4 Unusual Airline Rules

Every airline has the right to set its own rules, and these apply not only to fares and baggage, but also to passenger requirements. We delved a bit into airline rules and found the most unusual ones.

Dress Code

No one forces you to arrive for boarding in a tuxedo, but airlines do require their passengers to have a clean and tidy appearance. Most American carriers’ rules state that passengers whose clothing may cause disgust or discomfort to other passengers, as well as travelers without shoes, are not allowed on board.

By the way, a remark about shoes, or rather, their absence, can be found in the conditions of carriage of many American airlines, although in some places there are clarifications that barefoot passengers under 5 years old are allowed. Virgin described dress code requirements in a bit more detail. On its flights, passengers must be fully clothed; topless or pantless passengers are not permitted. A similar requirement exists on flights of the budget carrier Island Express, however, they approached the description even more thoroughly and allowed passengers to have an exposed midriff. However, looking at the photos above, one might assume that not all passengers heed them :)

You can find even more examples of not-so-pleasant seatmates on a plane in the Passenger Shaming project’s Instagram.

Odor

Odor requirements are uncommon, but we found them with American Airlines and Delta. Airlines warn that passengers should not have an unpleasant odor, except when caused by an illness.

There has already been a precedent with odor; in 2010, a Frenchman was removed from a plane in Paris who, according to him, overdid it with perfume from duty-free.

Proper Conduct on Flights

Only well-behaved passengers are allowed on US Airways flights. The airline has the right to refuse carriage to a passenger who behaves aggressively or makes verbal insults regarding race, gender, skin color, age, or sexual orientation.

Those who appear for a flight under the influence of alcohol or drugs may also be denied boarding.

Many airlines warn that if you have been denied carriage once due to inappropriate behavior, they have the right to cancel your ticket and deny you boarding in the future as well.

Unusual Baggage Requirements

American low-cost airline JetBlue does not accept boxes as baggage on its international flights. Delta has a similar requirement, but only on flights to Central and South America (excluding Brazil, Mexico, and Chile) and South Africa. The reason for this prohibition is unclear, but it’s worth keeping in mind. Another requirement we’ve only found so far on Delta flights is the prohibition of carrying computers in checked baggage. Passengers can only bring a laptop/tablet and must carry it in their hand luggage.