TSA: Mask violators face $250 fine, up to $1,500 for repeat offenders

Gregory WallacePublished 5th February 2021
Passengers que at the American Airlines counter in Ronald Reagan National Airport on September 17, 2020, in Arlington, Virginia, amid the coronavirus outbreak (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
(CNN) — Violators of the federal transportation face mask requirement face a $250 fine that increases for subsequent violations, the Transportation Security Administration said Friday.
The fine can rise up to $1,500 for repeated violations.
"Based on substantial aggravating or mitigating factors, TSA may seek a sanction amount that falls outside these ranges," the agency said.
The penalties may be in addition to those imposed by operators.
US airlines have taken the initiative to ban passengers who do not follow the rules. Delta Air Lines said in a company memo on February 1 that it has banned about 950 people for violating its mask rule.
The Federal Aviation Administration has said it will crack down on any passengers who disrupt flights or assault crew members over instructions to wear a mask.
The order took effect earlier this week requiring face masks in transportation hubs like train stations and airports, and on many commercial and public transportation networks, such as trains, buses and airplanes.