7 Reasons You Can Get Kicked Off a Flight-and It's Not Just Bad Behavior

"Passengers can be removed from a flight for disruptive, violent, or aggressive behavior, making threats, or interfering with a crew member's ability to perform their duties. Once a passenger refuses instructions, escalates a confrontation, or distracts the crew during boarding or taxi, airlines have little flexibility because it becomes a safety issue. That stance is backed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unruly or dangerous behavior, meaning passengers who interfere with crew duties can face removal, fines, or further action."

"As Point.me cofounder Tiffany Funk explains, "One unruly person cannot be allowed to jeopardize the experience or safety of 150 others." In these scenarios, she says, "If someone can't calm down and act decorously, airline employees have limited recourse other than to insist the person disembark." Maltz echoes that sentiment, telling Travel + Leisure that airlines are legally required to defer to a crew member's judgment-not a passenger's intent-when safety or order is at stake."

Getting removed from a flight is less common than viral clips imply, but removal can occur for a range of reasons beyond extreme behavior. Airlines can deny boarding or ask a passenger to leave when safety or order is at risk, including when someone ignores crew instructions, causes a disruption, or interferes with crew duties. Poor personal hygiene and dress-code violations can also trigger denial of boarding. The FAA enforces a zero-tolerance policy for unruly conduct, and crew judgment drives removal decisions. Most incidents are avoidable by following directions and treating crew and fellow passengers respectfully.

Read at Travel + Leisure