What Airlines Can Do
Posted on | January 26, 2007 |
Earlier this week, AirTran Airlines employees kicked a Boston family off their flight because of their crying toddler.
It seems quite unfair but the real question is: does the pilot have the authority to do this?
The answer is yes. The pilot is responsible for the safety of his/her staff and the safety of the hundreds of passengers. Therefore, the pilot has the right to decide who can or cannot board the flight.
Some situations where a passenger might be asked to get off the plane include:
- if a passenger is sick (they want you to be near access to medical care, especially if it’s a long flight)
- if a passenger is intoxicated
- if a passenger is smoking
- if a passenger is extremely rude
- if a passenger is violent or posing threats (terrorist, hijacking, bombing, etc.) of any kind
If you are asked to get off the plane you should comply. Also, you may not receive compensation for your flight. This is up to the airline and its policies.
So those are the rights of the airline and its pilots. But what are your rights as a passenger?
Well, one group is trying to advocate for a Passenger Bill of Rights. Click here to read more about their stories and efforts on their blog.
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