PHILADELPHIA—As March means spring break travel for many, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office advises travelers to remain vigilant and exercise caution when traveling aboard aircrafts and navigating airports.

The FBI remains committed to prioritizing investigations into federal crimes occurring on aircrafts that endanger the safety of passengers, the flight crews, and flight attendants.

“As spring breakers take to the skies, the FBI wants to remind them to prioritize safety while traveling through airports and flying,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Working with our federal, state, and local partners, and most importantly the public, is key to identifying these threats and combating crime in airports and aboard aircrafts.”

Each of the FBI’s 55 field offices have airport liaison agents (ALA). These agents are assigned to the nearly 450 U.S. aviation facilities that have passenger screening operations regulated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and respond to crime aboard an aircraft, a violation which falls within the FBI’s special investigative jurisdiction.

Some of the violations the FBI investigates if they are committed during a flight are listed below:

• Sexual misconduct, including sexual assault; indecent exposure, lewd, indecent, sexual, or obscene acts; and indecent or sexual proposal to a minor.
• Assault, including striking or hitting, throwing an object, grabbing or unwanted touching, and spitting.
• Interference with flight crew members, including assault, threats, or intimidation and/or an attempt or conspiracy to do the same.
• Theft

In addition, the FBI investigates airport-based violations. This includes violence against persons and property at international airports if the victim or offender is a United States national, or if the offender is located within the U.S. It also includes interfering with airport security screening personnel ahead of a flight, including airport employees or airline employees working at the gate.

The FBI also investigates bomb threats whether they are made on the ground or in-flight.

Everyone should be aware of their surroundings while onboard an airplane or in an airport. If you have been the victim of one of these crimes or if you have witnessed one take place, report it to your flight crew, airport authority police and the FBI.

FBI Philadelphia can be reached at (215) 418-4000 or tips can be reported online at tips.fbi.gov.