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FAA: Unruly passenger on flight to Seattle faces $52K fine for allegedly assaulting flight attendant

SEATTLE — An unruly passenger on a flight from Honolulu to Seattle faces a $52,000 fine for allegedly assaulting a flight attendant, according to a release from the FAA.

The FAA alleges that on a Dec. 23, 2020 flight, the passenger tried to open the cockpit door, refused to comply with instructions, struck a flight attendant in the face and pushed him to the floor.

The passenger then allegedly threatened the flight attendant and charged at him.

The flight crew, with the help of another passenger, placed plastic handcuffs on the passenger.

Later, the passenger freed himself and hit the flight attendant in the face a second time, the FAA says.

Police boarded the plane once it landed and took the passenger into custody.

The customer is being fined a total of $52,500. Passengers have 30 days after receiving the enforcement letter to respond to the agency.

The agency also announced it is seeking fines against three other passengers.