4 min.

Share

Close dialog

Think others will enjoy this?

Share Article

Twitter

Facebook

Link

Never do this on a plane: 10 things that could get you kicked off

General

Image: Lukas Souza

Image: Lukas Souza

Conflicts in the air

Never do this on a plane: 10 things that could get you kicked off

Have you ever seen someone get kicked off a plane before takeoff? If you think it could never happen to you, think again; reality might surprise you. From safety concerns to purely administrative rules, there are more reasons than you might expect that could lead to removal. Here’s what you need to know to stay on board.

Tampering with safety equipment on a plane can lead to consequences much more serious than simply being removed from the flight. Interfering with items such as smoke detectors, emergency exits, or the cockpit door is considered a serious offense in the US, and it could lead to the passenger being detained and arrested after landing. Penalties may include hefty fines (sometimes up to several thousand dollars) and even a permanent ban from the airline.

On most flights, flight attendants offer adult passengers a drink or two. And while that can be enjoyable, be careful not to overdo it. Arriving at the plane or being on board while clearly intoxicated can result in removal from the flight. It actually happens more often than you’d think: alcohol-related incidents are among the most common reasons passengers are removed, and airlines have strict policies regarding intoxication and disruptive behavior.

A few decades ago, it wasn’t unusual to see people smoking on airplanes, something that would feel almost unthinkable today. Smoking is now banned on virtually all commercial flights around the world, and the reason isn’t just about protecting other passengers’ health. It’s also about safety, since smoke, open flames, or even hot ash can pose a serious risk in such a confined space. What about vapes? They’re banned as well, primarily due to safety concerns related to their lithium batteries and the potential for overheating or fire.

Items or conditions that could affect the health or comfort of other passengers may violate most airlines’ policies. And this can include poor hygiene. If a passenger’s body odor is strong enough that it’s noticed by the crew or leads to complaints from others, that person could be asked to leave the aircraft.

The seat number on your ticket does more than just tell you where to sit; it serves several important purposes. It helps speed up boarding, keeps the cabin properly balanced, and ensures that certain seats are reserved for specific passengers. If you refuse to sit in your assigned seat or get into a dispute over a seat that isn’t yours, the situation could escalate to the point where you may be asked to leave the aircraft.

Checked luggage is stored safely in the cargo hold, but what about your carry-on? It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on it during the flight, but airlines also have policies in place to protect passengers’ belongings. If someone starts moving, touching, or opening your bag without permission, you can report it to the crew. Depending on the situation, that person may be warned or, in more serious cases, asked to leave the plane before takeoff. Did you know about this rule?

If a passenger refuses to fasten their seatbelt or remain seated when instructed, they’re not just being difficult; they’re also risking getting kicked off the plane. When you buy a ticket, you’re agreeing to follow the rules on board, so ignoring a flight attendant or refusing to comply with their instructions can be sufficient grounds for the airline to ask you to leave the aircraft.

Most people think dress codes are only for parties or formal settings, but airlines have them too. They’re generally much more relaxed, but passengers are still expected to follow a few basic guidelines. It’s nothing complicated: avoid overly revealing outfits, clothing with offensive or inappropriate slogans, and of course, keep your shoes on when you’re not in your seat.

Airlines must prioritize the health and safety of everyone on board. So if a passenger appears seriously ill or shows signs of a potentially contagious condition, the airline may decide not to let them fly. As a general rule, if you’re dealing with a bad cold or flu symptoms, it’s best to wait until you’re feeling better before traveling.

We’ve saved the most important one for last. Even when you follow the dress code, remain seated, and avoid alcohol or smoking, your spot on the flight isn’t guaranteed if you behave aggressively toward other passengers or the crew. Violence, threats, or abusive language on a plane are taken very seriously. Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration enforce a strict, often zero-tolerance policy for dangerous behavior, and passengers who cross the line can face serious consequences.