Violence against airline employees has increased to unprecedented and unacceptable levels over the past two years. These employees, who are on the front lines of this pandemic, have unjustly labored under the incessant threat of abuse and physical harm from unruly passengers unwilling to comply with COVID-19 masking measures or directions from airline and security staff, or who attempt to board aircraft while intoxicated and belligerent.

Unfortunately, this unruly behavior also is rampant within the airport, prior to enplanement, and there have been cases of assault at airport gates, ticket and reservation areas, and other on-the-ground airport locations. With great frequency, passenger service agents have been the targets of violence and unruly behavior in their workplace as they carry out their responsibilities. Ultimately, addressing these issues will require the cooperation of multiple agencies and the exercise of their respective authorities. The lack of jurisdictional clarity and whole of government response has meant that unruly behavior against these employees is adjudicated unevenly at best, and frequently not at all.

However, the Department of Justice unquestionably has tools at its disposal today that would be beneficial in deterring assaults against passenger service agents and ensuring that perpetrators of violence against, or interference with, these employees are held responsible for their actions.

Use the form to add your name and ask the Justice Department to expeditiously act and protect passenger service agents.