It’s no secret that flying is stressful these days, but that’s no excuse for unruly behavior. According to the FAA, there were more than 2,000 reports of unruly passengers in 2024, some of which resulted in removal and fines. Unruly actions such as violence and not cooperating with the crew are an obvious one-way ticket back to the terminal, but other rules are more surprising. While most passengers will never face removal, it’s helpful to understand the guidelines so you can be a courteous traveler and know what might be happening if you see a situation unfold.

Drinking Your Own Alcohol

It’s probably no surprise that you can be refused boarding or asked to deplane if you seem intoxicated. Federal aviation regulations require crew members to deny boarding to anyone who appears visibly drunk, so it’s a good reminder to pace yourself at the airport bar and wait until you reach your destination to celebrate.

If you decide to partake in a celebratory vacation cocktail during your flight, remember this: Federal regulations also state that the only alcoholic beverages passengers are allowed to drink are those that have been purchased aboard the aircraft. This means any alcohol purchased elsewhere, including from duty-free stores in the airport, must remain sealed. 

This policy enables flight attendants to monitor your alcohol consumption, ensuring that no passenger becomes a safety risk during the flight. Drinking alcohol has more noticeable effects at high altitudes because your body’s blood oxygen levels drop, which means that dehydration, risk of falling, impaired judgment, and the ability to focus are all more significantly impacted in the air. 

Being too intoxicated can also have serious consequences for your wallet. Airlines are not obligated to refund your ticket if you’re removed from a flight, meaning you will have to rebook travel at your own expense. Depending on the severity of your behavior, the airline has the right to place you on a temporary or permanent no-fly list, and they can even press charges under state or federal law, which can result in fines or even arrest for serious charges.

Being Too Sick (Even Just a Cold)

Unless it’s an emergency, you should avoid flying while actively sick. And if you’re recovering from an illness, it’s wise to bring a doctor’s note confirming you’re no longer infectious, because airlines can kick you off a flight if you appear contagious. Rashes, coughs, and sneezes can be alarming to crew and fellow passengers, so being prepared can help avoid complications and delays.

For example, United Airlines can deny boarding if a passenger appears unable to complete the flight without medical assistance, poses a health or safety risk to others, or fails to complete a required medical certificate at least 48 hours before departure. Those who must travel with a contagious illness or those who might require urgent care during the flight require a medical certificate on United. Check your airline’s regulations before traveling if you are sick.

Wearing the Wrong Outfit

You’re probably familiar with the “no shoes, no shirt, no service” signs at restaurants. As it turns out, airlines have similar expectations. While dress codes vary by carrier and tend to be vague, there are a few universal violations that can trigger removal from a flight. This includes traveling barefoot, wearing revealing clothing (such as swimsuit attire), or displaying offensive slogans. 

Hawaiian Airlines has one of the most specific dress code policies: Footwear must be worn at all times (sandals are allowed), clothing must cover the upper part of the torso (e.g., no cropped shirts), and clothing must cover the lower part of the torso (e.g., no revealing bottoms, such as swimwear). When in doubt, opt for attire that is both comfortable and modest.

Emitting Strong Odors

Did you know that passengers have been removed from flights for body odor, strong perfume, or other unpleasant scents? Most airlines list “odors” under their “refusal to transport” conditions in their contract of carriages. Delta Air Lines, for example, states that a passenger can be refused “when the passenger’s conduct, attire, hygiene, or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers.”

These rules are in place because scent circulates in a closed cabin with nowhere to escape. If you spray a strong perfume or cologne, for example, the entire airplane can become overwhelmed with the scent. This can not only disturb passengers and crew, but also trigger migraines or even allergic reactions. So, try to always be mindful of scents and hygiene before boarding a plane.

Taking Photos of Crew Members and Passengers

Many travelers snap pre-vacation selfies after boarding their flight, but airlines request that you refrain from recording flight crew and fellow passengers without their prior permission. This is due to privacy concerns, especially in the age of social media, where even innocent images and videos can be misinterpreted. There are also security and safety concerns — it can be distracting for the flight crew, and any actions that interfere with their duties may result in removal from the aircraft.

The TSA also has rules about photography and videos during security screenings. While personal recordings of yourself and your travel companions are acceptable, you cannot interfere with the screening process. This includes recording a TSA officer, causing disruptions in line, or refusing to submit the recording device for screening.

Aside from the TSA line, most passengers can probably agree that boarding a plane is one of the most hectic parts of air travel. With ever-increasing checked baggage fees, travelers are bringing more bags onto the aircraft than before, leading airlines to implement and enforce strict rules on both the quantity and size of carry-on luggage — just ask anyone who’s ever been forced to place their bag into a tiny metal cage at the gate to make sure it fits within the required dimensions. However, there’s good news on that front: Recently, one airline made a major change to this oft-hated process. 

American Airlines’ New Policy for Carry-Ons

In October 2025, American Airlines announced that it would be removing the metal baggage sizers that have been a fixture at the boarding gate for years. Instead, gate agents will visually inspect carry-on bags and pull aside any passengers who appear to be in violation of the size limits. 

In a statement shared with Afar, a spokesperson for American Airlines said that the move was to “further simplify the boarding experience for our customers and team members,” and that “staff members will instead be asked to err on the side of the traveler if they’re unsure if the bag will fit in the overhead bin.”

That should come as welcome news for American Airlines customers, who will no longer be forced to finagle their carry-ons into the rigid metal baggage sizers. American isn’t the first or only airline to do this, either — United permanently removed baggage sizers at the gate back in 2020. 

