When an Airline May Remove You From Your Flight
Airlines possess the authority to remove passengers from a flight, a measure typically reserved for situations that compromise safety, security, or the smooth operation of the service. While it is not a common occurrence for most travelers, understanding the circumstances under which this can happen is vital for all air passengers. This power is usually exercised under the airline's contract of carriage and is guided by federal regulations designed to ensure the well-being of everyone onboard.
The primary reasons an airline might remove a passenger are multifaceted. They often fall into categories concerning the passenger's physical condition, behavior, documentation, or issues with the flight itself, such as overbooking. Knowing these potential triggers can help you avoid situations that might lead to such an unfortunate outcome, ensuring your journey proceeds without disruption.
- Airlines can remove passengers for safety, security, or operational reasons.
- Overbooking, passenger conduct, and health concerns are common causes.
- Understanding airline policies and passenger rights is key.
- Removal is usually a last resort, following specific procedures.
Overbooking: The Most Frequent Cause
One of the most common scenarios where passengers might be involuntarily removed from a flight is due to overbooking. Airlines often sell more tickets than there are seats available, anticipating that a certain percentage of passengers will not show up for their flight. When more passengers check in than there are seats, the airline may ask for volunteers to take a later flight in exchange for compensation. If not enough volunteers come forward, the airline may then select passengers to be removed from the flight, typically based on criteria outlined in their contract of carriage. These criteria often prioritize certain fare types, check-in times, or passenger status.
Safety and Security Concerns
The paramount concern for any airline is the safety and security of its passengers and crew. If a passenger poses a threat, or is perceived to pose a threat, to the safety or security of the flight, they can be removed. This can include instances of intoxication, aggression, or any behavior that could be interpreted as a security risk. Airlines are empowered by regulations to deny boarding or remove individuals whose actions could jeopardize the flight's integrity.
Passenger Conduct and Disruptive Behavior
Disruptive behavior is another significant reason for passenger removal. This encompasses a wide range of actions, from verbal abuse towards crew members or other passengers, to non-compliance with safety instructions, to physical altercations. Federal regulations, like those in the United States, grant airlines broad discretion to refuse or remove passengers whose conduct is deemed offensive, disorderly, or illegal. Such actions not only disrupt the flight but can also create a hostile environment for everyone onboard, necessitating intervention.
Health and Medical Issues
While airlines are generally accommodating of medical needs, a passenger's health can also be a reason for removal, especially if it presents a risk to others or the flight's operation. This could involve a passenger appearing severely ill, showing symptoms of a contagious disease that poses a public health risk, or being unable to sit upright in their seat without medical assistance, which might require specific equipment or cabin configurations not available on the flight. Airlines often err on the side of caution when potential health risks are identified.
Documentation and Identification Issues
Proper documentation is a non-negotiable requirement for air travel, particularly for international flights, but also for domestic travel requiring identification. If a passenger lacks the necessary identification, visa, or travel documents, or if their documents are deemed invalid or fraudulent, the airline has the right to deny boarding or remove them from the flight. This is to ensure compliance with immigration laws and security protocols.
Understanding Your Rights When Denied Boarding
When an airline removes you from a flight, especially if it's due to overbooking or a situation outside your control, you have specific rights. These rights are designed to protect passengers from unfair treatment and to provide recourse when travel plans are significantly disrupted. The exact nature of these rights can vary by region and the airline's specific policies, but generally, they involve compensation, rebooking, and assistance.
It is crucial to remain calm and informed if you find yourself in such a situation. Knowing what to expect and what you are entitled to can make a significant difference in resolving the issue with minimal stress. Airlines are typically obligated to inform you of your rights and the compensation available.
Compensation for Involuntary Denied Boarding
In many jurisdictions, if you are involuntarily denied boarding due to overbooking, you are entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation often depends on the length of the delay caused by the airline's rebooking efforts. For instance, in the United States, passengers denied boarding involuntarily may be entitled to monetary compensation from the airline, often a sum that can be a significant percentage of their ticket price, up to a certain limit. This compensation is intended to acknowledge the inconvenience and disruption to your travel plans.
Rebooking and Alternative Transportation
Beyond monetary compensation, airlines are usually required to offer you alternative transportation. This typically means rebooking you on the next available flight to your destination, either on their own airline or on another carrier, at no additional cost. The goal is to get you to your destination as soon as reasonably possible. If the delay is substantial, the airline may also be obligated to provide other amenities like meals or accommodation, depending on the length of the delay and the circumstances.
