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Flying commercial is less of a luxury than a necessity nowadays. After all, many multiples more passengers hit the skies than did in the 1970s and 1980s. However, just because commercial flight is a must for many, doesn’t mean passengers get to dismiss the rules of commercial air travel. In fact, these five things will get you kicked off a commercial airline quicker than you can place your seat back in an upright and locked position. 

If you want to keep your seat on a commercial airliner, you might not want to do or exhibit any of the ways to get booted

Booking that coveted flight on an airplane doesn’t mean you’re going to reach your destination without fail. You can show up with plenty of time, clear security, and present your ticket to the gate agent. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to take off with your fellow passengers or land without a legal issue. These factors could find you booted off a commercial airliner or having a conversation with the police after landing. 

  • Hostility
  • Obvious sickness
  • Intoxication
  • Non-compliance with crew instructions
  • Barefoot or ‘inadequately clothed’

Unsurprisingly, the current travel landscape has little to no patience for hostility. That spans from angry words with your fellow passengers to threatening language, gestures, or violence. In fact, a federal air marshal might respond to your acts of hostility. In that case, getting kicked off a flight is the least of your concerns.

Another way to find yourself back in the jetbridge rather than on your way to your vacation is to exhibit signs of serious sickness or intoxication. Airlines take intoxication and potentially dangerous ailments seriously. Should you try to board an aircraft after enjoying a few too many libations, expect denial.

On every commercial flight you board, the flight attendants will remind you that it’s a federal crime to be non-compliant with crewmember instructions. That’s more than a reminder to behave and treat attendants with respect; it’s a reminder that safety in the sky is of the utmost importance.

Finally, and most recently controversially, two women were kicked off of a Spirit Airlines flight for wearing crop tops. According to The Guardian, a flight attendant felt their attire was inappropriate for the flight. Granted, the crop tops weren’t all that scandalous and the move has sparked criticism. However, flight attendants may eject you from a flight due to “inadequate clothing.”

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).