To Ban or Not to Ban: Can This Get You Blacklisted By Airlines?

To Ban or Not to Ban: Can This Get You Blacklisted By Airlines? - From Unruly Behavior to Frequent Flyer Fraud

Airlines have zero tolerance for unruly behavior that threatens passenger safety. Incidents like refusing to wear a mask, becoming violent with crew or other passengers, or attempting to open emergency exits can get you instantly banned from an airline. Even verbal harassment of crew or passengers can potentially lead to a ban.

Bans for severe incidents tend to be indefinite and airlines share their no-fly lists with each other. So act out on one airline and you may find yourself unable to fly on any major carrier.
Less severe incidents like not following crew instructions or intoxication can still get you banned but may only lead to a temporary ban lasting a few months or a year.

Frequent flyer fraud is another reason airlines will ban customers. This includes things like selling miles or points, falsifying flight activity to earn elite status, or booking "hidden city" fares where you intentionally miss a connection to get a cheaper fare. Airlines invest a lot in their loyalty programs and will quickly crack down on members trying to game the system.

What else is in this post?

1. To Ban or Not to Ban: Can This Get You Blacklisted By Airlines? - From Unruly Behavior to Frequent Flyer Fraud
2. To Ban or Not to Ban: Can This Get You Blacklisted By Airlines? - When Airlines Share Their No-Fly Lists
3. To Ban or Not to Ban: Can This Get You Blacklisted By Airlines? - Appealing an Airline Ban - Is There Any Hope?

To Ban or Not to Ban: Can This Get You Blacklisted By Airlines? - When Airlines Share Their No-Fly Lists

Bans from one airline are often shared across multiple carriers. Major US airlines including American, Delta, United and Alaska all participate in a shared no-fly list managed through a Department of Homeland Security program. Getting banned from any of these airlines will effectively ban you from the others as well.

The global airline industry also shares banned passenger information through databases managed by industry groups. For example, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) operates a registry that contains the names of unruly passengers reported by participating airlines. Over 50 international carriers contribute to this database.
Getting added to one of these shared lists can leave you stranded. For instance, in 2021 an American Airlines passenger flying from New York to California allegedly punched a flight attendant in the face. He was not only banned by American but also found himself unable to board connecting flights on Delta.

Even foreign airlines share their no-fly lists. For example, carriers in Canada, the UK and the EU all exchange banned passenger information. So unruly behavior on an Air France flight could potentially get you barred from future Air Canada flights as well.
In addition to formal shared lists, airlines also communicate informally about problem passengers. If one carrier flags you as disruptive, they may contact partners they have alliances and codeshares with to inform them as well.

To Ban or Not to Ban: Can This Get You Blacklisted By Airlines? - Appealing an Airline Ban - Is There Any Hope?

If you find yourself slapped with an airline ban, whether for unruly behavior or frequent flyer fraud, appealing the decision may seem hopeless. Airlines have absolute discretion when it comes to restricting passengers. However, that doesn't mean pursuing an appeal is always futile.
With an indefinite ban, your chances are slim. Airlines implement indefinite bans for severe safety threats, like violence against crew or passengers. They have little incentive to overturn these. Temporary bans for minor incidents like intoxication or non-compliance have better odds though.

If it's your first offense, highlight your long history as a good passenger in your appeal. Provide any mitigating circumstances that may have led to the incident. Medical conditions, family emergencies, or stressful events can potentially sway an airline’s decision.
Emphasize you've learned your lesson. Admit fault and describe how the ban has deeply impacted you. Promise it will never happen again. Letters of support from employers, family, or friends can also help demonstrate your good character.

For frequent flyer fraud, admit your mistake, pay back any improperly earned rewards, and swear to follow program rules going forward. Having a clean track record as a loyal customer gives you some leverage in negotiations.