The right to be informed about your entitlements is as critical as the entitlements themselves. Always ask for clarification on compensation and rebooking options.
When Removal is for Passenger Conduct
It is important to distinguish between removal due to airline-initiated issues like overbooking and removal due to passenger behavior. If you are removed from a flight because of intoxication, disruptive conduct, non-compliance with safety regulations, or posing a security risk, you generally forfeit your right to compensation or free rebooking. In these cases, the airline is within its rights to remove you, and you may be responsible for arranging and paying for your own onward travel. Furthermore, such conduct can lead to being banned from future flights with that airline.
Document everything: If you are removed from a flight, keep copies of your ticket, boarding pass, and any communication with airline staff. Note down the names of staff members and the time of events. This documentation is invaluable if you need to file a complaint or claim compensation later.
Dispute Resolution and Complaints
If you believe you were wrongly removed from a flight or not provided with the compensation or assistance you are entitled to, you have the right to file a complaint. Most airlines have a formal complaint process. If the airline does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you can escalate the complaint to the relevant transportation authority in your country or region. These bodies oversee airline compliance with passenger protection regulations and can mediate disputes.
Reasons for Removal Beyond Overbooking
While overbooking frequently leads to passengers being asked to deplane, it's far from the only reason an airline can remove you from a flight. The airline's primary responsibility is the safety and security of everyone on board. This broad mandate gives them significant latitude to take action if they believe a passenger's presence or actions pose a risk.
Understanding these less common but critical reasons can help you prepare for your flight and avoid misunderstandings that could lead to your removal. These issues often stem from a passenger's personal state, their belongings, or their interactions with the flight crew and other passengers.
Non-Compliance with Safety Instructions
Flight crews are trained to ensure all passengers adhere to safety instructions for the well-being of everyone. This includes directives regarding seatbelts, stowing luggage, electronic device usage, and emergency procedures. If a passenger repeatedly refuses to comply with these instructions, or deliberately disregards them in a manner that could compromise safety, the airline has grounds for removal. This is particularly true if the non-compliance occurs during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff or landing.
Health Risks and Contagious Diseases
A passenger presenting with severe, contagious illness that could endanger other passengers or crew is a serious concern. Airlines are tasked with preventing the spread of communicable diseases. While they cannot medically diagnose passengers, if a passenger appears visibly and severely ill, or if there's a clear, immediate public health risk, the airline may, in consultation with medical professionals if necessary, deny boarding or remove the passenger. This is often guided by public health advisories and regulations.
Disruptive or Offensive Behavior
This category is broad and can include anything from loud and aggressive arguments to harassment of other passengers or crew, or any behavior that makes others feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Excessive alcohol consumption leading to belligerence, refusal to wear a mask when required by airline policy or regulation (where applicable), or creating a disturbance are all examples of disruptive behavior. The airline's judgment on what constitutes unacceptable conduct is often final.
Prepare your documents well in advance. Ensure your passport, visas, and any required health declarations are in order. Having everything readily accessible and correctly filled out can prevent issues related to documentation that might lead to denied boarding.
Issues with Luggage or Carry-On Items
While less common for full removal, issues with prohibited items in carry-on or checked baggage, or carry-on luggage exceeding size or weight limits, can lead to passengers being held up or, in extreme cases, removed. If a prohibited item is discovered and cannot be resolved, or if a passenger refuses to comply with baggage regulations after being instructed, it could escalate to removal. This also applies if a passenger insists on bringing an oversized item that cannot be accommodated.
Failure to Provide Valid Identification
For domestic travel, passengers typically need a government-issued photo ID. For international travel, a valid passport and any necessary visas are mandatory. If a passenger cannot produce acceptable identification or documentation at check-in or the gate, they will be denied boarding. If a passenger is already onboard and such an issue is discovered, they will be removed from the flight.
Appearing Unfit to Fly
A passenger may be removed if they appear to be incapacitated or unfit to fly due to illness, injury, or intoxication, and cannot travel independently or safely without causing disruption. This is a judgment call by the airline staff, prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone. If a passenger is so unwell that they require constant medical attention or cannot manage basic needs independently, the airline may deem them unfit for travel.
