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Saying you have a bomb on a plane as a joke with a family member or friend can have legal consequences in the United States. Authorities are not required to wait to verify if a passenger is serious before activating security protocols: any comment that could be interpreted as a threat will be investigated; find out what the possible consequences are.
The United States Department of Justice contemplates specific sanctions for those who transmit false information about alleged threats against aircraft. Therefore, saying there is an explosive on board is not a simple slip, even if the passenger later claims they were just playing.
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What happens if you make a bomb joke on an airplane in the United States?
United States legislation includes sanctions for people who communicate false information about alleged attempts to damage or destroy an aircraft.
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One of the applicable statutes is Section 35 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 35); this provision establishes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for transmitting false information about an alleged attempt to commit certain crimes against aircraft or related facilities. Furthermore, when a person deliberately communicates false information, maliciously or with reckless disregard for human safety, they may face a criminal penalty of up to five years in prison.
Can you be arrested for saying you have a bomb on a plane?
Depending on the situation, immediate consequences may include:
- Retiro del pasajero de la aeronave
- Intervención de la policía aeroportuaria y agentes federales
- Interrogatorios e investigación de lo ocurrido
- Inspección de equipaje y revisión de posibles riesgos
- Arresto y presentación de cargos, si las autoridades consideran que existen elementos para ello.
How many years in prison can you receive for a false bomb threat?
Federal legislation includes penalties of up to five years in prison for certain cases of false information related to threats against aircraft.
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