FAA Bans Nail Clipping at Airports and on Planes

After the three month public comment period expired, the FAA acted swiftly to promulgate a new rule prohibiting finger and toe nail trimming in airports and on airplanes beginning January 1, 2025. The rule change follows the receipt of hundreds of letters complaining of passengers trimming finger and toe nails in airport gate areas and on planes as air travel increased to pre-pandemic levels.

Catherine Bilbee of Los Angeles, interviewed for this article, provided some insight. “I was about to have a slice of pizza after we reached cruising altitude when I heard a click coming from the row in front of me. The next thing I knew, a large toe nail fragment was staring at me from on top of a piece of pepperoni. I called the flight attendant who sympathized but did nothing.  I was completely grossed out." 

Doug Kitchen in his complaint stated, “I’d rather sit next to a screaming toddler for four hours than have to experience another nail being launched onto my lap.” Still another letter from Robert Bankus noted while at the gate waiting to board, a toe nail flew into his coffee, apparently from an oblivious traveler doing a self-pedicure two seats away.

Once the rule has been in place for six months, violators will be fined $100 for their first offense and $200 for the second. A third offense bans the traveler from entering airports for a period of three months and the violator must pay a $1,000 fine. Southwest, United and Spirit Airlines all stated that repeat offenders will not be allowed to board their aircraft even after their three month banishment has been completed.

A link detailing the new regulation and enforcement procedures can be found at: https://www.faa.gov/reg134-2025