The vast majority of midflight disruptions have involved passengers who refused to follow requirements that they wear masks during flights, while others have been alcohol-related. Incidents involving unruly passengers have fallen in recent months after peaking in early 2021, but remain a concern for unions representing flight attendants, pilots, gate agents and other airline employees.
Airlines maintain their own lists of passengers who are barred from traveling but don’t share information with other carriers. Bastian said Delta has 1,900 people on its no-fly list.
Unions representing airline workers have argued that a centralized list is necessary since a passenger banned from one airline can simply book a flight on another carrier. Garland had previously directed federal prosecutors to prioritize investigations into crimes on planes.
“This action will help prevent future incidents and serve as a strong symbol of the consequences of not complying with crew member instructions on commercial aircraft,” Bastian wrote.
It’s not clear how such a no-fly list might work, although the Transportation Security Administration has broad legal authority to protect the safety of air travel. The TSA said Monday it wasn’t commenting on the no-fly list proposal, while the Department of Homeland Security didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Justice Department spokesman Josh Stueve said in a statement that the agency will refer Delta’s letter to the appropriate departments, adding that the agency “is continuing to prioritize the investigations and prosecutions of those who engage in criminal behavior that threatens the safety of passengers, flight crews, and flight attendants.”