Owais Crawford
Saying the wrong thing to airline staff can have serious consequences for passengers. Making verbal threats or telling inappropriate jokes can result in passengers being removed from flights, arrested, and even banned from the airline. In the United States, Section 35 of Title 18, often referred to as the bomb hoax statute, imposes civil and criminal felony provisions for false information regarding attempts to damage aircraft or related facilities. While yelling bomb in an airport may be attention-grabbing, it is risky and may not be the most effective way to get help. Shouting help or kidnapper is likely to attract attention and assistance from officials without causing panic or endangering oneself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal repercussions | Arrest, removal from flight, ban from airline, felony charges, fines, imprisonment |
| Reasons for legal repercussions | Verbal threats, off-color jokes, false bomb threats |
| Alternatives to shouting "bomb" | Shouting "help", “kidnapper", "fire", "rape" |
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What You'll Learn
- Arrests and charges for making false bomb threats at airports
- Verbal threats and jokes that can get passengers removed from flights
- Civil and criminal felony provisions for false information about explosives
- The potential for a ban from the airline after making a bomb threat
- The effectiveness of shouting bomb compared to shouting kidnapper or help
Arrests and charges for making false bomb threats at airports
Issuing a bomb threat is a federal crime, and those who make such threats can face serious consequences, including arrest and criminal charges. This applies even if the threat is made over social media, via text message, or through email. Making a false bomb threat regarding attempts to place explosives aboard aircraft or in aircraft facilities such as airports is punishable under specific statutes, such as 18 U.S.C. 35, also known as the "bomb hoax" statute. This statute provides both civil and criminal felony provisions for the conveyance of false information related to attempts to destroy, damage, or disable aircraft, aircraft-related facilities, or motor vehicles and their related facilities.
The potential penalties for individuals convicted of making false bomb threats at airports can include significant fines, imprisonment, or both. For example, the "bomb hoax" statute prescribes a maximum penalty of $5,000 or five years imprisonment, or a combination of both. Individuals may also be charged with providing false information and making threats, as in the case of a passenger on an Allegiant Air flight who claimed his laptop was a bomb and was subsequently arrested and charged.
Several cases illustrate the arrests and charges resulting from false bomb threats at airports. For instance, in one incident, a passenger on an Allegiant Air flight, Taj Malik Taylor, made a false bomb threat by claiming his laptop was an explosive device. He was arrested and charged with false information and threats. In another case, a suspect who made a bomb threat on a Spirit Airlines flight at Detroit Metro Airport was arrested, and the FBI provided an arrest affidavit citing the reckless disregard for the safety of human life and the false information conveyed.
Additionally, there have been instances where individuals have been sentenced to prison terms for making hoax bomb threats. For example, a 19-year-old in Texas was sentenced to over three years in federal prison for using social media and phone calls to issue threats against schools in Minnesota, including fake hostage situations ("swatting"). Similarly, a 21-year-old from South Carolina was sentenced to one year in federal prison for sending text messages claiming there was a bomb in the parking lot of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. These cases highlight the severe repercussions that can arise from making false bomb threats at airports or against aircraft.
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Verbal threats and jokes that can get passengers removed from flights
Verbal threats and jokes can indeed get passengers removed from flights. In the United States, Section 35 of Title 18 provides civil and criminal felony provisions for the conveyance of false information regarding attempts or alleged attempts to destroy, damage, or disable aircraft. This statute is often referred to as the "bomb hoax" statute. Making a verbal threat or a joke about having a bomb on an aircraft can result in serious consequences, including removal from the flight, arrest, and even felony charges.
For example, in 2018, Trevor Davis, a 24-year-old Green Bay Packers wide receiver, was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat at Los Angeles International Airport. When asked by an airline employee if he had packed any unapproved items such as explosives, Davis replied, "Yeah," and then turned to his companion and asked, "Did you pack the explosives?" This "joke" resulted in his arrest and charges, although they were later dropped.
Similarly, flight attendants are required to report any mention of explosive devices, even if they believe the passenger is joking. For instance, a flight attendant shared an anecdote about a passenger who jokingly said, "I have a bomb in my bag. Can I get a business-class upgrade?" The flight attendant had to report the statement to the captain, and the passenger was treated as if they had an explosive device in their possession.
Verbal threats or jokes that indicate an intention to harm others or cause disruption can also lead to removal from a flight and potential arrest. In one instance, a passenger expressed outrage and made a verbal threat targeting airline employees. The incident was reported to the captain, who called the police, and the passenger was interrogated.
Additionally, verbal abuse directed at flight attendants or fellow passengers can also be considered a serious offence. Flight attendants are often unfairly treated and verbally assaulted during their work. While there may not be immediate consequences for such behaviour, it can still create an uncomfortable and stressful environment for those involved.
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Civil and criminal felony provisions for false information about explosives
In the United States, Section 35 of Title 18 provides civil and criminal felony provisions for the conveyance of false information regarding attempts or alleged attempts to destroy, damage, or disable aircraft, aircraft-related facilities, motor vehicles, and their related facilities. This statute is commonly referred to as the "bomb hoax" statute. It contains a civil penalty provision, 18 U.S.C. § 35(a), which addresses non-malicious false reports, and a felony provision, 18 U.S.C. § 35(b), which sets maximum penalties of $5,000 in fines, five years imprisonment, or both, for conveying false information willfully and maliciously or with reckless disregard for human life.
