains.
The new fines, which take effect Friday, will be $500 to $1,000 for first-time offenders and $1,000 to $3,000 for second-time offenders.
"We appreciate the majority of travelers each day who voluntarily follow the requirement, but find this action necessary to maximize the protections for those who use and work within the transportation system, and to contain COVID-19," Transportation Security Administration chief David Pekoske said in a statement. "By doubling the range of penalties, we seek to reinforce the importance of voluntary adherence."
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The doubled fines are part of President Joe Biden's six-point plan to fight COVID announced Thursday. He also announced the mask mandate on public transportation would be extended until Jan. 18, 2022.
There have been 3,057 "mask-related incidents" on planes since the beginning of the year, as of Sept. 7, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
"I'm announcing that the Transportation Safety Administration, the TSA, will double the fines on travelers that refuse to mask," Biden said during a speech Thursday. "If you break the rules, be prepared to pay. And by the way, show some respect. The anger you see on television toward flight attendants and others doing their jobs is wrong. It’s ugly."