FAA proposes fining Alaska Airlines $165,000…

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $165,000 civil penalty against Alaska Airlines for allegedly allowing intoxicated passengers to board flights, violating federal aviation safety regulations. The proposed fine was announced on May 26, 2026, and stems from incidents the FAA documented during its investigation of the carrier's boarding procedures.

This marks the latest enforcement action in the FAA's ongoing campaign to address unruly passenger behavior, which surged during the pandemic recovery period and has remained elevated compared to pre-2020 levels. Federal regulations prohibit airlines from allowing visibly intoxicated passengers to board aircraft, as impaired passengers pose safety risks both to crew members attempting to manage emergencies and to other travelers.

According to the FAA's enforcement notice, Alaska Airlines staff permitted passengers who appeared intoxicated to board specific flights despite the prohibition under 14 CFR Part 121.575, which bars carriers from allowing anyone "who appears to be intoxicated" onto an aircraft. The regulation exists because intoxicated passengers are more likely to ignore safety instructions during emergencies, interfere with crew duties, or become disruptive mid-flight. The FAA did not specify how many incidents triggered the proposed penalty or which routes were involved.

"The FAA has zero tolerance for unruly behavior," the agency stated in its announcement.

The proposed fine affects Alaska Airlines specifically, but the enforcement action serves as a warning to all U.S. carriers that the FAA is scrutinizing gate agents' compliance with intoxication screening requirements. Airlines operating flights to or from the United States must train staff to identify signs of intoxication and deny boarding when passengers meet the regulatory threshold, regardless of whether those passengers hold confirmed tickets.

Alaska Airlines has 30 days from the date of the FAA's notice to respond, either by paying the penalty, requesting a reduction, or contesting the findings. Passengers planning to fly should be aware that gate agents have legal authority to deny boarding to anyone appearing intoxicated, and airlines face financial consequences for failing to enforce this rule. Travelers who believe they were wrongly denied boarding due to perceived intoxication can file complaints with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection Division.

Source: Reuters Canada — published 2026-05-26.

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