Should unruly passengers be put on the No Fly List?

Curtice (No)

While we can all acknowledge that decorum generally, and certainly for commercial airline travel, has declined, that doesn't mean one should not be allowed to fly if one does not comport themselves properly. Poor behavior or bad manners are not crimes—at least not yet.

The federal No Fly list was created in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks. It was meant to prohibit suspected terrorists from flying commercial airlines. Federal No-Fly lists should be reserved for those who are suspected terrorists, not for someone who exhibits terrible manners. There is a big difference between the two, and it dilutes the purpose of the No Fly list, which is to incorporate unruly passengers onto the list as well.

As we have seen in recent years, the federal government has abused its authority by spying on or otherwise harassing citizens who may be critical of the current leadership or government narrative. One needs only to read through the Twitter files, which exposed government coercion of social media regarding Trump or during COVID. The inherent lack of transparency leads to the potential for abuse of the No Fly list by federal authorities with personal motives or political motivations.  

The No Fly list inhibits one’s ability to travel by air, significantly restricting their freedom of movement. They often have no idea why they have been added, and trying to remove themselves from the No Fly list, once added, is difficult and time-consuming. There is a serious lack of due process, and the appeals process is challenging. The No Fly list should be maintained for its original purpose—to keep potential terrorists from flying.

Luis (Yes)

Considering that No Fly lists prohibit some people from getting on a plane, unruly passengers should always be among these persons. After all, these types of passengers usually represent a safety concern for fellow travelers, crew members, and even the aircraft itself.

Unruly passengers should always be put on the No Fly List because any unruly behavior can eventually lead to major disruptions to the usual functioning of a flight. This can cause diversions, delays, and all types of inconveniences for passengers and could even cause financial losses for the airline in question. Likewise, unruly passengers belong on No Fly lists because this action serves as a deterrent that guarantees that those who commit legal violations face the consequences. Taking this strong action sends everyone a clear message of accountability.

Moreover, placing unruly passengers on these lists will help prevent them from causing any violent incident or disruption on future flights, making the measure crucial to maintain order and guarantee the most comfortable and safest travel experience for all parties. Taking such strong action is necessary because it would be the best way to protect crew members, who are responsible for the security and safety of every passenger on the flight. The measure is the greatest action airlines and airports can take to create a safer working environment. While putting unruly passengers on No Flylists might seem harsh, taking a soft-line approach could be dangerous and counterproductive for everyone.