The Airline's Contract of Carriage: Your Binding Agreement
Every airline operating flights has a document known as the Contract of Carriage (or Conditions of Carriage). This document is a legally binding agreement between you, the passenger, and the airline. It outlines the terms and conditions under which the airline agrees to transport you and your baggage. Crucially, it details the airline's rights and responsibilities, as well as your own, including the specific reasons and procedures for passenger removal.
When you purchase a ticket, you are implicitly agreeing to the terms laid out in this contract. While often lengthy and filled with legal jargon, it is the definitive source for understanding the rules governing your flight. Familiarizing yourself with key aspects of this document, especially concerning denied boarding and passenger conduct, can empower you as a traveler.
Key Provisions Regarding Passenger Removal
The Contract of Carriage typically specifies that the airline reserves the right to refuse or remove any passenger from a flight if it is deemed necessary for safety, security, or operational reasons. Common grounds cited include: non-compliance with federal regulations or airline policies, disruptive behavior, intoxication, inability to provide required documentation, or a passenger's medical condition posing a risk. The contract often states that such removal is at the airline's discretion and may result in the forfeiture of the ticket value.
Understanding the Fine Print
While airlines are required to make their contracts of carriage accessible, many passengers do not read them thoroughly. However, key sections related to denied boarding, baggage allowances, check-in times, and passenger conduct are particularly relevant. These sections define what constitutes acceptable behavior, the process for overbooking situations, and the consequences for violating terms. It's where you'll find the airline's specific rules on compensation for denied boarding, if any, beyond regulatory minimums.
How to Access the Contract of Carriage
You can typically find an airline's Contract of Carriage on its official website. It is usually located in the footer section, often labeled as 'Contract of Carriage', 'Conditions of Carriage', 'Legal Information', or 'Terms and Conditions'. For specific questions, customer service representatives should be able to direct you to the relevant section or provide a copy. Always refer to the contract of the airline you are flying with, as policies can differ significantly.
Before booking, spend a few minutes locating and skimming the Contract of Carriage for the airline you plan to use. Pay close attention to sections on denied boarding, passenger conduct, and compensation to understand your rights and the airline's policies upfront.
When the Contract of Carriage Conflicts with Regulations
In cases where an airline's Contract of Carriage conflicts with mandatory government regulations (e.g., passenger rights laws), the regulations generally take precedence. For example, if a government mandates a certain level of compensation for denied boarding, an airline cannot offer less in its contract. However, airlines may offer terms that are more favorable to passengers than the minimum legal requirements.
What to Do If You Are Removed From a Flight
Being removed from a flight can be a disorienting and frustrating experience. The immediate aftermath requires a calm, strategic approach to ensure your rights are protected and your travel plans can be salvaged. It is important to understand that while removal is disruptive, your actions in the moment can significantly impact the resolution.
The key is to remain composed, gather information, and clearly understand the reasons for your removal and the airline's proposed next steps. This preparedness will help you navigate the situation effectively and advocate for yourself if necessary.
Remain Calm and Inquire About the Reason
Your first step should be to remain calm and polite. While you may feel upset or angry, exhibiting aggressive behavior will only worsen the situation and could solidify the airline's decision or provide additional grounds for removal. Politely ask the airline representative or flight crew for a clear explanation of why you are being removed from the flight. This information is critical for understanding your situation and potential recourse.
Understand Your Compensation and Rebooking Options
If your removal is due to overbooking or other airline-initiated reasons, you are likely entitled to compensation and rebooking assistance. Ask the airline representative about these options immediately. Inquire about:
- When you will be rebooked and on which flight.
- What compensation the airline is offering for the inconvenience, as per their policy or regulations.
- Whether meals, accommodation, or other necessary expenses will be covered if the delay is significant.
Do not leave the gate area or airport until you have a clear understanding of your rebooking and compensation. If you are at the gate, speak to the airline agent there. If you are already on the plane, the flight crew will usually coordinate with ground staff to arrange your rebooking and inform you of your rights.
Seek Written Confirmation
If possible, ask for a written confirmation of the reason for your removal and any compensation or rebooking arrangements made. This can be a letter from the airline, an email, or even a note on your itinerary. Such documentation is invaluable if you need to file a complaint or dispute the airline's decision later. It serves as evidence of what was communicated and agreed upon.
