Jazmin Li
While there are no explicit policies on whether or not an airport can kick you out for no reason, it is important to note that airports have been known to ask individuals to leave, especially if they plan to stay overnight. Smaller airports tend to enforce stricter rules, with some locking up their terminals at a certain time and asking individuals to leave. Larger airports, on the other hand, are more accommodating to overnight stays, although they may design seats and facilities to deter people from sleeping. Additionally, airports and airlines have broad authority to deny entry or boarding based on behaviour, attire, intoxication, or interference with crew duties, as these can pose safety and security concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for removal | Physical altercations, threatening crew members or passengers, non-compliance with safety instructions, inappropriate attire, exhibiting symptoms of contagious illnesses, disruptive behavior, breaking the tray table, walking around the cabin without shoes on |
| Compensation | Required by law on domestic trips when "bumped" from a flight, may be able to recover reimbursement under Article 19 of the Montreal Convention for international itineraries, denied boarding compensation (DBC) based on ticket value, length of delay, and whether the flight was domestic or international |
| Rights | The Federal Aviation Administration states that anything that interferes with the duties of a flight crew member violates federal law and is grounds for removal from a flight |
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What You'll Learn
Non-compliance with crew instructions
While an airport cannot kick you out for no reason, there are several reasons why an airline may deny boarding to a passenger or remove them from a flight. These reasons are typically outlined in the airline's contract of carriage, which passengers agree to when purchasing a plane ticket.
In addition to non-compliance, other behaviours such as violence, aggression, or verbal harassment towards fellow passengers or crew members are also grounds for removal and potential arrest. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also lead to removal from a flight. Furthermore, medical conditions that require an unusual amount of assistance or the presence of a contagious disease may result in denial of boarding, as seen in American Airlines' policy.
It is important to note that if a passenger has multiple incidents of non-compliance or disruptive behaviour, they may be placed on a "no-fly" list, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of their actions.
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Inappropriate attire
While there are no hard and fast rules about what constitutes inappropriate attire at an airport, it is generally advisable to dress appropriately and considerately. Clothing that is deemed offensive, such as attire displaying obscene language or images, can result in denial of boarding. For example, a passenger was asked to change their shirt with the slogan "Hail Satan" or leave the aircraft. Similarly, a man wearing a t-shirt with the words "Terrists gonna kill us" was removed from his flight. In addition, very sheer materials or clothing that reveals private parts may also be deemed inappropriate and result in passengers being denied boarding.
It is worth noting that what is considered "revealing" or "inappropriate" is often subjectively determined by the flight crew at the time. As a result, it is recommended to wear clothing that is suitable for the destination's weather and to avoid wearing items that may be considered revealing or provocative. For instance, a young woman was advised by the pilot to cover up with appropriate clothing due to the cold weather in her destination. Additionally, certain items, such as cargo pants or shorts with multiple pockets, may cause delays at security as they can set off the metal detector.
Ultimately, the rules regarding appropriate attire at airports and on flights are determined by each private airline, and there may be variations across different companies. It is always best to err on the side of caution and dress conservatively to avoid any potential issues when travelling.
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Health concerns
Airlines have the authority to refuse boarding to passengers who exhibit symptoms of contagious illnesses or are deemed a potential health risk to others. This includes instances where passengers have infectious respiratory issues or other extremely contagious sicknesses. In such cases, the priority is given to preventing the spread of diseases within the confined space of an aircraft cabin. Similarly, if a passenger is visibly ill or unable to take care of themselves, the airline may deny boarding out of concern for their well-being during the flight.
The decision to deny boarding due to health concerns is often made based on observable symptoms and the potential risk to others. Passengers who appear unwell and potentially contagious may be refused entry, even if they do not exhibit specific symptoms. This is because the reduced oxygen levels and changes in cabin pressure during a flight can exacerbate existing health issues or create new problems. Therefore, it is generally recommended that passengers consult with a healthcare professional before flying if they are experiencing any symptoms or have underlying health conditions.
