Congress mulls TSA no-fly list after spike in unruly passengers

• The Protection from Abusive Passengers Act would prohibit individuals on the list from boarding any commercial aircraft flight, and would let the TSA determine the duration of the ban.
• The bill includes guidelines for notifying people that they're on the list, and how to appeal it, according to lawmakers who proposed it.

Of note: The TSA no-fly list would be separate from the FBI's list, which is geared toward people suspected of having terrorism ties.

The big picture: In the wake of a federal traveler mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 saw a record number of unruly passengers. But although such incidents decreased in 2022 after the rule was dropped, cases requiring investigation were still 470% higher than before the pandemic.

What they're saying: Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), one of the lawmakers who introduced the measure, said incidents involving "abusive passengers" increased by nearly 600% between 2019 to 2022.

• "Our bill provides a simple solution - if you’re violent in our skies, you can't fly," he added.

Flashback: A similar measure failed to go through Congress last year.

Be smart: The Federal Aviation Administration can fine people up to $37,000 per violation for unruly passenger cases — up from $25,000.