Alaska Airlines says it has made changes to address the FAA's concerns following an audit by the federal agency
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NEED TO KNOW
- The FAA has proposed a $165,000 fine for Alaska Airlines, alleging 11 incidents in which the airline allowed intoxicated passengers to board flights
- FAA regulations prohibit airlines from allowing anyone who appears to be intoxicated to board an aircraft
- Alaska Airlines says it has made changes to address the FAA’s concerns following an audit by the federal agency
Alaska Airlines is facing a steep fine from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after the agency alleged that the airline allowed intoxicated passengers to board flights.
In a statement released on Tuesday, May 26, the FAA announced that it was proposing a civil penalty in the form of a $165,000 fine against the airline for allegedly allowing intoxicated passengers to board 11 different flights that took place between February 2024 and February 2025.
FAA regulations prohibit airlines from allowing anyone who appears to be intoxicated to board an aircraft. However, the agency did not provide specifics about the alleged incidents involved intoxicated passengers.
The agency did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
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In a statement to the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Airlines said that it takes "seriously our responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for our guests and employees."
"We participated fully with the FAA's audit of our policies and practices as it relates to intoxicated guests on board our aircraft," a spokesperson told the outlet.
"Since the FAA shared these concerns with us over a year ago, we made meaningful changes to ensure compliance with the FAA's expectations — including enhanced training for all flight attendants and customer service agents," the airline's statement continued. "We respect the results of the FAA’' audit and are confident in the changes that have been in place for the last year to ensure our shared standards are being met."
PEOPLE reached out to Alaska Airlines for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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The period of alleged incidents involving intoxicated passengers did not include December 2025, when an Alaska Airlines passenger was charged in federal court after trying to open an aircraft's cabin door mid-flight.
Kassian William Fredericks was accused of interfering with the duties of flight crew members and attendants during Alaska Airlines Flight 87 from Deadhorse to Anchorage, Alaska on Dec. 10, per a criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE.
During the flight, a witness saw Fredericks get up to use the restroom in the back of the plane, before he "aggressively" tried to "open the rear cabin door" after exiting the lavatory, the complaint alleged.
Witnesses attempted to stop Fredericks, who admitted he thought he was overdosing and made comments including, “The wings have disappeared. We’re all going to die.”
Alaska will have 30 days after receiving the FAA's letter to respond to the allegations, the agency said.
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