TSA Face Covering Non-Compliance Fines Reach Up to $1,500 for Repeat Offenders

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) arm patch and shield is seen at Los Angeles International Airport, California February 20, 2014. U.S. authorities issued a warning on Wednesday to airlines flying to the United States to watch out for militants who may have hidden bombs in their shoes, U.S. government sources said. iREUTERS/Kevork Djansezian (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY TRANSPORT) - RTX197YF

For flyers who decide not to wear a face covering at the airport, the Transportation Security Administration announced how much of a fine they could face. First-time offenders are subject to a $250 penalty, while repeat offenders could see fines of $1,500.

Flyers who choose not to wear a face covering at the airport and are not granted exemption will now face fines starting at $250. The Transportation Security Administration announced the new penalty schedule on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021.

Fines Reach Up to $1,500 For Those Caught Continually Skipping Face Coverings

The new fee schedule is in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) universal face mask order, which took effect on Feb. 2, 2021. Under the previous executive order and CDC rule, the TSA was given authority to enforce the face covering requirement with civil penalties.

For a first-time offence of the security directive, flyers could face a penalty of $250. If they are caught trying to enter the secure zone without wearing a face covering, the fine for repeat offenses can climb up to $1,500. Those who continually try to skirt the law could face even higher fines.

“TSA will fully comply with the President’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and the DHS National Emergency determination to ensure healthy and secure travel across all transportation sectors. This will help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and encourage a unified government response,” Darby LaJoye, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the TSA Administrator, said in the TSA statement. “As we continue to experience impacts from this pandemic, we are committed to this measure as the right thing to do for the TSA workforce, for our industry stakeholders and for passengers.”

Although the face mask rule and TSA enforcement are designed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the fines are among the lowest a flyer could face at the checkpoint. The lowest civil enforcement fine the agency charges is $130, for attempting to circumvent a security system. Other fines in the same area as the face mask fine are all $360, for attempting to carry flammable liquid or gel fuels onto an aircraft, attempting to carry a bladed item aboard a flight (such as an axe, hatchet, ice pick, or knife), attempting to carry-on self-defense spray or tear gas and attempting to carry consumer fireworks onto a commercial airplane.

In line with the rule, the TSA allows face covering exemptions for those under two years old and flyers with disabilities. Those who are seeking an exception are advised to call the TSA Cares helpline at 855-787-2227 around 72 hours prior to their departure.

While the CDC order is indefinite, the TSA will enforce face mask usage until May 11, 2021.

Financial Penalties in Addition to Bans from Airlines     

The face mask rule enforced by the TSA is the latest example of penalties flyers could face if they choose not to wear coverings in the airport and aboard their flights. Airlines have reportedly banned over 2,700 flyers for not wearing a face covering, as every major U.S.-based carrier requires flyers to use them when aboard.