The well-developed, simple and fast cross-border air transport and the increased number of constantly migrating passengers encourage increasing the discipline of the flyers and the awareness of the importance of following the safety instructions during the flight. This can have a direct impact on flight safety and aviation security.
The purchase of a flight ticket is a passenger transport contract concluded between a person and an airline, which obliges the passenger to comply with the air carrier’s rules of behavior on the aircraft, safety and security rules, which also include a list of prohibited items in the aircraft cabin and baggage compartment. This information is provided at the time of ticket purchase, so it is important that every passenger, when buying a ticket, properly familiarizes himself with the information provided, reads it in its entirety and packs his luggage responsibly and thoughtfully so as not to endanger himself or others.
Upon arrival at the airport, a person faces an aviation security check, during which each passenger and their luggage is checked. The purpose of these procedures is to protect flights by preventing the introduction of objects, chemicals or explosives that could injure another person, damage the aircraft or otherwise attempt to commit an illegal act.
Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that every passenger is part of a safe flight. Following all instructions and rules ensures a safe and smooth flight, so it is very important to:
- listen to the briefing at the beginning of the flight;
- analyze the provided visual information;
- wear a seat belt when the seat belt light is on or wear it during the entire flight;
- turn off electrical devices or enter flight mode when required by flight crew members;
- no smoking – smoking in the cabin or aircraft toilet is strictly prohibited;
- listen to and follow all crew instructions.
Frequent flyers may find such requirements boring. Instead of listening and following the crew’s instructions, they prefer to joke or talk loudly, but such behavior is also considered inappropriate if it prevents other passengers from following said instructions. Such passengers are usually given a warning, and if they refuse to comply with the crew’s instructions, they are removed from the aircraft.
Although unruly passengers are in the minority, their actions can determine the outcome of a flight or otherwise harm other passengers on the same plane. It is important to understand that failure to follow safety instructions can put people on board at risk. Misbehavior (insults, harassment, violence, threats to fight, criminal act against a crew member or passenger) can cause panic and cause difficulties in ensuring the safety of individuals and the safety of the flight. Safety rules are often not followed. For example, the use of electrical devices at unauthorized times can block radio frequencies and affect the course of the flight; smoking in the toilet can cause a fire in the aircraft, the consequences of which, if not neutralized in time, would be tragic; not wearing seat belts when required by the flight crew,
Whether the passenger will behave properly during the flight is usually attempted to be predicted before the flight by assessing the passenger’s behavior at the airport. The staff there try to separate higher-risk passengers before boarding. Among such persons, the ones who are clearly intoxicated and who have made inappropriate jokes (usually due to the possession of explosives) are the most distinguished. Passengers who make high claims may also be rated as higher risk, as there is a threat that they will behave in a similar way by disrupting the work of the crew on the plane. Therefore, such persons may not be allowed to board the aircraft. In most cases, the decision on them is made by the employees of the ground handling service, to whom such right is delegated by the air carriers.
Another preventive measure is the ban on consuming your own alcoholic beverages during the flight. You may wonder why you can’t only use your own drinks, and you can use those bought on the plane? The answer is simple – the flight crew, depending on the situation, can limit the amount of alcoholic beverages sold to a person and thus reduce the risk of him becoming excessively intoxicated, endangering the safety of the flight.
Persons who attempt or commit criminal acts, as well as persons who endanger the safety of the aircraft and the persons or property on board, and who disobey the aircraft crew, do not comply with safety rules and norms of conduct, are subject to sanctions in accordance with international agreements ( Tokyo Convention ). In order to ensure safety and maintain order and discipline, the flight crew has the right to take reasonable measures, including detention and transfer to the competent law enforcement authorities and disembarkation at the nearest airport.
Any unruly passenger after an incident on the aircraft is disembarked as soon as he lands and handed over to the police officers who take further procedural steps. Depending on the nature of the crime or violation, administrative or criminal proceedings are initiated. If an incident occurs on board the aircraft before the aircraft takes off, the flight commander has the right to refuse to fly an unruly or aggressive passenger and disembark him at the airport. Also, the crew is given the right to detain the conflicted person and hand him over to the law enforcement authorities upon reaching the destination or, after assessing the danger posed by the person, to disembark the person at any of the nearest airports.
The crew always warns the passenger before applying any restrictive or harsh measures and only takes such measures when necessary.
It should be noted that the crew chief is not obliged to personally approach and warn the passenger – air carriers in their internal regulations have usually given the highest authority to all crew members and their instructions are equivalent to the instructions of the aircraft commander.
The currently valid Article 387 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Lithuania stipulates that non-compliance with the legal instructions of the captain of the aircraft by persons on board shall result in a warning or a fine. These and the aforementioned sanctions can be avoided if proper behavior is observed during the flight.
Prohibited items (poster)
Lithium batteries (poster)
List of prohibited items
