Release #: 21.26
May 01, 2021

ALPA Applauds Extension of Public Health, Safety, and Security Measures

McLEAN, Va.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement in support of the recent extensions of current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security directives and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Special Emphasis Enforcement Program that reduce both public health and safety risks caused by unruly passenger behavior of all types through September 13, 2021:

“ALPA applauds the extension of the current mandate that requires passengers to wear masks in all U.S. airports and onboard commercial airline aircraft. Since the onset of COVID-19, ALPA has called on federal regulators to mandate compliance with CDC guidelines, including mask wearing, to protect the health and safety of all those onboard the aircraft and to prevent the needless loss of life and careers. These efforts are helping to restore public confidence in air travel, and crewmembers today are welcoming more and more passengers back aboard our planes.

“Ensuring the safety and security of every flight is a responsibility pilots take very seriously, and ALPA commends the TSA and FAA for their continued focus on in-flight safety by also extending the Special Emphasis Enforcement Program regarding unruly passengers. This coordinated level of government leadership and action will further enable crewmembers to swiftly handle noncompliant passengers before any potential in-flight issues arise.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 59,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org