Managing unruly passengers is key to keeping everyone on aircraft safe and secure. Transport Canada and the airline industry are working together to encourage communication across stakeholders and with the travelling public, build trust and align efforts to find ways to reduce and manage the issue of unruly passengers’ behaviour that threatens the safety of a flight.
Passenger behaviour
Everyone has the right to safe and secure travel. The safety of the entire travel experience, in airports and on aircraft, is important. Unruly passengers put everyone at risk. Airline employees and Transport Canada will not allow behaviour that affects a flight or risks the safety of passengers or crew.
Under Canadian law, illegal behaviour includes:
- harassment
- verbal abuse
- physical assault
- sexual offences
- intimidation
- drunk or disorderly conduct
- ignoring smoking regulations
- drinking personal alcohol
- refusing to follow crew instructions
- endangering the aircraft’s safety
If you do these things before a flight, the crew can deny you service. If you do these things during a flight, the plane may need to make an unscheduled landing and police will meet the aircraft. You could be arrested, charged, or prosecuted.
It’s up to the crew to create and maintain a safe environment. They’re highly trained to get you out of the aircraft quickly in an emergency. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
Safety is everyone's responsibility. If you have any safety concerns, speak to your crew immediately.
Related links
Flying soon?
(PDF 274 Kb, 8.5" x 11")
Text description of the poster
Enjoy your flight and let others enjoy theirs.
- All passengers and cabin crew have the right to a safe flight.
- Any behaviour that interferes with a flight or puts the safety of passengers and crew at risk will not be tolerated.
- Unruly passenger behaviour can lead to steep fines and even criminal prosecution.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
If you are concerned about a situation that could affect the safety of your flight, report it to airline staff or a crew member.