the federal aviation administration is warning of a dramatic spike in bad and sometimes violent passenger behavior. nbc's tom costello has an exclusive look at the new zero tolerance approach airlinesenger removed after allegedly arguing with flight attendants over the mask rule. in denver an emergency landing after a man tried to only an emergency exit. >> you're a joke. >> reporter: nationwide, members of congress harassed on planes and in airports. >> your lie has been exposed. >> reporter: the faa says a typical year brings 100-150 formal cases of bad passenger behavior. so far that number has skyrocketed to 1,300 cases. refusal to wear masks, political intimidation, excessive drinking, verbal and physical assault. >> it is not permissible, and we will not tolerate interfering with a flight crew in the performance of safety duties, period. >> reporter: now a zero tolerance approach from the faa. unruly passengers face potential criminal charges, fines of up to $35,000, and banned for life by the airlines. one flight attendant tweeting she resigned because of the constant pushback from guests. >> what we've seen are flight attendants assaulted, pushed, choked. we had a passenger