“Be prepared to pay.”
As part of President Biden’s broad COVID-19 action plan, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will double fines for those who are not in compliance with the federal mask mandate on commercial aircraft and in various modes of transportation, including railroad, intercity buses, and other forms of public transportation.
The new range of penalties takes effect right away – on Friday, September 10, 2021 – and will now be $500 to $1,000 for first offenders and $1,000 to $3,000 for second offenders.
The federal mask mandate for transportation is currently in effect until January 18, 2022.
“We appreciate the majority of travelers each day who voluntarily follow the requirement, but find this action necessary to maximize the protections for those who use and work within the transportation system, and to contain COVID-19,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoskei in a statement. “By doubling the range of penalties, we seek to reinforce the importance of voluntary adherence.”
