American can refuse to let you board or remove you from a flight if they decide you pose a safety or comfort concern — this is a broad discretionary power that can be used in a wide range of situations.
This analysis describes what American Airlines's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes the operational authority and standards under which the carrier may exercise passenger denial or removal authority. It codifies the carrier's discretionary gatekeeping function and specifies the categories of passenger conduct or condition that trigger this authority, creating a procedural framework for safety and operational management.
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View change record →This clause gives American wide latitude to deny boarding or remove you from a flight based on its own judgment, meaning passengers can be denied carriage with limited ability to demand compensation or immediate reinstatement.
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"American may refuse to transport any passenger, or may remove any passenger from a flight, when American determines, in its reasonable discretion, that such refusal or removal is necessary for the safety or comfort of the passenger or other passengers or crew, or when the passenger's conduct or condition violates American's policies or applicable law. Such reasons include but are not limited to: failure to comply with crew instructions, intoxication, disruptive behavior, failure to provide required documentation, or security concerns.— Excerpt from American Airlines's American Airlines Terms of Use
1) REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: The right to refuse carriage is broadly recognized under U.S. common carrier law and 49 U.S.C. § 44902 (refusal to transport). The Air Carrier Access Act (49 U.S.C. § 41705) and 14 CFR Part 382 constrain refusal of carriage based on disability. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title II, public accommodations) has limited applicability to airlines but state anti-discrimination statutes may apply in certain jurisdictions. DOT enforces disability-based discrimination claims. 2)
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This provision establishes the operational authority and standards under which the carrier may exercise passenger denial or removal authority. It codifies the carrier's discretionary gatekeeping function and specifies the categories of passenger conduct or condition that trigger this authority, creating a procedural framework for safety and operational management.
This clause gives American wide latitude to deny boarding or remove you from a flight based on its own judgment, meaning passengers can be denied carriage with limited ability to demand compensation or immediate reinstatement.
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