Passenger Arrested After Heated Dispute Over Allegiant Air’s $5 Boarding Pass Fee

A man was arrested at Punta Gorda Airport after a heated confrontation with Allegiant Air staff over a $5 fee to print a boarding pass. The incident, captured on police body camera footage, escalated when the passenger refused to pay the fee, insisted on using cash, and became aggressive when police intervened.

Key Takeaways

• A passenger was arrested for refusing to pay a $5 fee to print a boarding pass at Allegiant Air.
• The passenger argued he had already paid for his ticket and refused to use a credit card for the fee.
• The situation escalated, leading to the passenger’s arrest for disorderly conduct and trespassing.

The Incident Unfolds

The altercation occurred at the Allegiant Air check-in desk at Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). Allegiant Air, an ultra-low-cost carrier, charges various service fees, including $5 for printing a boarding pass at the airport for passengers who do not use the airline’s app or print at home. This fee is clearly stated on the airline’s optional services and fees page.

The passenger became irate when informed of the $5 charge, asserting that his ticket purchase should cover boarding pass printing. He also claimed he had not paid such a fee in the previous year. When police were called to the scene due to the disturbance, the passenger was uncooperative, demanding that officers document the airline’s refusal to let him board without paying the fee.

Escalation and Arrest

Further complicating matters, the passenger attempted to pay the $5 fee with cash, but Allegiant Air’s policy at the time only accepted credit or debit cards for such transactions. The passenger then became verbally abusive towards the police officer, who warned him about being trespassed from the property. Despite the warnings, the passenger remained aggressive and refused to comply, leading to his arrest.

Reactions and Commentary

Commenters on the incident expressed a range of opinions, with many criticizing the passenger’s behavior and entitlement. Others suggested that while the passenger’s actions were unacceptable, the fee itself could be seen as a point of contention, particularly for travelers unfamiliar with ultra-low-cost carrier policies or those who prefer not to use digital methods for boarding passes. Some also pointed out the potential for de-escalation if the situation had been handled differently by airline staff or law enforcement, such as by waiving the fee or finding alternative payment methods.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding airline policies, especially with budget carriers, and the consequences of escalating disputes with airline staff and law enforcement.

Sources

Angry Man Arrested Over Allegiant’s $5 Boarding Pass Printing Fee, One Mile at a Time.