Jazmin Li
While it is not recommended to be high at the airport, it is not strictly illegal. However, travellers should be aware that they could be prohibited from boarding if they are deemed to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Federal aviation regulations state that no airline may allow anyone to board a plane if the passenger appears to be intoxicated. This is also specified in airlines' contracts of carriage, the legal agreement passengers accept when they buy a ticket. Additionally, travellers should be aware of the laws regarding marijuana possession in the state they are travelling to or from. While TSA agents may confiscate marijuana and not notify law enforcement, this is not guaranteed, and travellers may face penalties depending on the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you be high at the airport? | Yes, but only if you can handle being high while getting through security and then sitting on an airplane. |
| Can you be drunk at the airport? | No, the airline's gate agent may not let you board the aircraft if you appear to have had too much. |
| Can you be high on the plane? | Yes, but not if you become a hazard. |
| Can you be drunk on the plane? | No, it could be a dangerous combination if mixed with sleeping pills and the higher altitude. |
| Can you be declined at the airport for being high? | Yes, flight attendants have the right and responsibility to offload any passenger who may be intoxicated. |
| Can you be declined at the airport for being drunk? | Yes, flight attendants have the right and responsibility to offload any passenger who may be intoxicated. |
| Can you be arrested at the airport for being high? | No, but you can be arrested for possessing marijuana. |
| Can you be arrested at the airport for being drunk? | Yes, disruptive and intoxicated passengers have been arrested. |
| Can you take marijuana on a plane? | No, it is prohibited by federal law. |
| Can you take alcohol on a plane? | Yes, but you can be fined for drinking your own alcohol. |
| Can you smoke marijuana at a designated airport smoking area? | No, these smoking areas are public areas for smoking tobacco products. |
| Can you smoke tobacco at a designated airport smoking area? | Yes. |
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What You'll Learn
You can be denied boarding if you are drunk or high
It is important to note that while being high or drunk in an airport is not illegal, it is still possible to be denied boarding if you are intoxicated. Airlines' contracts of carriage—the legal agreement passengers accept when buying a ticket—state that passengers may not be allowed to fly if they appear "intoxicated or under the influence of drugs". This means they could be prevented from boarding or removed from a plane once on board. Federal aviation regulations also support this, stating that no airline may allow anyone to board a plane if the passenger appears to be intoxicated.
Flight attendants have the right and responsibility to offload any passenger who may be intoxicated. While signs of weed use, such as bloodshot eyes, are harder to identify, drinking alcohol affects motor skills and can make passengers aggressive. Mixing alcohol with sleeping pills can also be a dangerous combination at higher altitudes. Major airlines provide training for employees to identify whether someone is drunk or high, or if they are experiencing a physical condition or disability that could be mistaken for being under the influence.
While marijuana may be legal in some states, it is still illegal under federal law. TSA security stations abide by federal laws, and transporting marijuana through them could lead to criminal charges. TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of the law to local, state, or federal authorities. However, due to limited resources, TSA agents are less likely to focus on cannabis possession and more on security threats.
It is important to be aware of the laws and policies of the specific airport and state when considering whether to consume or carry marijuana while travelling. Some airports, such as Denver International Airport and McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas, prohibit marijuana on their property. Other airports, such as LAX, allow individuals over 21 years old to possess marijuana for personal consumption, but passengers should still be cautious as marijuana laws vary from state to state.
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Airports and airlines can have their own rules about drugs
While the consumption of drugs is illegal in many places, airports and airlines can have their own rules about drugs. These rules are often based on the local laws of the region and the type of drug involved. Here are some key points to consider:
Airline Policies
Airlines typically have policies in place regarding intoxicated passengers. For example, according to United Airlines' contract, passengers may be prohibited from boarding if they appear intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. However, this does not apply to qualified individuals whose appearance or involuntary behavior may resemble intoxication. Other airlines likely have similar policies, prioritizing the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew.
Local Laws
The legality of drug consumption and possession varies depending on the jurisdiction. For instance, in the United States, marijuana is prohibited in secure areas of airports and on aircraft, regardless of whether it is for medical or recreational use. However, in states where marijuana possession is legal, airports in non-secure areas may have less restrictive rules. In contrast, Canada allows marijuana on domestic flights but prohibits it on international flights and when passing through customs.
Prescription Drugs
When it comes to prescription drugs, regulations vary. In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to carry prescription medications and medically necessary liquids in their carry-on baggage. However, for liquids, passengers must declare any amounts over 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and may be subject to additional screening. Similar regulations exist in other countries, such as the UK, which requires controlled substances to be accompanied by a letter of proof, and Canada, which allows visitors to bring an unlimited amount of prescription drugs in tablet form.
Practical Considerations
Some practical considerations should be made when consuming drugs at an airport or on a flight. Firstly, it is important to be mindful of the potential impact on other passengers and crew members. Additionally, the combination of drugs and alcohol with sleeping pills or the effects of higher altitude can be dangerous. It is also worth noting that some drugs, such as edibles, may take time to have an effect, potentially leading to intoxication during the flight.
In summary, while airports and airlines have their own rules about drugs, it is important to respect the laws and regulations of the specific jurisdiction, prioritize safety, and consider the potential impact on others.
