1. Refusing to Follow Crew Instructions
One of the fastest ways to get yourself booted from a plane is by ignoring flight attendants. They’re not just there to serve snacks — they’re trained for safety, and when someone refuses to listen, things can escalate quickly. Whether it’s ignoring the seatbelt sign or refusing to put your tray table up, it can easily turn into a safety violation. A lot of frequent flyers have seen fellow passengers escorted off just for not complying with basic instructions. It might not seem like a big deal in the moment, but it can delay the entire flight shares Reader’s Digest.
Some people get defensive, thinking the crew is being too strict, but it’s really just about keeping everyone safe. These situations can get tense fast, especially if the passenger starts raising their voice or refusing to sit down. And once that line is crossed, the captain has every right to have you removed from the flight. It’s not worth the drama adds SmarterTravel.
2. Getting Drunk Before or During the Flight
A drink or two at the airport bar might seem harmless, but one too many and you could find yourself grounded — literally. Airlines are serious about intoxicated passengers, especially if it becomes disruptive. Frequent flyers have witnessed folks slurring their words, stumbling onto the plane, or getting overly loud after takeoff. It only takes one complaint or raised voice to get flagged says New York Post.
Flight attendants are allowed to cut someone off, and they can refuse to serve alcohol onboard if someone already seems tipsy. If things spiral — yelling, inappropriate comments, or aggression — the crew may notify the captain. That could mean being met by security upon landing, or worse, being denied boarding in the first place. It’s not worth turning your travel day into a story you’ll regret shares Business Insider.
3. Lighting Up a Cigarette (or Vape)
Believe it or not, some people still try to sneak a smoke on a plane. Whether it’s in the bathroom or under a jacket, flight attendants catch on quickly. The smoke detectors in airplane lavatories are extremely sensitive, and tampering with them is a federal offense. Vaping isn’t a loophole either — that’ll get you in trouble just as fast.
Frequent travelers say this is one of the most common infractions they see. It might feel like no big deal to the person doing it, but everyone else has to deal with the consequences. At best, you’ll get a stern warning and be watched for the rest of the flight. At worst, you’ll get offloaded, fined, or even banned from flying that airline again.
4. Getting Into a Physical Altercation
Any form of physical violence is a hard no — whether it’s with another passenger or a crew member. Tensions can run high in the air, especially during delays or when personal space is invaded. But once fists or shoves get involved, it’s game over. The cabin crew is trained to de-escalate, but they’re also quick to report violent behavior to the captain.
Frequent flyers have seen everything from seat recline fights to overhead bin disputes turn ugly. Security will be called, and you’ll likely be escorted off in front of everyone. It’s embarrassing, dangerous, and has long-term consequences. Some people even end up on no-fly lists after violent outbursts.
5. Sneaking Into a Better Seat
Trying to move from economy to business or first class without permission? That might feel like a victimless act, but it’s a sure way to cause a scene. Flight attendants are usually pretty good at spotting who’s supposed to be where. Frequent flyers have seen passengers try to sneak into premium seats mid-flight, only to be marched back — or off — by crew.
Some folks argue or refuse to return to their assigned seat, which only makes things worse. It becomes a safety issue when people block aisles or cause tension during boarding. If you didn’t pay for the seat, you’re not entitled to it. And the crew won’t hesitate to report you if you’re acting entitled or uncooperative.
6. Making Threats, Even as a “Joke”
Airports and airplanes are not the place for dark humor or casual threats. Joking about bombs, weapons, or harming others — even sarcastically — is a fast track to being escorted off by security. TSA and flight crews take every word seriously, and once you say something suspicious, they have to follow protocol.
Frequent travelers say people are surprised at how quickly things escalate over a “joke.” But with hundreds of lives on board, no one wants to risk ignoring a potential threat. Even a throwaway comment can result in missed flights, detainment, and being blacklisted by the airline. Bottom line: just keep it lighthearted and respectful.
7. Disobeying the Mask Rule (When It’s In Effect)
Even when mask mandates aren’t universal, some international flights or specific airlines still require them. If you’re on one of those and you refuse to comply, you’re asking for trouble. Frequent flyers have seen it unfold — someone keeps pulling their mask down, arguing with the crew, or trying to get others to defy the rule.
It quickly becomes less about the mask and more about being disruptive. Most airlines give a warning or two, but after that, they’re well within their rights to remove the person. And if you’re thinking of pushing back by citing your own “rules,” the airline won’t budge. You’re flying their plane, so it’s their terms.
8. Trying to Open the Exit Door Mid-Flight
This one sounds wild, but it happens more often than you’d think. People panic, get confused, or just want to “get some air” — and they reach for the emergency exit. Thankfully, those doors can’t be opened at altitude, but just attempting it is enough to cause a full-blown emergency.
Frequent travelers recall flights being diverted and passengers restrained because someone tried to mess with the door. It terrifies everyone on board, including the crew. That kind of behavior is not only illegal but can lead to serious jail time. It’s a fast way to go from passenger to prisoner.
