10 Actions That Will Get You Kicked Off a Plane – A Traveler’s Guide to Avoiding Trouble
Flying can be stressful, but nothing ruins a trip faster than being removed from a flight. Airlines have strict policies to ensure passenger safety and comfort, and violating these rules can lead to serious consequences—including being escorted off the plane.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of 10 actions that will almost certainly get you kicked off a flight, along with real-world examples and airline policies.
1. Refusing to Follow Crew Instructions
Flight attendants and pilots have final authority on board. If they tell you to fasten your seatbelt, stow your bag, or stop using your phone, you must comply. Ignoring or arguing with crew members can result in immediate removal.
Example: In 2022, a passenger on a Delta flight was removed after repeatedly refusing to turn off his phone during takeoff, despite multiple warnings.
2. Being Intoxicated or Under the Influence
Airlines ban passengers who appear drunk or high before boarding. If you’re visibly intoxicated, slurring words, or behaving erratically, the crew can deny you boarding—or remove you mid-flight.
Example: A British Airways passenger was escorted off after downing multiple mini-bottles of vodka and shouting at other travelers.
3. Smoking or Vaping Onboard
Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited on all commercial flights. If you’re caught lighting up, expect heavy fines and immediate removal at the next stop.
Example: In 2023, an American Airlines flight made an emergency landing after a passenger vaped in the lavatory, triggering smoke alarms.
4. Physical or Verbal Altercations
Fighting, threats, or aggressive behavior will get you arrested upon landing. Airlines have zero tolerance for violence—even shouting matches can lead to removal.
Example: A United Airlines passenger was restrained with zip ties after punching a flight attendant over a reclining seat dispute.
5. Refusing to Wear a Seatbelt
If you repeatedly unbuckle during turbulence or taxiing, the crew can force you off for safety reasons. Some airlines may even divert the plane.
Example: A JetBlue flight returned to the gate when a passenger refused to buckle up, delaying the entire flight.
6. Tampering with Emergency Equipment
Playing with oxygen masks, life vests, or exit doors is a federal offense. Airlines treat this as a potential hijacking risk and will remove you immediately.
Example: A man on a Southwest flight was arrested after pulling the emergency slide “as a joke” before takeoff.
7. Sexual Harassment or Inappropriate Behavior
Unwanted touching, lewd comments, or exposing yourself will get you banned for life from many airlines. Flight crews take these reports extremely seriously.
Example: An Air India passenger was handed over to police after groping a flight attendant.
8. Excessive Carry-On Baggage Disputes
If your bag doesn’t fit and you refuse to check it, the crew can deny you boarding. Arguing or forcing an oversized bag into the bin may get you removed.
Example: A Ryanair passenger was kicked off after screaming at staff over a €50 checked bag fee.
9. Refusing to Sit in Your Assigned Seat
Airlines balance weight distribution, so seat-swapping without permission can be a safety issue. If you refuse to move, you may be removed.
Example: A couple on a Spirit flight was ejected after refusing to return to their original seats.
10. Making Bomb or Hijacking Jokes
Even sarcastic comments like “I have a bomb in my bag” can trigger an emergency landing and FBI involvement. Never joke about security threats.
Example: A teenager on a Delta flight was arrested after tweeting, “I’m gonna blow up this plane lol.”