Always carry a portable power bank for your phone. In situations where you might be unexpectedly removed from a flight, having a charged phone is crucial for contacting family, booking alternative arrangements if necessary, or documenting interactions.
Know When to Escalate
If you believe you have been unfairly removed or denied your rightful compensation, do not hesitate to escalate the matter. First, file a formal complaint with the airline's customer relations department. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, you can then report the issue to the relevant government transportation authority (e.g., the Department of Transportation in the U.S., the CAA in the UK, or national bodies in the EU). These authorities can investigate and mediate disputes.
Document Everything
Throughout the process, meticulously document every interaction, agreement, and expense. Keep copies of all tickets, boarding passes, receipts for any expenses incurred due to the delay (food, toiletries, etc.), and correspondence with the airline. This detailed record will be essential if you need to pursue a claim for compensation or make a formal complaint.
Flight Disruptions: Overbooking vs. Other Issues
When travel plans go awry, it's easy to lump all flight disruptions into one category. However, understanding the distinction between an overbooked flight and other reasons for removal or delay is crucial for knowing your rights and how airlines are obligated to respond. While both can lead to significant inconvenience, the underlying causes dictate the passenger's entitlements.
The difference often boils down to whether the issue is a systemic airline practice like overselling tickets, or a situation arising from individual passenger behavior or unforeseen operational problems. This distinction is fundamental when seeking compensation or resolution.
Overbooking: A Business Practice with Passenger Rights
As discussed, overbooking is a calculated business strategy. Airlines anticipate no-shows to maximize seat utilization. When this strategy backfires and more passengers check in than seats available, it results in involuntary denied boarding for some. In such cases, regulations in many countries mandate that airlines provide compensation, rebooking assistance, and sometimes amenities like meals or accommodation, depending on the delay duration. The passenger is generally not at fault.
Operational Issues: Mechanical Problems, Weather, and Staffing
Flights can also be delayed or canceled due to operational issues. These include mechanical malfunctions, adverse weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions, or crew shortages. While these are legitimate reasons for disruption, they often place different obligations on the airline compared to overbooking. For weather or air traffic control issues, airlines may have limited liability for compensation, though they are still typically required to assist with rebooking. Mechanical issues and crew shortages often fall under the airline's direct responsibility, potentially leading to greater compensation obligations.
Passenger-Initiated Disruptions
A third category involves disruptions caused by a passenger's actions. This includes instances where a passenger is removed for disruptive behavior, non-compliance, or health concerns. In these scenarios, the airline is usually not obligated to provide compensation or free rebooking, as the passenger is deemed responsible for the disruption. The passenger may even face charges or be banned from future travel.
When a flight is delayed, ask the gate agent for the specific reason. Understanding whether it's an operational issue, a weather event, or an overbooking situation helps you determine what assistance and compensation you might be entitled to.
Navigating Different Scenarios
The key takeaway is to always clarify the reason for your disruption. If you are asked to deplane or your flight is significantly delayed, ask for the specific cause. If it's an overbooking situation, know your rights regarding compensation and rebooking. If it's due to weather or air traffic control, understand that while compensation might be limited, rebooking assistance is usually still provided. For issues stemming from passenger conduct, the airline's obligations are minimal.
Preventative Measures: How to Avoid Removal
While airlines have the right to remove passengers under specific circumstances, proactive measures can significantly reduce your risk of encountering such a situation. The goal is to be a well-prepared, compliant, and considerate traveler. By adhering to airline policies and basic travel etiquette, you can ensure a smoother journey for yourself and others.
Focusing on preparation, understanding rules, and maintaining appropriate conduct are the cornerstones of preventing removal from a flight. These steps are not just about avoiding trouble; they contribute to a more pleasant travel experience for everyone involved.
Arrive Early and Check In Promptly
One of the most straightforward ways to avoid issues related to overbooking is to be present and checked in well before the deadline. Airlines often use check-in times as a factor when deciding who to remove if a flight is overbooked. Arriving at the airport with ample time allows you to handle any unexpected issues with your booking, baggage, or security without rushing, and ensures you meet all check-in requirements.
