Will You Go to Jail if You Get Arrested at an Airport? 

 Posted on January 16, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Most of us get on an airplane at some point, and a few of us get in big trouble during the process of getting on or off an airplane. Sometimes the punishments for breaking the law at the airport are just a slap on the wrist, but depending on the situation, a person can also be sentenced to serve long-term time in federal prison. If you were arrested at the airport, even for something seemingly minor, take it seriously and hire a Texas criminal defense attorney right away.

Theft

Theft is one of the most common crimes at airports, often targeting passengers’ luggage, wallets, or electronics. Luggage theft can occur at baggage claim areas or security checkpoints.

Depending on the value of the stolen items, theft can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. For example, stealing a high-value item like a laptop could lead to felony charges, punishable by fines, restitution, and imprisonment ranging from months to years.

Drug Crimes 

Airports are often used to move drugs around, and police are on the lookout for people bringing drugs into airports using advanced scanning technology, sniffer dogs, and specially trained agents.

Punishments for getting busted at an airport for a drug crime will vary based on the type and quantity of drugs. In the U.S., federal drug trafficking laws impose severe penalties, including decades of imprisonment and substantial fines.

Fake Travel Documents

Using fake passports, visas, or boarding passes to travel is another common crime. This offense is often associated with human trafficking or illegal immigration.

Forgery and use of fraudulent travel documents are serious crimes. Penalties include imprisonment for up to 10 years, deportation for non-citizens, and hefty fines.

Unruly Behavior

Disruptive behavior on flights or in airport terminals can range from verbal abuse to physical altercations. Depending on the severity, unruly behavior can result in fines from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), temporary or permanent bans from airlines, and criminal charges. Serious cases, such as assaulting a crew member, may result in imprisonment.

Security Violations

Violating airport security rules, such as attempting to bring prohibited items through TSA checkpoints or tampering with security equipment, is taken very seriously.

Punishments for security violations vary. Minor offenses might result in confiscation of items and fines, while more severe breaches could lead to federal charges and imprisonment.

Terroristic Threats and Hoaxes

Making false claims about bombs or other threats — even as a joke — is considered a terroristic threat.

People making even false threats at an airport face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years, fines exceeding $10,000, and restitution for operational disruptions.

Human Trafficking

Airports are occasionally used by human traffickers to transport victims. Authorities are trained to identify suspicious activity and intervene.

Human trafficking is a very serious offense with harsh penalties, including life imprisonment in severe cases and significant fines.

Call a Collin County, TX Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

If you got in trouble at an airport, call the best Plano, TX criminal defense attorney for airport crimes money can buy. Depending on the crime you got arrested for, you could be facing serious jail time and fines. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we give every client fearless representation against judges and prosecutors. We believe in your rights so we fight hard for you. Call us today for a free consultation at 214-544-0061.