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Interfering With a Crewmember

Actions that don’t rise to the level of a physical assault (or the threat of an assault) can nonetheless dangerously affect the ability of the crew to keep the plane flying safely. Accordingly, the FAA can impose civil penalties (fines) for interfering with a crewmember who is performing official duties aboard an aircraft that is being operated. Almost any offensive or disruptive behavior that distracts the crew can be considered interference, such as:

physically blocking a flight attendant from walking down the aisle or out of the galley
disobeying repeated requests to sit down, return to your seat, or turn off an electronic device
making threats to hurt a flight attendant, a pilot, or anyone else on the airplane, and
from the ground, shining a laser beam into a cockpit.

(14 C.F.R. § § 91.11, 121.580, 135.120.)

It can be difficult to tell the difference between an assault and interference—but the difference is crucial. As just explained, interference is a civil wrong, and assault is a criminal offense. And in fact, any sort of offensive touching or threats against a crewmember can constitute both interference and assault. Usually, however, people are charged with assault only if they physically attack a crewmember or cause injury.

Keeping Your Cool at 30,000 Feet

Any time you disobey a crewmember’s instructions, you run the risk of violating federal law. But civil penalties and criminal prosecutions usually result only when passengers repeatedly ignore, argue with, or disobey flight attendants; or when they act out in a way that is dangerous.

To avoid trouble in case of a disagreement:

If possible, do as you are asked.
Do not raise your voice or make threats.
If you’re having a problem with an attendant, ask to speak to the flight attendant in charge.
Never, ever touch a crewmember.

https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/interfering-with-a-flight-attendant-or-crewmember.htm