The agency stated that the proposed fine stems from a series
of incidents occurring over a 12-month period. According to the FAA, Alaska
Airlines allowed passengers who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol
to board aircraft on 11 separate flights between February 2024 and February
2025.
Under federal aviation regulations, airlines are strictly
prohibited from boarding individuals who appear to display signs of
intoxication. These safety protocols are designed to ensure the well-being of
the crew and passengers, as intoxicated individuals can pose significant safety
risks during flight, including disruptive behavior or an inability to follow emergency instructions.
This enforcement highlights the FAA’s ongoing focus on
passenger safety standards and airline compliance.
Alaska Airlines has been formally notified of the proposed
penalty. Under agency procedures, the airline has 30 days from the receipt of
the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the allegations. The response may
include a request for a meeting with agency officials, documentation to contest
the findings, or an agreement to settle the penalty.
Alaska Airlines has not issued a public statement regarding the specific incidents or its intended response to the FAA’s proposal. On Wednesday, the airline released a news update on its website detailing what passengers should know before departure “to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.”
The news update provided the following tips:
- · Check entry requirements and security wait times before traveling
- · Make full use of the Alaska Hawaiian mobile app
- · Have a day-of-travel game plan
- · Make the most of Atmos Rewards benefits
The FAA maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the
boarding of intoxicated passengers, and such civil penalties are common tools
the agency uses to hold air carriers accountable for maintaining consistent
safety procedures across their networks.
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