Summary

  • Overbooked flights can lead to denied boarding, but airlines offer compensation for voluntary bumping.
  • Unruly behavior such as intoxication or aggression can result in being denied boarding.
  • Inadequate travel documentation, like invalid visas or passports, can also lead to denied boarding.

Denied boarding can cause many inconveniences, not only for travelers but also for those who organize the travel. Despite the best efforts of airlines and airport ground handling staff to prevent disruptions, denied boardings still occur frequently across the world.

Passengers may be denied boarding for various reasons, such as unruly behavior, failure to check in, or lack of space on the aircraft. This article will examine five major reasons why denied boardings happen and how to prevent them.

1

Overbooked flight

Airlines sell more tickets than seats on flights

Carriers often sell more tickets than there are seats available on flights, expecting that some passengers will not show up. However, when all or most passengers do arrive, airlines may face the challenge of having to deny boarding to some travelers.

Passengers boarding the flight at HKG airport

Photo: ShutterStockStudio | Shutterstock

This approach is beneficial for airlines as it allows them to maximize their revenue by accounting for the expected number of no-show passengers. To prevent this, airlines have adopted a process of voluntary bumping, allowing passengers to receive a financial compensation or other perks to move to another flight.

Monetary compensation varies depending on the carrier. Airlines try to avoid this by allowing passengers to put in a minimum bump amount that they would accept in exchange for giving up their seats during check-in. If you are involuntarily bumped but checked in on time, you are entitled to compensation based on your flight length and the timing of the alternative flight offered.

Related

What Is Voluntary Bumping & How Can Passengers Maximize Compensation?

Passengers flying on overbooked flights might be asked to accept a “bump”, and receive a hefty financial amount in return.

It is also worth noting that denied boarding can also occur when there is a last-minute aircraft change, and the new aircraft has fewer seats, leading to an overbooking situation.

2

Unruly behavior

Being intoxicated or under illegal drugs

Each airline’s contract of carriage may differ, which defines the legal responsibilities of the carrier and the user. According to recent guidance from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), an airline can refuse to transport a passenger based on the reasons outlined in its contract, provided the refusal is not discriminatory.

A man at the airport

Photo: David Prado Perucha | Shutterstock

For instance, airlines can deny boarding for non-discriminatory reasons such as unruly behavior. Disruptive behavior will always prevent you from boarding and includes:

  • Physical confrontation and aggression
  • Alcohol intoxication or the influence of illegal drugs
  • Offensive odor not caused by a disability or illness
  • Offensive attire with discriminatory slogans

Additionally, unruly behavior could lead to passengers being placed on a no-fly list, meaning they will always be denied boarding.

The years following the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that unruly passenger behavior was a significant issue in US aviation. In 2021, the number of unruly passengers rose by 492%, totaling 5,973 cases, according to FAA data. Notably, this number has been decreasing over the past two years, but the number of cases remains high. In 2022, the number of unruly passengers totaled 2,455, while in 2023, it was 2,075.

Related

How Do Flight Attendants Address Situations Involving Disruptive Passengers?

What can flight attendants do?

3

Inadequate travel documentation

Invalid visa, ID card, or passport

Invalid travel documents are among the most common reasons for being denied boarding. Passengers must always ensure their travel documents, such as visas and passports, are current and meet the requirements of their destination and any transit countries.

American passport with visa application documents, black pen and computer on white table

Photo: Tatjana Meininger | Shutterstock

Here are the five most important travel documents for any flight:

  • Passport
  • National ID card or a driver’s license with a photo
  • Health travel document
  • Tickets and travel itinerary details
  • Medical or travel insurance

Before a trip, double-check your travel documents to ensure they are valid for the entire journey.

Double-checking includes verifying passport expiration dates, visa requirements, and any additional necessary documentation, such as health documents, among others. Doing so helps avoid the disappointment and inconvenience of being denied boarding due to inadequate travel documentation.

Related

Is It Possible To Board The Wrong Plane These Days?

Sometimes it’s too late to hop off.

4

Health concerns

Denied boarding for passengers who may exhibit symptoms of contagious illness

Passengers may be denied boarding if they show symptoms of a contagious illness. For example, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were denied boarding due to health concerns. However, the global pandemic could not be the only reason a person might be denied boarding.

Health worke and sick passenger at airport

Suppose an individual shows signs of a highly contagious illness, such as a severe respiratory infection. In that case, the airline may refuse to board them to prevent spreading the disease to other passengers. Airlines prioritize the safety and well-being of all passengers so that they may refuse boarding in such cases.

It is worth noting that some airports, airlines, and countries have their own policies when flying with an illness.

5

Late check-in

Airlines have check-in deadlines that passengers must meet

Late arrival and check-in at the airport can lead to being denied boarding. Carriers have specific check-in deadlines that passengers must meet to ensure smooth boarding and flight operations. Missing these deadlines may result in passengers being unable to board their intended flight.

Check-in counters

Photo: jamalborhan | Shutterstock

Passengers may also be denied boarding if they arrive late at the boarding gate. This policy ensures that flights depart on time and adhere to strict schedules.

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