The Federal explosives statutes in Chapter 40 of Title 18 establish both regulatory controls and criminal sanctions. These regulatory provisions give the federal government control over interstate or foreign commerce in explosives. The statutory scheme also requires maintaining specific records for transactions involving explosives, as outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 842(f). It is a criminal offence to make false statements or entries in connection with explosives transactions or to fail to report the theft of explosives (18 U.S.C. §§ 842(a)(2), 842(g), 842(k)).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the administrative responsibility to prevent and investigate violations related to aircraft piracy, attempted piracy, interference with flight crew members, carrying weapons or explosives aboard an aircraft, and conveying false information or threats. Sections 46502, 46504, 46505, 46506, and 46507 of Title 49, United States Code, outline these offences.
Additionally, Section 33 of the Justice Manual makes it a federal crime to willfully endanger the safety of individuals aboard or in proximity to a motor vehicle used in interstate or foreign commerce by placing explosives or other destructive substances.
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The potential for a ban from the airline after making a bomb threat
Making a bomb threat, even as a joke, is a serious offence and can lead to severe consequences, including the possibility of a ban from the airline. In recent years, there have been several incidents of passengers making bomb threats while on board an aircraft, which has caused significant disruption to civil aviation operations and raised serious security concerns.
In the United States, for example, there have been several instances of passengers claiming to have a bomb on a flight, which has resulted in emergency landings and arrests. The individuals responsible for these threats have faced serious legal repercussions, including potential prison sentences and substantial fines. For instance, Taj Taylor, a 27-year-old man who made a bomb threat on an Allegiant flight, was charged with a possible fine of $25,000 and up to five years in prison.
Similarly, in India, there was a spate of bomb hoaxes in October, with numerous anonymous threats posted on social media, causing flight diversions and heightened security measures. As a result, Indian authorities have amended the Aircraft (Security) Rules to make such hoax threats a punishable offence, with plans for stricter punishments to deter pranksters. While the focus has been on threats made to aircraft, there is a recognition that hoax threats made through other means, such as calls or emails, can also cause significant disruption.
The potential for a ban from an airline after making a bomb threat is certainly within the realm of possibility. Airlines have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their passengers and crew, and they may take a strong stance against individuals who compromise this. While the specific policies may vary across different airlines and countries, it is reasonable to assume that making a bomb threat could result in a temporary or even permanent ban from the airline involved, in addition to any legal consequences imposed by the relevant authorities.
It is important to note that the impact of a bomb threat extends beyond the immediate disruption it causes. Such incidents can have psychological effects on those involved, leading to trauma and anxiety. Additionally, the financial implications for airlines and passengers can be significant, including the costs of emergency landings, flight diversions, and heightened security measures. Therefore, it is crucial to refrain from making any type of bomb threat, even in jest, as the consequences can be far-reaching and severe.
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The effectiveness of shouting bomb compared to shouting kidnapper or help
Shouting "bomb" in an airport is a serious offence and can lead to arrest and criminal charges, as seen in the case of Trevor Davis at Los Angeles International Airport. Davis was arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat, although the charges were later dropped. The "bomb hoax" statute, or Section 35 of Title 18, provides civil and criminal felony provisions for such behaviour, with penalties of up to $5,000 or five years imprisonment.
Shouting "bomb" in an airport is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous and carries a not-insubstantial risk of getting you killed. It creates panic and chaos, and the resulting chaos could also potentially cause harm to others.
On the other hand, shouting "kidnapper" or "help" is a more effective way to get attention and assistance without causing panic or endangering others. TSA and airport officials are trained to respond to such situations in a calm and orderly manner. Shouting "bomb" may even hinder your ability to get help as it could be seen as a criminal act and result in your detainment or arrest.
Additionally, shouting "kidnapper" or "help" is more likely to result in a successful intervention as it accurately conveys your situation. Shouting "bomb," on the other hand, may confuse the situation and lead to miscommunication, potentially hindering your rescue. Therefore, shouting "kidnapper" or "help" is a more effective and safer way to get attention and assistance in an airport setting compared to shouting "bomb."
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Frequently asked questions
Saying the word "bomb" in an airport can result in serious repercussions, including being removed from a flight, arrested, and facing criminal charges for making a false bomb threat. It is essential to exercise caution and refrain from using any language that could be perceived as a threat or joke related to bombs or explosives in an airport setting.
In the United States, Section 35 of Title 18, often referred to as the "bomb hoax" statute, provides civil and criminal felony provisions for conveying false information regarding attempts or alleged attempts to damage or destroy aircraft or aircraft-related facilities. This statute carries penalties of up to $5,000 in fines, five years in prison, or both.
One example is the case of Trevor Davis at Los Angeles International Airport. When asked if he had packed any unapproved items, including explosives, he replied affirmatively and was subsequently arrested and charged with making a false bomb threat.
Yes, shouting "Help," "Kidnapper," or "Fire" can effectively draw attention and alert authorities without causing the same level of panic and potential danger as shouting "bomb." It is important to act responsibly and choose words that convey your situation accurately to ensure an appropriate response from airport personnel.
