Alaska Airlines Allegedly Let 11 Intoxicated Passengers Board Its Flights, Now FAA is Threatening Major Fine for Violations

Alaska Airlines is currently under scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to allegations of permitting intoxicated passengers to board its flights. The FAA has proposed a hefty civil penalty of $165,000, citing 11 separate incidents in which passengers who appeared inebriated were allowed to travel over the course of a year, from February 2024 to February 2025.

According to FAA regulations, airlines are strictly prohibited from allowing anyone who shows signs of intoxication to board an aircraft. Despite the severity of the allegations, the FAA has not disclosed specific details regarding these purported incidents, leaving many unanswered questions surrounding the airline’s safety protocols.

In response to the FAA’s audit and the findings that led to this proposed penalty, Alaska Airlines released a statement affirming its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its passengers and staff. A spokesperson for the airline indicated that the company is taking the FAA’s concerns seriously and has fully engaged in discussions regarding its practices related to managing intoxicated guests.

“Since the FAA shared these concerns with us over a year ago, we have made significant changes to our policies to ensure compliance with FAA expectations,” the spokesperson elaborated. Notable improvements include enhanced training programmes for all flight attendants and customer service staff, aimed at better identifying and managing situations involving intoxicated patrons.

These developments follow a troubling incident in December 2025, which, while falling outside the timeframe of the FAA’s current investigation, raised additional questions about passenger safety on Alaska Airlines. During this incident, a passenger was reportedly charged in federal court for attempting to open a cabin door mid-flight. The individual, identified as Kassian William Fredericks, allegedly caused chaos aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 87, which was travelling from Deadhorse to Anchorage. Witnesses reported Fredericks acting erratically and claiming to feel like he was overdosing, which further underscores the importance of implementing stringent measures regarding intoxicated passengers.

The FAA has given Alaska Airlines a window of 30 days to respond to the allegations outlined in the agency’s communication. The airline’s management is expected to provide a detailed account of how it plans to address the FAA’s concerns, as well as any additional steps it has implemented since the incidents in question.

While the airline has expressed confidence in the corrective measures already undertaken, the potential financial penalty looms large. Alaska Airlines is one of the major carriers in the United States and has historically prided itself on its safety record. It is crucial for the airline to reinforce its dedication to passenger safety during this review process, particularly in light of heightened regulatory scrutiny.

In recent years, issues surrounding intoxicated passengers have gained increasing attention, revealing broader challenges within the aviation industry. Airlines are under constant pressure to manage customer behaviour effectively while ensuring a safe travel environment. Alaska Airlines’ proactive response to the FAA’s audit may signal a commitment to not only comply with existing regulations but to lead the way in fostering an accountable and responsible flying community.

As this situation unfolds, passengers and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how Alaska Airlines navigates these allegations and whether it will succeed in restoring confidence among its customer base and regulatory bodies.