What is the penalty for intentionally sitting in the wrong seat on an airplane?

Reply:In Article 75 of the Law on Civil Aviation, while the aircraft is in flight, the commander is allowed to apply preventive measures against those who commit acts including intentionally sitting in the wrong position on the aircraft, specifically as follows:

- Crime;

- Threatening and intimidating aviation safety and security;

- Assaulting or threatening crew members or passengers;

- Failure to comply with the instructions of the aircraft commander or of the flight crew member acting on behalf of the aircraft commander regarding ensuring the safety of the aircraft and maintaining order and discipline on the aircraft;

- Destroying equipment and property on the aircraft;

- Drug use;

- Smoking in the restroom or in unauthorized places can threaten the safety of the aircraft;

- Using portable electronic devices, mobile phones or other electronic devices during take-off, landing or when prohibited for flight safety;

- Acts that violate national customs and traditions and other violations of public order.

In addition, the commander shall hand over those who commit the above acts to the competent state agency when the aircraft lands at the nearest airport or airfield.

The commander shall give necessary orders to all persons on board the aircraft and shall continue to exercise his duties and powers until the competent state authority assumes responsibility for the aircraft, persons and property on board in the event of a forced landing.

According to Point a, Clause 1, Article 8, Decree 168/2018/ND-CP amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, the act of intentionally sitting in the wrong position on an airplane or not following instructions on ensuring order, security, aviation safety, and disease prevention by a flight crew member will be fined from VND 1,000,000 (one million dong) to VND 3,000,000 (three million dong).

Thus, the commander has the right to hand over those who intentionally sit in the wrong seat on the plane to the competent state agency for punishment with a fine from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 VND.