Verify Your Travel Documents
Ensure all your travel documents are valid and in order long before your travel date. For domestic flights, this means having a current, acceptable form of identification. For international travel, double-check your passport's expiration date (many countries require it to be valid for at least six months beyond your stay) and ensure you have all necessary visas. Missing or invalid documents are a guaranteed reason for denied boarding.
Understand and Adhere to Baggage Policies
Familiarize yourself with the airline's specific rules regarding carry-on and checked baggage size, weight, and number of items. Pay attention to restrictions on prohibited items. Presenting oversized or overweight bags at the gate, or attempting to bring prohibited items onboard, can cause delays and may lead to your bags being checked, or in rare cases, removal if you cannot comply.
Pack your essential medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. This is a standard travel tip, but it's especially relevant if you're concerned about overbooking or potential delays, as it ensures you have immediate necessities readily available.
Be Aware of and Comply with Airline Policies
This includes policies on alcohol consumption (especially before boarding), use of electronic devices, seatbelt usage, and any specific health-related mandates (like mask-wearing, if applicable during your travel period). Read the safety briefing carefully and follow the flight attendants' instructions. Compliance demonstrates that you are a responsible passenger.
Avoid Disruptive Behavior
This seems obvious, but it bears repeating. Refrain from loud arguments, excessive intoxication, or any behavior that could be perceived as aggressive, offensive, or threatening. Treat flight crew and fellow passengers with respect. If you have a medical condition that might require special attention, inform the airline in advance.
Consider Travel Insurance
While travel insurance won't prevent removal, it can mitigate the financial impact if you are denied boarding or if your flight is significantly disrupted. Many policies offer coverage for expenses incurred due to delays, cancellations, or denied boarding, providing a financial safety net.
Airlines' Responsibility and Passenger Well-being
Airlines carry a significant responsibility when it comes to transporting passengers safely and efficiently. This duty of care extends beyond simply getting from point A to point B; it encompasses ensuring the security, comfort, and well-being of everyone on board. When passengers are removed, it's often because the airline believes it is necessary to uphold this responsibility.
The decision to remove a passenger is not taken lightly, as it disrupts the flight schedule and causes inconvenience. However, the airline's obligation to maintain a safe environment for all passengers and crew takes precedence over individual travel plans in certain critical situations.
The Primacy of Safety and Security
The foremost duty of an airline is to ensure the safety and security of its passengers and crew. This principle underpins many of their policies, including those that allow for passenger removal. Whether it's a potential security threat, a passenger's health condition, or disruptive behavior that compromises the flight's integrity, the airline must act to safeguard the aircraft and its occupants. This is mandated by aviation authorities worldwide.
Fair Treatment in Overbooking Scenarios
When overbooking leads to denied boarding, airlines are expected to handle the situation equitably. This typically involves offering compensation and rebooking services. While the process can be stressful, regulations aim to ensure that passengers are treated fairly and are not left stranded without recourse. The goal is to rectify the airline's error in a way that minimizes hardship for the affected passengers.
Providing Necessary Assistance
Beyond compensation, airlines have a responsibility to provide reasonable assistance to passengers affected by disruptions they initiate, such as overbooking. This can include providing meal vouchers, arranging accommodation for overnight delays, and offering transportation to and from hotels. The extent of this assistance often depends on the length of the delay and local regulations.
Keep a digital copy of your booking confirmation, itinerary, and any travel insurance details on your smartphone. This accessibility is vital if your physical documents are lost or if you need to quickly reference details for rebooking or claims.
Training and Protocols for Flight Crews
Flight crews undergo extensive training to manage various scenarios, including those that might lead to passenger removal. They are trained to assess situations, de-escalate conflicts, and enforce safety regulations. Airlines have established protocols for handling disruptive passengers, medical emergencies, and security concerns, ensuring that crews have the guidelines and authority to act decisively when necessary.
Balancing Passenger Rights with Operational Needs
Airlines constantly balance the rights and comfort of their passengers with the practicalities of operating flights efficiently and safely. Decisions regarding passenger removal are a manifestation of this balance, where the collective safety and operational integrity of the flight are prioritized. Passengers who understand these priorities are better equipped to navigate the travel process and avoid potential conflicts.
Regulatory Frameworks Governing Passenger Removal
The authority for airlines to remove passengers is not unchecked. It operates within a framework of national and international regulations designed to protect passenger rights while ensuring aviation safety and security. These regulations provide guidelines for airlines and recourse for passengers, establishing clear boundaries for what airlines can and cannot do.
