Social media was full of disturbing reports about the behavior of passengers on several flights carrying Trump supporters to the rally in Washington prior to yesterday’s violence. The bad behavior included people refusing to wear masks, demanding fellow passenger pledge their support for President Trump, chanting pro-Trump messages and verbally abusing other passengers. Utah Senator and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney was reportedly accosted at an airport and on his flight to Washington for yesterday’s session in Congress.


In response to these incidents and to the violence on Capitol Hill, airlines are announcing new rules and security measures on some flights and airports in the area.


In a statement to union members, Association of Professional Flight Attendants president Julie Hedrick told her members they were aware of incidents “were forced to confront passengers exhibiting politically motivated aggression towards other passengers and crew.”
Hedrick said:
“As safety professionals, we are well trained in handling inflight disruptions, but we should never find ourselves having to deal with politically motivated verbal or physical altercations onboard,” Hedrick said in a statement.
“As safety professionals, we are well trained in handling inflight disruptions, but we should never find ourselves having to deal with politically motivated verbal or physical altercations onboard. Remain extra vigilant on flights departing from the Washington, D.C. area for the next few days, and involve your fellow crewmembers if you have safety concerns.”
Reuters reports that both United Air Lines and American Airlines have increased staffing at D.C.-area airports and were working with local law enforcement to provide extra security. They have also moved crews out of downtown Washington hotels. Alaska Airlines crews are being advised to avoid the city center. CNBC is reporting some crews are also being moved from downtown Atlanta. Most of the major airlines moved crews away from downtowns across the country back in November for the presidential election.
American Airlines banned alcohol on flights to and from Washington on Thursday and said they will monitor the situation and may extend that ban.
American Airlines spokesman Andrew Trull told NBC News, “We are working closely with local law enforcement and airport authority partners to ensure the safety of our customers and team members on the ground and in the air.”
Sara Nelson is the President of the Association of Flight Attendants. She is asking for any passengers involved in the riots to be banned