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

Getting kicked off a flight is far less common than viral videos might suggest, but it does happen—and not always for the reasons travelers expect. As Kyle Maltz, chief operating officer of Dollar Flight Club, notes, “Traditionally, the assumption is that people are getting removed from a flight for extreme behavior, but in reality, especially as of late, it often comes down to smaller things that just escalate.”

Airlines can deny boarding or ask someone to leave a flight if safety or order is at risk, whether that means ignoring crew instructions, causing a disruption, or having poor personal hygiene. The good news? Most of these situations are easy to avoid by following directions and being respectful, both to the crew and fellow passengers.

Disruptive, Violent, or Aggressive 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.

Dress Code Violations 

Unbeknownst to many travelers, airlines do have dress codes—and in rare cases, failing to follow them can result in being denied boarding or removed from a flight. Most airlines rely on open-ended language in their policies, giving individual crew members discretion to determine what’s considered “appropriate” attire. To avoid issues altogether, it’s best to steer clear of clothing with obscene or offensive language and excessively revealing outfits. (A good rule of thumb: if you’d wear it to the beach, don’t wear it on the plane.) When dress codes are enforced, it’s typically not about personal style but about whether the attire is disruptive or inconsistent with airline policy.

Poor Hygiene 

Ever been on a plane and caught a foul scent? (Spoiler alert: It’s just as unpleasant as it sounds.) Believe it or not, poor hygiene can be grounds for removal from a flight. Strong body odor that is deemed offensive by the crew—or that prompts complaints from other passengers—may be considered disruptive under airline policies, particularly if it affects the comfort and well-being of those onboard.

Seat Disputes

Seat-related conflicts can also lead to removal from a flight. This includes refusing to follow crew instructions about seating assignments, escalating complaints with nearby passengers—such as disputes over arm rests, seat kicking, or reclining—or otherwise turning a minor annoyance into a confrontation. When passengers won’t comply with crew direction or de-escalate, airlines may step in to prevent the situation from disrupting the cabin. 

Public Intoxication 

Public intoxication is also grounds for removal from an aircraft—and, well, just about anywhere else. The reason is simple: Impaired behavior can escalate quickly and pose safety risks, especially in a confined cabin, some 30,000 feet in the sky. Additionally, in some cases, public intoxication may also violate local laws, meaning the consequences can extend beyond being denied boarding to involvement from airport security or law enforcement.

Smoking or Vaping

We’ve all seen the safety videos: smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on airplanes, including in restrooms. Violating this rule is a serious offense, as it can trigger smoke detectors and pose a safety risk. Passengers caught smoking or vaping on board can be removed from the flight, face fines, or be met by law enforcement upon landing.

Appearing Sick or Contagious 

Airlines are responsible for the health and safety of everyone on board, so if a passenger appears visibly ill or potentially contagious, the crew may decide it’s not safe for them to travel and take action accordingly. As a general rule, it’s best to wait until you’re feeling better to fly—for your own comfort and for the sake of the people around you.