--- title: "Delta CEO: Put Convicted Unruly Passengers On a No-Fly List" description: "Currently, passengers convicted of causing trouble with one airline can simply fly with another. Delta's CEO wants to change that." date: "2022-02-07" modified: "2022-02-07" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/44183/delta-ceo-to-feds-please-keep-convicted-unruly-passengers-from-flying" categories: - "Culture" - "News" tags: - "Aviation" --- # Delta CEO: Put Convicted Unruly Passengers On a No-Fly List ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* Delta CEO Ed Bastian is asking the U.S. government to add the names of passengers linked to unruly behavior while onboard in a "national no-fly list," reports [*Reuters*](). But that's not where the airline executive's plead ends, however, as Bastian would like to see these convicted passengers not only remain off [Delta flights](), but be banned from any future travel on any domestic commercial airline. The report is based on a letter that *Reuters* claims to have seen, which was reportedly sent by Bastian to the U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland late last week. "\[This\] will help prevent future incidents and serve as a strong symbol of the consequences of not complying with crew member instructions on commercial aircraft," the letter read, per *Reuters*. While aggressive and/or unruly passengers who refuse to adhere to the rules of commercial aviation have always existed, this letter is likely the result of a [sharp increase in disruptive passengers]() ever since flights began to operate regularly, following the first wave of the pandemic in 2020. Delta claims to have placed over 1,900 people on Delta's own no-fly list for refusing to comply with masking requirements, reports *Reuters*. It's also submitted nearly 1,000 banned names to the [TSA so the agency could further pursue]() civil penalties. ![message-editor%2F1644245863875-download1.jpeg]() **Delta** Currently, however, unless a person is on the government's no-fly list (most likely due to some sort of terrorism-related threat), they are able to avoid a particular airline from which they may be banned, and simply fly in another. This is where the Delta executive would like to see changes, too, claiming that banning convicted passengers would simply "prevent future incidents" regardless of the airline, and so would sharing of no-fly list information between rival companies. There are too many recent instances of on-board violence to cite, but the majority range from passengers simply refusing to wear face coverings per federal guidelines, [opting to upgrade themselves to first-class mid-flight](), to violently beating airport and airline personnel. A recent attack made headlines after three Long Island women [were indicted]() for punching, kicking, and even beating a Delta employee with his own radio at a JFK boarding gate. While the airline nor [government agencies have pointed fingers]() at the sale of alcohol in flights for causing further trouble—at least not in this instance—it's worth noting that last week Southwest Airlines chose to resume the sale of alcoholic drinks despite strong pushback from its own flight attendants. The union representing in-flight crew, according to [*The New York Times*](), claims the airline's decision is “unsafe and irresponsible” given recent "abusive passenger behavior, including assaults on flight attendants." There's been no further response from the U.S. Attorney General on this matter, per *Reuters*, but it's safe to say that whether you fly once a year or once a week, having a safer airport and in-flight experience should be a top priority for airlines and government agencies alike. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()