Can an airline deny boarding if you are sick?

Can Airlines Deny Boarding to Sick Passengers?

Airlines are obligated to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers during flights. This includes taking into account the health of each individual on board. In certain circumstances, an airline may deny boarding to a passenger who appears visibly ill.

Considerations for Boarding Decisions

Flight attendants and airline personnel must evaluate the following factors when considering whether to deny boarding to a sick passenger:

• Contagious Symptoms: If a passenger exhibits obvious symptoms of a contagious illness, such as coughing, sneezing, fever, or respiratory distress, they may pose a risk to other passengers and crew members. Airlines may have policies in place to refuse boarding to individuals with such symptoms.
• Safety Concerns: A passenger’s condition may raise safety concerns. For example, if a passenger is experiencing severe dizziness or nausea, they may be a hazard to themselves or others on the aircraft.
• Hygiene Issues: Passengers with certain illnesses, such as infectious skin conditions or open wounds, may create hygiene issues that could discomfort other passengers. Airlines may deny boarding to avoid potential hygiene problems.
• Passenger Conduct: If a passenger’s illness impairs their ability to follow safety instructions or behave appropriately on the aircraft, the airline may deny them boarding.

Non-Automatic Denial

It is important to note that airlines do not automatically deny boarding to all sick passengers. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the illness and the potential risks to the flight.

Passengers who have concerns about their health or who have been advised by a doctor that they are unfit to travel should contact the airline in advance to discuss their situation.

Conclusion

Airlines have a responsibility to ensure the safety and hygiene of all passengers on board. While denied boarding is not automatic, a passenger’s visible illness may warrant careful evaluation. Flight attendants and airline personnel will make informed decisions based on the specific circumstances of each case, considering the potential risks to other passengers and the well-being of the individual in question.