The surprising things that can get you removed from a flight revealed
It's not uncommon for tales of wild passengers getting into trouble for various antics on planes to make headlines.
But there are some perhaps unexpected things that have ended up with passengers being kicked off a flight.
From being too ill to fly, to going barefoot or smelling bad, travellers can be removed for various issues.
Read on to find out the surprising things that can lead to passengers being kicked off a plane.
Sickness
Passengers have been booted from flights over concerns they could be too sick to travel and cause a diversion, The Telegraph reports.
Back in 2019, TUI ordered 47 'sick' passengers off a flight due to depart for Manchester from Aristides Pereira International Airport in Boa Vista, Cape Verde.
A gastric illness had spread amongst tourists and crew members reportedly asked anyone who had been ill to get off the plane to avoid any issues during the flight.
Those removed from the flight then underwent medical checks and were allowed to fly after receiving a fit to fly certificate.
From being too ill to fly, to going barefoot or smelling bad, travellers can be removed for various issues (stock)
Passengers have been booted from flights over concerns they could be too sick to travel and cause a diversion (stock)
No shoes
The idea of kicking off uncomfortable shoes and really relaxing during a flight might sound great, but it could end in trouble.
Some airlines reportedly prohibit barefoot travel.
United states 'Passengers who are barefoot, not properly clothed, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene or offensive' could be removed from the flight for the safety of other travellers.
Meanwhile, according to the New York Post, American Airlines also outlines 'bare feet or offensive clothing aren't allowed'.
Smell
Poor personal hygiene and making a stink on the plane can also be a one-way ticket to getting removed from a flight.
Some airlines have specific policies to cover this issue, which allows crew members to act if they feel someone's smell will cause problems.
According to The Telegraph, American airline Delta states it 'may refuse to transport passengers… when [their] hygiene or odour creates an unreasonable risk of offence or annoyance'.
The airline reportedly removed the Alder family back in 2019 after fellow travellers apparently complained about the smell of Mr Adler. They were provided with accommodation and food before being put on a plane the next day.
The idea of kicking off uncomfortable shoes and really relaxing during a flight might sound great, but it could end in trouble (stock)
Poor personal hygiene and making a stink on the plane can also be a one-way ticket to getting removed from a flight (stock)
Not fitting in seat
Some passengers may struggle to squeeze into their seat once onboard the plane.
A few airlines require travellers who don't fit comfortably with both armrests down to book two seats for safety reasons.
Emirates is one who reportedly impose this rule, and the Guardian reported a spokesperson said: 'If a customer is unable to be safely seated and belted up for the flight, we will require that they purchase an extra adjacent seat ahead of their flight or at time of check-in, or purchase an upgrade to premium economy or business class (if available), or defer their travel.'
Last year, Angel Harding and her friend were removed from an Air New Zealand flight from Napier to Auckland because they were reportedly too big to travel in their seats.
Angel told 1News how a flight attendant said to them: ''You two should have booked four seats, you two should have bought two seats each'.'
In the end, Air New Zealand offered to pay for the women's food, accommodation, and flights and allow them access to the Koru Lounge, before they were able to board a flight later that day.
A few airlines require travellers who don't fit comfortably with both armrests down to book two seats for safety reasons (stock)
Ignoring instructions
Not paying attention to the flight attendant's instructions can also land passengers in trouble.
After taking a few flights, the safety guidelines read out at the start of the journey may seem repetitive, but they are still important to listen to.
Back in 2019, the Guardian reported how a woman who allegedly refused to watch an air safety video or read the instructions was kicked off an Air New Zealand flight.
Her removal came after crew repeatedly tried to get her to pay attention.
