FAA seeks biggest fines yet against 2 unruly passengers

印刷用画面を開く

Posted

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. airliner / ˈɛərˌlaɪ nər / (n.) – a large passenger airplane managed by an airline
    Example:

    The airliner can carry around 200 passengers.


  2. cabin / ˈkæb ɪn / (n.) – the part of an airplane where passengers sit
    Example:

    It’s not safe to move around the cabin during takeoff.


  3. headbutt / ˈhed bʌt / (v.) – to hit someone strongly on the head or face using the front part of the head
    Example:

    Paula headbutted the thief who tried to attack her.


  4. spit at (something/someone) / spɪt æt / (phrasal v.) – to force saliva out of one’s mouth and direct it towards something/someone
    Example:

    The teacher called the attention of the students who were caught fighting and spitting at each other.


  5. crew / kru / (n.) – the people who work in an aircraft who are not pilot officers
    Example:

    The cabin crew ensures that all passengers are safe and secure.


Article

Read the text below.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that it is seeking the largest fines yet for passengers who disrupt flights after two incidents that occurred on airliners last summer.


The FAA said it proposed a civil penalty of $81,950 against a passenger who struck a flight attendant on the head, tried to open a cabin door and headbutted, spit at and tried to kick crew members and passengers even after she was placed in flexible handcuffs.


The incident happened on an American Airlines flight last July. The FAA said the passenger was arrested when the plane landed in Charlotte, North Carolina.


The FAA is seeking a $77,272 fine against a woman who tried to open a cabin door during a flight and bit another passenger repeatedly before she was restrained by the crew on a Delta Air Lines flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta last July.


Neither person was identified. They have 30 days to respond to the accusations.


The FAA said the fines are part of roughly $2 million in proposed penalties it has announced since Jan. 1. Airlines have reported a high number of incidents since early 2021 — more than 1,000 this year alone — with most of them involving passengers who refuse to wear face masks.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Do you think the large fines placed on the unruly passengers were fair? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what other penalties should airlines give to unruly passengers (ex. ban them from flying)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • The US now allows people to ride most public transportation without masks, while Japan only recommends wearing them. On the other hand, people in South Korea, Italy, and France are required to wear masks in public areas. What do you think of the different policies in different countries (ex. safe, unnecessary)? Why? Discuss.
  • Should all countries have the same rules for wearing masks in public transportation? Why or why not? Discuss.