9. Arguing Over Armrests or Reclining
It’s the classic economy-class drama: armrest wars and recline rage. Most of the time, it’s just passive-aggressive sighs and eye-rolls, but occasionally it explodes into a full argument. Frequent flyers have seen passengers yell, curse, or shove each other over a few inches of space. When flight attendants have to break it up, you know it’s bad.
Once an argument disrupts the cabin, it becomes a safety issue. The crew has to assess if the passengers involved can safely remain on board. If not, the plane might return to the gate, and someone’s travel plans are about to change. Pro tip: just be courteous and pick your battles wisely.
10. Bringing Too Many Bags and Arguing About It
Trying to sneak an extra bag on board and then fighting about it at the gate? That’s a recipe for being denied boarding. Frequent flyers say this happens a lot during full flights when overhead space is limited. If someone refuses to gate-check a bag or starts shouting at staff, things go south fast.
It’s not just about space — it’s about compliance. Gate agents and flight attendants have the final say, and they don’t appreciate being yelled at over suitcase size. Most of the time, being polite goes a long way, even if you’re frustrated. But making a scene can get you removed before you even step on the plane.
11. Ignoring the “No Electronics” Rule During Takeoff
It might seem outdated, but there are still times when the crew asks for devices to be turned off or switched to airplane mode. Ignoring this is often seen as a small offense — until someone argues about it. Frequent flyers say they’ve seen passengers get into shouting matches over refusing to pause a call or turn off a tablet.
It’s one of those rules that feels easy to bend, but it puts you on the crew’s radar. If you’re already on edge or being snippy, that’s enough to escalate the situation. Especially if you’re still on the tarmac, the plane might return to the gate just to let you off. All because you didn’t want to unplug for a few minutes.
12. Harassing the Crew or Other Passengers
There’s a difference between being chatty and being inappropriate. Some people take flirting too far, make crude comments, or won’t stop bothering the person next to them. Frequent flyers say this is more common than you’d think — and when someone speaks up, the crew acts fast.
Sexual harassment, unwanted touching, or creepy behavior are taken very seriously. It doesn’t matter if you think it was “just a compliment” — if someone’s uncomfortable, that’s enough. Flight attendants have full authority to report you and recommend removal from the flight. And you can bet that word travels fast between crew members on different airlines.
13. Bringing Forbidden Items Onboard
You’d be surprised what some people try to bring onto planes — from oversized liquids to full-blown weapons. Even if it’s an innocent mistake, certain items can’t fly. Frequent travelers have seen passengers pulled aside for trying to sneak vape pens, pocketknives, or even food that violates customs laws.
Sometimes people argue with TSA or the flight crew about why they should be allowed to bring it. But the rules are the rules, and if you fight them, it could cost you the flight. If the item is especially dangerous, law enforcement might get involved. Always check before you pack — it’s not worth the hassle.
14. Filming Crew Members Without Consent
Everyone has a phone out these days, but recording flight attendants or gate agents during a dispute can make things much worse. Frequent flyers have seen passengers start filming during an argument and end up being removed for it. While you might think you’re documenting for your protection, it’s also seen as an escalation.
Some airlines even have policies that prohibit recording without permission. It adds fuel to the fire and puts the crew on edge. If you’re being difficult and filming, that’s enough to get escorted off. Best to resolve things calmly without pulling out the camera.
15. Being Loud and Disruptive
Not every disruptive passenger is violent — some are just way too loud. Whether it’s yelling into a phone, blasting music without headphones, or having a full-volume conversation, it wears on everyone. Frequent travelers say the vibe of the whole cabin shifts when one person won’t lower their voice.
Flight attendants usually ask politely at first, but if someone refuses or mocks them, it becomes a problem. This is especially sensitive during night flights or red-eyes when people are trying to sleep. If your noise is keeping the plane from being peaceful, you’re a liability. And you might find yourself removed mid-journey or banned from future flights.
16. Refusing to Sit Down or Buckle Up
Some passengers think rules don’t apply to them. They’ll get up while taxiing, refuse to sit down during turbulence, or won’t buckle their seatbelt even when instructed. Frequent flyers have seen flight attendants plead with people to just sit down already. It’s not just stubborn — it’s dangerous.
Once it becomes a pattern, the crew has to step in. If you won’t follow basic seatbelt and movement rules, the plane might return to the gate. You can delay the whole flight, irritate other passengers, and risk being banned from future travel. All over a buckle.
17. Refusing to Put Away Your Pet
As adorable as pets can be, they’re subject to strict rules when flying. That usually means staying in an approved carrier and under the seat in front of you. Frequent flyers have seen passengers let dogs or cats roam the aisle, sit in their lap, or even pop their heads up during takeoff.
When asked to put the animal away, some people flat-out refuse. It turns into a debate about comfort, and things escalate from there. But flight attendants are trained to enforce the rules, and if you don’t follow them, they can boot you off. For everyone’s safety — including your pet’s — it’s best to play by the book.