US Aviation Industry Strengthens Security for Biden Inauguration... Washington to Ban Firearm Transport

No Checked Firearms Accepted Until the 23rd Including Delta

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Six days before President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, the U.S. aviation industry has entered a state of heightened alert. Following the Capitol riot by supporters of President Donald Trump, baggage screening has been intensified, and firearms transportation is prohibited on flights heading to Washington DC.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others on the 14th (local time), Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines announced that from the 16th to the 23rd of this month, they will not accept firearms as checked baggage on flights to Washington DC. Under U.S. federal law, passengers are not allowed to carry firearms into the cabin but can check them in as baggage. However, each airline has discretion over its firearms transportation policy, and considering the recent series of incidents, they have taken this measure.

American Airlines, which had initially planned to maintain its in-flight alcohol sales ban?introduced as a COVID-19 response?until the 16th, decided to extend it until the 21st, the day after the inauguration. American Airlines emphasized to passengers the importance of following crew instructions and wearing masks.

Steven Dickson, Administrator of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), stated that several disputes have recently occurred onboard, describing it as a "trend continuing since last week's Capitol riot." Instead of issuing separate warnings, the FAA said it will take firm legal action against passengers who interfere with or threaten crew members, noting that in-flight violence can result in fines up to $35,000 or imprisonment.

A representative from the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) said, "On the day of the Capitol riot, some passengers expressed anger motivated by political reasons," adding that flight attendants on flights departing from Washington DC should remain vigilant for the time being. Earlier last week, Senator Mitt Romney, known as a political adversary of President Trump, boarded a Delta Air Lines flight to Washington DC and faced difficulties as some passengers shouted "traitor" at him.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.