Some states have statutes regarding the ejection of passengers on common carriers. Generally, a common carrier may remove a passenger from its transportation service for the refusal to pay a fare or to provide a ticket (on request). Disturbing the peace or failing to follow regulations set by the carrier may also result in physical removal from the carrier. While this seems straightforward, controversy on the subject of removal from a common carrier has occurred in the past, including instances where airlines were sued by passengers who were told they were too heavy to fly.
Removal From a Common Carrier
Common carriers are public transportation companies that carry people and goods on planes, trains, buses, and the like. Common carriers handle all types of passengers and cargo throughout the year, and they are responsible legally as well as financially for the safety of the passengers, luggage, and parcels that they transport from place to place.
Because of this, the common carrier companies take the responsibilities of safety and regulations very seriously, and will not allow behavior that violates their stated safety policies and procedures. There are any number of reasons for ejection from a common carrier, and you can usually look at the back of the ticket that you have purchased for examples.
While the precise reasons for removal may vary, in addition to the reasons listed above, if you refuse to abide by any of the restrictions or regulations listed on the ticket that you have purchased to ride the common carrier, or if you have a medical condition that would prevent you from being safely transported via the common carrier, you can be asked to leave the common carrier. Generally, if there is a circumstance that would result in you being ejected from a common carrier, you will have your fare refunded and your passage on the common carrier denied.
Getting Help - Legal Issues With Common Carriers
The back of your ticket often contains some specific legal exemptions that the company has laid out as a contract with you based on your purchase of that ticket. Check it and any other documentation you received from the common carrier. If you believe you have been unfairly asked to leave a common carrier, you should consult with an attorney for assistance.