The TSA is doubling down on fliers who don’t mask up.
Transportation Security Administration officials announced that first-time offenders will see fines jump from $250 to $500-$1,000, while repeat Covidiots could face fines up to $3,000.
President Joe Biden, who chastised unvaccinated Americans Thursday, directed the agency to hit violators with more severe fines to “ensure that masking requirements remain in place on the other modes of transportation as we continue to battle COVID-19.”
“TSA will double the fines on travelers that refuse to mask. If you break the rules be prepared to pay. And by the way, show some respect,” the Democrat told reporters at the White House.
Biden said passengers who direct their anger about covering their faces at airline personnel are “wrong” and “ugly.”
The air travel mask mandates — which include airports and ground transit — were recently extended through January after being set to expire next week. The new higher fines go into place Friday.
The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed much higher five-figure fines to non-compliant passengers in some cases.
There have been about 3,000 disputes over mask-wearing on US planes so far this year, officials said.
With Post wires
