Airlines and Passenger Fitness: Obligations and Procedures

Air travel involves strict scrutiny of passenger fitness to ensure safety and hygiene. Airlines must balance their responsibilities towards protecting the health of all passengers, crew, and the aircraft itself against the rights of individuals seeking to travel. This article will discuss the scenarios under which airlines may deny boarding to passengers, focusing on sick or heavily pregnant individuals.

Immobilizing Passengers: When Can an Airline Deny Boarding?

The term 'remove' from the context of an airline passenger boarding a flight is often perceived as a harsh action. However, the more precise term is 'deny boarding.' If a passenger is suspected of having an infectious disease, the responsible Individual with Command (PIC) has the authority to deny boarding. Similarly, if a passenger is pregnant, the airline can deny boarding if the passenger has already received a ticket.

Practical Scenario Involving Illness or Chest Pain

Once on board, the situation becomes more complex. The decision to deny boarding is typically made at the discretion of the Cabin Manager and the PIC. In cases where a passenger is clearly unwell or reporting symptoms like chest pain that could potentially necessitate a medical diversion, the airline may choose to offload the passenger. This was demonstrated in a recent United Airlines case.

For instance, during a flight, my wife was managing, a passenger refused to be offloaded despite showing clear signs of distress. Despite the flight attendants' training as first responders, the situation escalated, and the passenger experienced a heart attack over Iceland, underlining the potential risks involved.

Handling Pregnant Passengers

Dealing with heavily pregnant passengers brings a different set of challenges. The airline's decision on whether to deny boarding is not absolute, but it can be based on several factors. In medical terms, Pre-Rowing Management (PRM) refers to passengers who may need special assistance due to their condition. However, PRMs cannot be denied boarding unless there are clear and imminent health risks.

Navigating Pregnancy-Related Travel Restrictions

Healthcare providers often advise against travel in the third trimester. Similarly, many airlines may restrict travel after 36 weeks due to potential complications. However, circumstances can vary significantly based on the passenger's destination and stage of pregnancy.

For heavily pregnant passengers, the decision to board often depends on:

Where they are headed How far along in their pregnancy A doctor's certificate from the airport medical staff

Flight attendants are trained to handle various medical emergencies but are not equipped to perform comprehensive medical evaluations. Hence, passenger fitness and the need for a medical certificate are crucial.

Conclusion

While the primary duty of an airline is to ensure passenger and crew safety, it must also respect the rights of individuals who wish to travel. Airline policies regarding passenger fitness reflect a balance between safety protocols and compassionate understanding. As travel regulations continue to evolve, so do the guidelines for handling sick or pregnant passengers. It is imperative for both passengers and airlines to understand these policies to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.