When you get on a plane, your goal really should be to stay on it until you reach your destination. There are a surprising number of things that could get you kicked off the plane or keep your flight grounded, however. To avoid ever experiencing that, refer to some basic ground (or is it, flight?) rules and tips. If you do make a mistake, and can’t get back in good graces: find a good hotel, with the help of airport customer service.
1. Illness
If you get on a plane sick, you could very well get other passengers sick. If it seems serious enough, you may very well be asked to disembark, in order to avoid risking the health of others. If you have a disorder like a fear of flying or something that causes you to panic on the plane, you also may be asked to leave, if you can’t maintain control of yourself.
2. Pregnancy
Getting on a plane heavily pregnant sets off warning bells to flight officers and attendants. They do not want to deal with delivering a baby in-flight, nor is having to make an emergency landing to deliver it because of complications at the top of their bucket lists. They will typically ask you to postpone your flight or find a different mode of transportation until you have the baby. This is best for their peace of mind and your safety.
3. Be Sensitive to Security
Now is really not the climate for bomb or terrorist jokes, if there ever was one. Even if you are just joking when you talk about bombs or hijacks, you may very well be kicked off the plane or taken by the TSA for questioning–an experience anyone could go just as well without. Loose lips can get you kicked off the ship.
4. Be Polite to Staff
Flight attendants are often harried by impolite or inconsiderate passengers, and if you are openly hostile or threatening, you will almost certainly be asked to leave. Even if you are being provoked by another passenger or are suffering from a phobia or related issue, the best thing to do is to call the flight attendant and remain calm and cordial. Also, if you have a more common problem, like queasiness, flight attendants have the most experience and the best tips in dealing with them.
5. Follow Instructions
Following instructions like buckling your seatbelt or even remaining seated is important on a plane, where accidents can happen and the experienced flight attendants are heavily outnumbered by less-knowledgeable passengers. If you refuse to cooperate, thinking you know better, you may be asked to find another flight. Airlines do not want to be liable for damage you do to yourself, and they don’t want one passenger putting others at risk.
Having an uneventful, uninterrupted flight isn’t difficult–people do it all the time. Follow the above tips, and you will safely land at your destination without serious interruption. If, however, you do find yourself grounded, finding a good hotel should be your next order of business.
[Misty Stumpf is a freelance blogger who writes travel advice. If you find yourself kicked off a plane, or if your flight is otherwise grounded, she recommends booking a room in one of the hotels in Gatwick Airport UK, for your convenience.]