In addition to observable symptoms, disruptive behaviour resulting from an illness may also lead to denied boarding. Airlines maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive actions and have the authority to remove passengers who threaten the safety and comfort of others. This includes instances where a passenger's illness may lead to disruptive behaviour that interferes with the normal operations of the flight or affects the comfort and well-being of other passengers and crew.
While health concerns are a valid reason for denying boarding, it is important to note that compensation policies vary across different airlines, countries, and regions. In some cases, passengers who are denied boarding due to health reasons may not be eligible for compensation. Therefore, passengers should be aware of the specific policies and regulations of the airline, the country they are travelling from, and the country they are travelling to.
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Disruptive behaviour
While I couldn't find specific information on whether an airport can kick you out for no reason, disruptive behaviour by passengers is a serious issue that can affect the safety of everyone involved and can have serious consequences.
Examples of disruptive behaviour
- Refusal to comply with safety instructions, such as not following cabin crew requests (e.g., failing to fasten a seatbelt, smoking, refusing to turn off electronic devices, or disrupting safety announcements).
- Verbal or physical confrontation with crew members or other passengers.
- Interfering with the crew's duties or refusing to follow instructions to board or leave the aircraft.
- Making threats of any kind towards the crew, other passengers, or the aircraft.
- Other types of riotous behaviour, such as screaming, annoying behaviour, kicking, or banging heads on seat backs or tray tables.
- Extreme nervousness, intoxication, loudness, belligerence, or other suspicious behaviour.
Consequences of disruptive behaviour
The consequences of disruptive behaviour can vary depending on its severity. For example, in the UK, acts of drunkenness on an aircraft can result in a maximum fine of £5,000 and up to two years in prison. Endangering the safety of an aircraft can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years. Disruptive passengers may also be asked to reimburse the airline for the cost of any diversions, which can range from £10,000 to £80,000.
Strategies to manage disruptive behaviour
To prevent and manage disruptive behaviour, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has proposed measures that include collaboration between airports, governments, and airlines. These measures aim to increase public awareness of the consequences of unruly behaviour and seek criminal prosecution when necessary. Additionally, IATA has developed de-escalation tactics for cabin crew and airport staff to handle disruptive situations effectively.
Factors contributing to disruptive behaviour
Several factors can contribute to disruptive behaviour, such as intoxication, jet lag, stress, and anxiety. The lack of a safety culture and minimal consequential action for disruptive incidents can also fuel unruly behaviour.
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Overbooking
While airports themselves do not kick passengers off flights, airlines do sometimes overbook flights, meaning they sell more tickets than there are seats on a plane. Airlines do this to maximise profit, as they know that it is unlikely that all passengers will show up at the airport. Some estimates put the number of "no-show" passengers between 5% and 15%.
Airlines usually pay careful attention to each route's statistics and only sell as many extra seats as are likely to become available. However, they don't always get it right, which may result in passengers with valid tickets being denied boarding. In the US, if a passenger arrives between one and two hours late for a domestic flight, or between one and four hours late for an international flight, the airline must pay the passenger twice the amount of the one-way fare to the destination, up to $675. If the passenger will be delayed by more than two hours (or four hours for international flights), the airline must pay four times the one-way fare, up to $1,350. In Europe, passengers are entitled to up to €600 compensation if they are denied boarding against their will.
Passengers who are bumped are not always chosen at random. Some airlines bump passengers with the lowest fares first, while others bump the last passengers to check in. Airlines may also take into account the passenger's fare class, itinerary, and frequent flyer membership. Passengers in coach and business class are bumped more often than those in first class.
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Frequently asked questions
While airports cannot kick you out for no reason, they can remove you if you are causing a disturbance or disrupting airport operations. Smaller airports are more likely to kick people out than larger ones.
This could include bad behaviour at security, disorderly conduct, threatening or arguing with gate agents, or causing an unreasonable disturbance.
If gate agents or flight attendants sense that you are a liability and may become disruptive, they can deny you boarding until you have sobered up.
Airlines may turn you away if they deem your attire inappropriate. For example, in 2017, United Airlines made headlines for refusing to board passengers wearing leggings.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, interfering with a crew member's duties is a violation of federal law and is grounds for removal from a flight.
