She didn't look very dangerous to me, a little out there, but not dangerous. Number one rule in customer service, and I've been doing it for a long time, is you never, NEVER, touch a passenger, unless you are in immediate physical danger.
§ 46503.
http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/49C465.txt
An individual in an area within a commercial service airport in the United States who, by assaulting a Federal, airport, or air carrier employee who has security duties within the airport, interferes with the performance of the duties of the employee or lessens the ability of the employee to perform those duties, shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both. If the individual used a dangerous weapon in committing the assault or interference, the individual may be imprisoned for any term of years or life imprisonment.
http://www.cwa-union.org/news/cwa-news/pag...itemID=27370691
http://www.cwa-union.org/news/cwa-news/pag...itemID=27368454
Passenger service agents, who are required by the Federal Aviation Administration to carry out critical security responsibilities, were the only airline employees who lack the backing of federal law in performing such duties.
The Senate, in the aviation security bill passed Oct. 10, agreed with CWA that interference and assaults on agents are unacceptable. The Senate unanimously voted to set penalties of fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years for passengers who assault, intimidate or interfere with employees charged with security duties
“Airport rage is the weak link in our air travel security and passenger safety system and is a widespread and serious danger to the traveling public,†CWA President Morton Bahr said. He thanked the Senate for its prompt action and especially acknowledged the active support of Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), “who made this happen.†The CWA-sponsored measure parallels existing laws that make the intimidation of flight crews a federal offense.
Agents are responsible for critical security measures, yet these procedures are the only aspect of the FAA security system not currently enforceable by federal law, CWA pointed out. The procedures include: physically guarding all bag belt and bag room access; physically guarding access to the secure jetway and ramp areas; screening persons for bag checks and matches; determining whether individuals will be disruptive aboard the flight; and notifying ramp and airline personnel when someone who has checked bags fails to board the plane.
CWA, US Airways to Fight Airport Rage
US Airways management has agreed to join CWA in a two-part campaign to remind the flying public and airport security officials of the tough federal penalties for assaulting or abusing passenger service employees.
CWA and airline management will jointly meet with airport authorities to make sure that information is displayed prominently, so that travelers know a violation of the federal law can bring substantial fines and imprisonment of as long as 10 years.
The campaign also calls for joint meetings with federal law enforcement authorities, to press for federal, rather than local prosecution, in cases of physical injury to agents.
