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.

Travel weekly

No flights, no lines, no stress. A smart way to see the world from home

What if you could explore the world without leaving your house? You’ve probably felt it: that urge to pack a bag, catch a flight, and wake up somewhere new. But reality hits differently; budgets, health, and everyday life don’t always allow you to do it. Does that mean the adventure has to stop? Not a chance. Keep reading; here are a few ideas to get you closer to your next "trip."

Watching TV is a part of our everyday life, but instead of going back to the same old show, why not choose shows and documentaries that show you the world? Binge-watching travel-themed content can be really inspiring.

Try The Reluctant Traveler on Apple TV+, where Eugene Levy steps outside his comfort zone to visit some of the world’s most remarkable hotels while discovering the people, places, and cultures around them. For something with a different edge, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown on Prime Video offers a more unfiltered perspective. Hosted by Anthony Bourdain, the series blends politics, food, and culture, going far beyond sightseeing to deliver a candid look at life in cities around the globe.

Literature can take us wherever we want. Books can carry us into imagined or fantasy worlds, but they can just as easily bring real destinations into our house.

Travel-themed books do more than simply entertain; they combine detailed descriptions of a place with regional customs, relationships, and more. In Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert takes you from Italy’s pasta-filled streets to Bali’s calm retreats. Meanwhile, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer immerses you in raw, untamed landscapes. If you want more options, try memoirs about life abroad, collections of travel essays, or even historical journeys. The goal isn’t just reading, it’s going somewhere without moving an inch.

One of the most interesting things about traveling abroad is getting in touch with a foreign language, but you don’t need a plane ticket to say your first words in Italian or French.

Learning a language brings you closer to a place before you even arrive. Apps like Duolingo or Babbel make it easy to practice useful phrases like ordering coffee in French or asking for directions in Spanish. Try setting a small goal: learn how to introduce yourself, order a meal, or ask for the check. Even 15–20 minutes a day adds up—and it makes future travel feel more real.

The kitchen is the heart of every culture, and learning to cook authentic dishes can feel like traveling exactly to where the dish originated.

Try homemade pasta with a simple tomato sauce inspired by southern Italy, a fragrant Thai curry, or classic fish and chips. Cookbooks like Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child can guide you step by step, while others introduce spices and techniques you may never have used before. Even something small, like learning to make proper guacamole or a traditional Greek salad, can open the door to a new culture.

You glance up from your desk and see the same walls every day. What if they reminded you of where you want to go? Your home should be a reflection of where you’ve been and where you’re going.

A few thoughtful touches can shift the mood of a room. Hang a vintage map, frame photos of places like the Amalfi Coast, or display souvenirs from past trips. Even switching your phone or laptop wallpaper to a beach in Bali or the streets of Paris can change your mindset. Surrounding yourself with these visual cues keeps your dreams front and center and makes your home feel like the starting point of your next great escape.

It’s a warm afternoon, and instead of another cup of coffee, you’re craving something different, something that feels like vacation. That’s when a simple drink can do the trick. There’s a certain magic in vacation-inspired flavor.

Blend pineapple, mango, and coconut milk for a refreshing smoothie, or mix a classic mojito with mint and lime. If you’re feeling adventurous, try flavors like passion fruit or a splash of mezcal for something smoky and unexpected. Of course, it’s not the same, but flavors are a simple yet delicious way to mentally check out of the daily chores and get into a seaside state of mind.

When you think of a vacation, you think of the food you’ll have the minute you arrive. Travelling is all about tasting local dishes, but why wait for a plane ticket when you can have a taste of Tokyo with some sushi rolls or a bite of Paris with some Coq au Vin delivered right to your front door? If cooking is not your thing, hosting a themed dinner party is a great way to break the routine and travel the world. Order from that local ethnic spot you’ve been so curious about and transport your taste buds across the ocean for the cost of a delivery fee.

Every great journey starts with a pen and a piece of paper. Starting a bucket list journal is more than just a list of names; it’s about keeping your hope and motivation alive.

A bucket list journal turns vague wishes into something tangible. List destinations, must-see landmarks, and even specific experiences, like watching the sunset in Santorini or taking a train through the Swiss Alps. When you put those goals on paper, they are not simple "someday" wishes; they start to become a plan.

Living in the digital era has many pros, one of which is that the entire planet is at our fingertips. Tools like Google Earth allow you to virtually walk through the streets of Rome or along the Great Wall of China. Many world-class museums, like the British Museum in London, England, or the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, offer stunning online tours that let you get closer to the art than you ever could in person. It’s not the same, but sometimes, that’s enough to satisfy the urge to explore.

Maybe you’re not traveling right now, but in the future, you will be glad you planned ahead.

Take a closer look at your credit card or loyalty programs. Many offer points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or upgrades. With a bit of strategy, like using one card for everyday purchases, you can slowly build toward a trip without extra spending. It’s a way to keep your travel plans moving, even while you’re staying put.