China: First air passengers land on blacklist for 'uncivilized behavior'

Three Chinese travellers have earned the dubious distinction of being the first to land on the China Air Transport Association's new blacklist, aimed at cracking down on "uncivilized" air passengers. The list was introduced on February 1, with authorities saying unruly travelers not only disrupt aviation operations and threaten public safety but also hurt the country's image. The first three to grace the list were identified only by their surnames -- Qiao, Deng, and Gao -- according to the China National Tourism Administration. Their offenses? Qiao reportedly insisted on ignoring a flight attendant's orders and used a tablet while the plane was landing. In addition to being kept on the list for one year, he or she was fined 200 renminbi (about $30). Deng allegedly hurled a carton of milk at airport officials and the X-ray security scanner at check-in and was detained for 10 days and will be on the list for two years. Gao, accused of attacking an airport official over a delay, was fined 200 renminbi and will remain on the blacklist for one year. The blacklist was introduced with the support of five major Chinese airlines, which handle more than 80% of China's air traffic, according to state news agency Xinhua. The names of those on the list will also be shared with related civil aviation and tourism agencies.<br/>