Groups call for DOJ to prosecute unruly passengers to 'fullest extent of the law'

A coalition of airline lobbying groups and unions are calling for the DOJ to prosecute unruly passengers "to the fullest extent of the law" following a spike in incidents

A coalition of airline lobbying groups and unions are calling for the Justice Department to prosecute unruly passengers "to the fullest extent of the law" following a sharp increase in incidents on flights. "The federal government should send a strong and consistent message through criminal enforcement that compliance with federal law and upholding aviation safety are of paramount importance," the letter said. The group cited a law that prohibits assault or intimidation of flight crew members, which can result in a fine or imprisonment. "Making these prosecutions public will put a spotlight on the serious consequences when breaking the law and will act as an effective deterrent against future onboard disruptions," the coalition wrote.