Understanding these regulatory frameworks is essential for passengers, as they define the rules of engagement for situations like denied boarding, unruly behavior, and safety compliance. They provide a basis for passenger entitlements and airline obligations.
United States Regulations (DOT)
In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees air passenger rights. For involuntary denied boarding due to overbooking, passengers are entitled to compensation. The amount varies based on the delay: if the airline arranges alternative transport that arrives within one hour of the original schedule, no compensation is required; between one and two hours for domestic flights, compensation is 200% of the one-way fare; and over two hours, it's 400%. For international flights, these thresholds are two and four hours, respectively. The maximum compensation is capped. The DOT also has rules regarding passenger conduct, empowering airlines to deny boarding or remove passengers who pose a threat.
European Union Regulations (EC 261/2004)
In the EU, Regulation EC 261/2004 is a comprehensive set of passenger rights. For denied boarding, passengers are entitled to re-routing or a refund, and in cases of significant delay or inconvenience, monetary compensation. The compensation amounts are fixed and depend on flight distance and delay length. Like U.S. regulations, EC 261/2004 allows airlines to refuse or remove passengers for reasons of safety, security, or non-compliance with regulations, but does not mandate compensation in such instances.
Other International Frameworks
Many other countries have their own passenger rights regulations. For example, Canada has the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, which cover denied boarding, flight cancellations, and delays, including compensation and care requirements. Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) also has rules governing air travel, although passenger rights regarding denied boarding may be primarily governed by airline contracts and consumer law. Travelers should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of the countries they are flying to or from.
The Montreal Convention
For international flights between signatory countries, the Montreal Convention governs airline liability for delays, baggage loss, and personal injury or death. While it primarily addresses compensation for damages resulting from flight delays, it also sets limits on airline liability. Its provisions can be relevant if a passenger suffers demonstrable damages due to a flight disruption, though it's less about the immediate right to compensation for denied boarding and more about liability for incurred losses.
When traveling internationally, check the specific passenger rights regulations for both your departure and arrival countries. These can differ significantly and may offer additional protections.
Enforcement and Reporting
If an airline fails to comply with these regulations, passengers typically have the right to file a complaint with the relevant national enforcement body. These bodies are responsible for investigating violations and ensuring airlines adhere to passenger protection laws. Keeping detailed records of your travel, communication with the airline, and any expenses incurred is crucial for supporting any claim or complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flight Removal
Navigating the complexities of air travel can sometimes lead to questions about specific airline policies and passenger rights. Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries regarding when and why an airline might remove you from a flight.
Can an airline remove you from a flight for being late to the gate?
Yes, an airline can deny boarding or remove you if you do not arrive at the gate by the specified boarding time, especially if your seat has already been given to another passenger due to overbooking. Boarding usually closes 15-30 minutes before departure.
What happens to my luggage if I am removed from a flight?
If you are removed from a flight due to overbooking or airline issues, your luggage will typically be offloaded to ensure it does not travel without you. If removed for conduct reasons, the airline will follow procedures to manage your baggage according to their policy.
Can an airline remove a child from a flight?
Airlines can remove a child from a flight under the same conditions as an adult, such as for safety or security reasons, or if the child is traveling without proper documentation or supervision as required by policy. Unaccompanied minor policies must also be adhered to.
What is the difference between denied boarding and removal?
Denied boarding typically refers to being prevented from boarding before the aircraft doors close, often due to overbooking. Removal means you were already onboard the aircraft and are asked to deplane. Both can occur for similar reasons, but removal involves leaving an already occupied seat.
Am I entitled to a refund if I'm removed from a flight?
If removed due to overbooking or airline error, you are usually entitled to rebooking or a refund for the unused portion of your ticket, plus compensation. If removed for passenger conduct or documentation issues, a refund is unlikely, and you may forfeit the ticket value.
Can an airline refuse to rebook me if I'm removed?
If removed due to overbooking or airline fault, the airline must rebook you. If removed for conduct or other passenger-related issues, they may refuse to rebook you and you would be responsible for your own travel arrangements.
What if I disagree with the reason for my removal?
If you believe you were wrongly removed, document everything and file a formal complaint with the airline. If unresolved, escalate the complaint to the relevant transportation authority for investigation and potential mediation.