Four major Aussie airlines band together against unruly Christmas passengers

Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar and Rex Airline have united with a zero-tolerance policy against bad behaviour this Christmas season. Photo / Unsplash

Australians boarding flights this Christmas period will be subject to a zero-tolerance policy which includes the threat of being placed on a "no-fly list" if they engage in bad behaviour after the four major airlines launched a new campaign.

A recent increase in reports of "offensive and disorderly incidents" in airports and on planes have prompted Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar and Rex Airlines to launch the joint campaign 'No More Carry On'.

Australian Airports Association chief executive James Goodwin said while carry on luggage would be allowed this festive period, disruptive or abusive "carry on" behaviour would not be tolerated.

Passengers using the country's airports and boarding flights will be subject to a zero-tolerance bad behaviour policy after a rise in abusive incidents. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

"While the majority of passengers were doing the right thing, during the pandemic there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people behaving badly, despite the reduction in passenger numbers," Mr Goodwin said.

"We understand many travellers may be anxious about flying again with so many new rules and Covid-19 regulations, but it's important any frustrations are not taken out on airport staff who are working harder than ever to ensure the safety of all passengers."

Anyone caught behaving badly faces a fine of up to $11,100, as well as being placed on a "no-fly" list and denied boarding on their flight.

Anyone found to be behaving badly faces a huge fine and will be put on a 'no fly' list. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Rex Airlines deputy chairman John Sharp said as recently as last week there had been a "very bad incident".

"A passenger turned up late for their flight and missed it … They were so upset, they picked up one of the poles you have in the lines up to the check-in counter, and threw it at the check-in counter," Mr Sharp told the Today show.

"It managed to miss the staff, but it actually knocked over the computer monitors in the process of doing that.

"That's not an isolated incident, that is happening regularly throughout our industry at the moment.

"We're urging people to respect each other, to respect their fellow passengers and the people who work in the airlines and airports."