tanja, if the person getting fined doesn't have access to money at all how did they pay for their plane ticket? If something happens at a checkpoint, the TSA will right a report which result in the person receiving a notice of violation.

In the case of the TSA they create a notice of violation outlining the fine amount, how to pay it and how to dispute it. Only the person being fined is potentially impacted not their family.

If the fine is not paid on time and the person is not a US Citizen they will not be allowed to enter the country and any attempt to get a visa or residency will be held up until the fine is paid. If they have any assets in the US (bank account, car, house etc). The assets might be seized or a lien placed on them until the fine is paid.

The only way this can cause problems for family members in the US is if during the visa process they agreed to cover any unpaid expenses by the person who got the fine. Then they would be responsible to pay the fine or face having their wages garnished or assets seized.

If you look at section VI of this document you will see the things the TSA can fine you for. http://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/fil...nce_policy.pdf

Basically as long as you go through the checkpoint following orders and don't carry any guns or weapons you don't have to worry about being fined.