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You can be arrested for public intoxication at the airport
While it is not illegal to be intoxicated at an airport, it is important to remember that your behavior can have consequences, especially if it disrupts the peace or endangers others. If you are visibly inebriated, airport police could arrest or cite you for public intoxication. Even if you make it past the airport police, airline staff may deny you entry onto the flight. If you are allowed to board and proceed to cause a disruption, you could be arrested when you land for those actions, in addition to charges related to public drunkenness.
In the United States, federal aviation regulations state that no airline may allow anyone to board a plane if the passenger appears to be intoxicated. Airlines' contracts of carriage—the legal agreement a passenger accepts when they buy a ticket—say that passengers may not be allowed to fly if they appear "intoxicated or under the influence of drugs." This applies to both legal and illegal substances.
In Canada, marijuana is allowed on domestic flights but not on any international flights to or from the country. Marijuana is also not allowed in any section of the airport where you have to pass through customs. In the US, marijuana is not allowed on any aircraft or in the secure parts of the airport terminal, regardless of whether you have a prescription for medical marijuana.
It is important to note that drinking at the airport or on the plane is not a crime in itself. However, unruly behavior onboard a plane, such as interfering with a flight attendant or crew member's duties, can result in severe consequences, including a 20-year federal prison sentence and a $35,000 fine.
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TSA workers do not search for marijuana, but they can confiscate it
While marijuana is officially prohibited in airports and on flights, TSA workers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. Their screening procedures are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers, such as weapons, explosives, and oversized liquids. If a substance that appears to be marijuana is found during security screening, TSA officers will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer, and confiscation may occur. However, this is not always the case, especially in adult-use states like Colorado and New York, where local law enforcement may not consider it illegal.
It is important to note that while TSA workers may not actively search for marijuana, they can still confiscate it if found. Additionally, the laws and regulations regarding marijuana possession and consumption vary across different states and countries. For example, in the US, marijuana is not allowed in secure areas of the airport or on aircraft, as these areas are under federal control, and marijuana remains illegal under federal law. However, some states like California and New York have more lenient laws, allowing individuals to possess a certain amount of marijuana for personal consumption.
In Canada, marijuana is permitted on domestic flights within the country but is prohibited on any international flight to or from Canada. It is also important to note that consuming marijuana before a flight may result in intoxication during the flight, depending on the form of marijuana consumed. While being high on a plane may not be illegal, causing a disturbance or posing a threat to other passengers while intoxicated can lead to arrest and federal criminal charges. Therefore, it is advisable to be mindful of the potential effects and consume marijuana responsibly.
Some individuals have shared their experiences of consuming marijuana before or during flights, with varying outcomes. While some have managed to consume edibles or smoke before entering the airport without incident, others have faced challenges. It is recommended to be cautious and respectful of other passengers and to avoid causing any disturbances that may lead to intervention from flight attendants or law enforcement.
Ultimately, while TSA workers do not actively search for marijuana, the laws and regulations regarding marijuana possession and consumption in airports and on flights vary, and individuals may face confiscation or other consequences depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances. It is essential to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in the relevant states and countries before considering consuming or carrying marijuana while traveling.
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You can be denied boarding if you are a hazard or disruptive
While there are no explicit laws prohibiting being high at an airport, you can be denied boarding if you are deemed a hazard or a potential disruption. This is because airlines' contracts of carriage—the legal agreement passengers accept when purchasing a ticket—state that passengers may not board a plane if they appear intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. This is in accordance with federal aviation regulations, which prohibit airlines from allowing passengers to board if they appear intoxicated.
Being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs can impair your judgment and motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents or disruptive behavior. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from consuming substances that may alter your state of mind before or during a flight. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding the possession and consumption of substances like marijuana at airports and during air travel.
In the United States, marijuana is prohibited on aircraft and in secure areas of airport terminals under federal law. This includes medical and recreational marijuana, regardless of prescription or local laws permitting its use. Transporting marijuana through TSA security checkpoints may result in criminal charges. While TSA agents may not actively search for marijuana, if found, they may confiscate it or notify law enforcement, particularly if large amounts are involved or if the individual is underage.
In Canada, marijuana is permitted on domestic flights within the country but is prohibited on international flights to or from Canada. It is also important to note that some airports within the US and Canada have their own rules and warnings regarding the possession and consumption of marijuana. For example, Denver International Airport and McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas prohibit marijuana on their property.
Ultimately, while there may be varying levels of enforcement and leniency, the decision to deny boarding rests with the airline and its employees, who are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airlines’ contracts of carriage state that passengers may not be allowed to fly if they appear "intoxicated or under the influence of drugs". This means they could be kept from boarding or removed from a plane once on board.
If you are denied boarding due to intoxication, you may face a fine or arrest for public intoxication.
It is generally not recommended to get high before going through airport security, as your behaviour may raise suspicion. However, some sources suggest taking an edible right before entering the airport.
While TSA screening procedures are focused on identifying potential security threats, and officers do not actively search for marijuana, it is illegal to possess marijuana on an airplane due to federal regulations. If caught, your marijuana will likely be confiscated, but you may also face penalties depending on the state you are in and the amount of marijuana in your possession.
While it is not illegal to be high on a plane, flight attendants have the right and responsibility to offload any passenger who may be intoxicated and causing a disturbance.
