Ways to get thrown off your holiday flight
Over the next few days, millions of Americans will be packing up and heading to the airport.
But here's something you may not think about: What kind of behavior could get you thrown off a plane?
CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg shared the following column on many of the reasons people could be asked to leave a flight.
Your clothing:
A dress code could be coming. Although no one has actually defined what an appropriate dress code is, airlines are like the Supreme Court trying to define pornography. They can't define it specifically, but they know it when they see it.
There's a little bit of a movement for a uniform dress code, I don't think it's going to happen, and the problem then is, the individual flight crews or gate agents are determining whether it's appropriate dress or not.
However, most airlines' contract of carriage explicitly states that passengers can be removed from a plane for wearing what the crew deems inappropriate attire.
Too stinky to fly?
You may not know this (but probably should, in case you need to remind flight attendants that the rule does, in fact, exist) airlines have the right to boot you off the plane if you smell bad:
Several airlines state in their policies that it can remove a passenger with an offensive odor and the language varies.
American Airlines clearly states in its contract of carriage that it can remove a passenger with an offensive odor not caused by a disability or illness.
Delta Air Lines states that anyone who has a "malodorous condition" can be refused boarding.
Alaska Airlines states that "Persons who have an offensive odor (such as from a draining wound or improper hygiene) or have a contagious disease (can be removed) provided it is not the result of a disability."
JetBlue policy states that "Persons who have an offensive odor (can be removed), except where such condition is the result of a qualified disability."
Southwest: "Persons who have an offensive odor (can be removed), unless caused by a disability."
Too Fat to Fly?
Most airlines don't have an official policy on the books, but will cite the rule from the Federal Aviation Administration: Passengers must be buckled in their seat during take-off, landing and during turbulence. If you can't fasten your seatbelt with the help of an extender, you can't fly.
JetBlue deals with this situation on a case-by-case basis, but the crew has the right to determine if a passenger must purchase a second seat with no option of a refund. Officials note that JetBlue does operate a fleet of A320s, which offer roomier seats and aisles, and special "Lots of Legroom" seat which are available for an additional fee.
United Airlines added its policy in 2009 to say that those who cannot put down the arm rests or buckle their seat belt comfortably will have to purchase a second seat, or buy an upgrade to a roomier cabin.
According to Southwest's policy, a "customer of size" is defined as someone who cannot lower both armrests, which are 17 inches apart, and/or who compromise any portion of adjacent seating.
The Canadian Transportation Authority rule says that airlines cannot charge double for plus-sized passengers who are "functionally disabled by obesity," or travelers with accessibility problems who require an attendant.
For information on your rights as a passenger, check out passenger protections here.
