All reasons you can be removed from a plane as couple escorted off by police after ordering Pringles, Coke and water
Here are the six reasons that could cause you to be removed from a plane and what you can do to avoid them.
Unfortunately, one couple's trip back to the UK was derailed last month when they were escorted off their flight by police after ordering some Pringles and drinks.
Ann-Marie Murray and her partner were flying into Bristol on 28 March when they purchased the food items for a quick bite, but when they went to pay, their card didn't work.
Unfortunately, they'd spent all their money on the holiday and couldn't cough up the £7 required for the goods. They offered to withdraw money from a cash machine when they landed, but that offer was refused.
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After getting their boarding passes confiscated, they were accused of refusing to pay for snacks and were told that police would be escorting them off the plane following touchdown.
While an obvious take away from this is to ensure that you have enough money on your card to buy things, what else can you be kicked off a flight for?
Annoying the flight crew
It's really that simple, according to Airfare Watchdogs.
One word, one misstep, and they have the power to kick you off the flight.
Your life is in the hands of those working onboard, so angering them in the first place would be a foolish move, to say the least.
As reported by The Independent, a Virgin America passenger was once apparently removed after he was recognised by an attendant as the man who cut them off at the revolving doors in the airport.
They said they were 'uncomfortable' with him being on the flight, causing him to be kicked off, though he did later receive an apology from Virgin, a refund and two free flights.
Just be nice, for Pete's sake.
The Air Marshal needs a seat
While there may not be as many Air Marshals on planes as there were in the past, there is still the possibility that you'll need to be bumped off to make space for one.
These chances are fairly low, but not zero.
For those who don't know, Air Marshalls are undercover law enforcement who are there to prevent plane hijackings.
The worst part about this is, if it does happen to you, the airline can't tell you that they're giving your seat to an Air Marshal, as that information is classified, and you'll simply be removed.
Disobeying the cabin crew's instructions
Following on from the first point, just be nice.
Arguments and disagreements with cabin crew can begin from anyone at any time, and more often than not, it's to do with seating arrangements.
On occasion, you get some difficult passengers refusing to sit when the seatbelt sign is on, too.
It's not worth getting escorted off.
Overselling or double-booking a seat
This one wouldn't be your fault, as on the rare occasion, flights can be oversold or seats can be assigned twice.
It used to be more common in the aviation industry, but you'll probably have seen agents handing out travel vouchers to those willing to travel later.
If you do find yourselves in this situation though, it's worth remembering that you are entitled to a cash compensation rather than just a travel voucher.
Inappropriate clothing
This may take the cake when it comes to the most frustrating ways to be kicked off a plane, as several airlines don't provide an exact dress code.
The vague suggestion at what attire is appropriate often leaves the door open for clothes that can be judged to be too tight, too short, or which feature offensive words/symbols on them.
Being intoxicated
Heading onto a flight while not being sober is a risk in itself, but it's important to stop that pre-flight drink from becoming five or six before takeoff, as you may be refused onboard.
There is no test that you can pass to get you on the plane either - if the flight crew think that you're drunk enough to become an issue in the air, you will be taken off the plane.
Just stick to the one pint, I reckon.
Topics: Travel, Holiday, Plane Etiquette
Joshua Nair