A Delta Air Lines passenger faces a $27,500 fine for allegedly hitting a flight attendant in the face last October. The incident occurred on a flight from Miami to Atlanta.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it is proposing the financial penalty against a person who allegedly hit a flight attendant who asked the woman and her companion to leave the plane after a dispute over wearing a face mask.
The confrontation began when the passenger’s companion refused to wear a mask, secure his tray table or fasten his seatbelt.
According to FAA, the flight returned to the gate, and the pair was asked to leave the aircraft. The female passenger began yelling at the flight attendant and other passengers, then hit the flight attendant under her left eye.
The FAA strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward passengers who cause disturbances on flights or fail to obey flight crew instructions.
The FAA said it appears that she violated a federal regulation against assaulting a crew member, which carries a civil penalty of up to $35,000.
The woman has 30 days to respond to the proposed penalty.