The change should also help speed up the boarding process, especially with American’s 2024 implementation of new technology aimed at cracking down on those who attempt to cut the boarding line. Now, if a passenger scans their boarding pass before their group is called, it creates an audible alert letting the gate agent know to send them to the back of the line, which should deter passengers from attempting to crowd the gate area — a phenomenon commonly referred to as “gate lice.”

How To Pack Your Carry-On More Efficiently

While you’ll no longer be asked to place your bag into a sizer when flying on American or United, it’s always a good idea to stick to the size requirements, which aren’t changing. When flying American, passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or backpack) that must fit under the seat in front of them. The carry-on bag cannot exceed 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches in size, including the handles and wheels. American has said that baggage sizers will still be available at the check-in counter for customers who aren’t sure if theirs will fit on board.

Looking to avoid checking a bag? We’ve compiled a few clever hacks to fit more into your carry-on, which you can read about here. They include practical tips, such as wearing heavier or bulkier items on the plane and rolling clothes instead of folding them, and helpful products such as packing cubes and vacuum sealers that will allow you to make the most of every inch in your carry-on. 

Featured image credit: Jackyenjoyphotography/ Moment via Getty Images 

Certain TSA rules should make sense to every flyer, such as the need to conduct X-ray scans of luggage to ensure it doesn’t contain any hazardous materials. However, the reasons behind other rules and procedures may be less clear, like being told to take off your belt or remove your electronic devices from your bag. In the latter category, you also may have wondered why TSA officers occasionally swab your hands as part of the screening process. The answer is actually pretty straightforward: They’re checking you for trace evidence of one particular potential hazard.

Explosive Trace Detection

TSA’s hand swabs are part of a state-of-the-art screening process known as Explosive Trace Detection (ETD). This system was enacted in the wake of a failed explosive attack in 2009 and became commonplace at most U.S. airports the following year. As explained in this video from the Department of Homeland Security, the purpose of ETD is to search for trace amounts of potentially explosive residue caught inside the crevices of the human fingerprint. 

Because you can’t see these traces with the naked eye, they require a swab and machine to analyze. When the swab is placed into a machine, it takes just a few seconds to analyze it and compare it with a library of chemicals tied to explosives. In the event that trace amounts of an unsafe material is discovered, it’s an indicator that something may be amiss and warrants further investigation. TSA officers are empowered to randomly pull aside any passengers for a mandatory hand swab. They may also swab the handle of your bag, shoes, laptop, wheelchair, or any other common touchpoints that may contain trace particles.

False Positives Do Happen

The process isn’t foolproof. At times, the same ingredients found in certain explosives are also present in everyday objects we often use. For instance, many soaps, cosmetics, sanitizers, and similar hygienic products contain glycerin, nitrates, and other chemicals that are also sometimes used in explosives. 

Furthermore, some improvised explosive devices may contain fertilizer, which means that someone with a green thumb and a home garden may be at risk of being flagged, as there’s likely to be residue on their hands. This can lead to more false positives than real ones, but it’s still up to the TSA to investigate the matter further and clear each passenger.

In any case, if the machine comes back with a false positive, there’s no need to panic. Expect to be pulled aside and patted down by a TSA officer, who’s likely to thoroughly inspect the contents of your bag as well. Once the officer has completed this secondary screening, you’ll be free to proceed.

Can You Decline a TSA Swab?

Some travelers have wondered if these hand swabs may violate our Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. But according to Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst for the ACLU who was interviewed on the topic by CNN in 2010, ETDs are a permissible means of keeping flyers safe without violating their privacy. 

However, Stanley added that’s only the case so long as these tests don’t disproportionately target people of specific races or religions. Furthermore, it would be a violation of one’s rights if the TSA used these swabs to detect anything unrelated to airline security — for instance, drugs.

If you’re selected to get your hand swabbed the next time you’re at the TSA checkpoint, complying with the officer’s request is mandatory. If you refuse for any reason, you could be subject to a more intensive secondary screening or even be denied boarding. Keep in mind that the swabs are used only once and disposed of after being analyzed, and it takes just a few extra seconds to perform the test — so you’ll be on your way to your flight in no time.

Some of the most memorable trips we take are to destinations we didn’t know we needed to visit until we got there. The likes of Paris, Tokyo, and New York are on everyone’s bucket list for a reason, but there’s something particularly special about arriving in a lesser-known place and instantly feeling at home. With that in mind, our editors set out to determine 10 places that are making a splash in 2026, from America’s newly designated “Creative City of Music” to the stunning Italian island whose residents have cracked the code for a longer, happier life. Check out Daily Passport’s top 10 destinations to visit in 2026.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you’ve never been to the City of Brotherly Love, there’s no time like the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to visit. Known for its rowdy sports fans, cheesesteaks, and vital role in the birth of the nation, Philly is gritty in all the best ways. History buffs have plenty of fascinating exhibits to delve into at Independence National Historical Park, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed, while art lovers can visit the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to the famous Rocky steps.

Philly will also host next summer’s MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, timed to coincide with America’s birthday celebrations in July. It will be the first All-Star Game since this year’s incredibly dramatic World Series — the most-watched Fall Classic in 34 years.

Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide seems happy to let Sydney and Melbourne get more attention as it quietly builds a reputation as one of the most intriguing cities to visit Down Under. South Australia’s capital is home to the country’s biggest arts festival, which takes place from late February to early March and is really four festivals in one — Adelaide Fringe, Writers’ Week, Womadelaide, and the Adelaide Festival. There’s also a world-renowned zoo that’s the only place in the Southern Hemisphere with giant pandas, and architecture buffs have a lot to love, too — Adelaide was named one of the most beautiful cities in the world by Architectural Digest in 2024.

When you’re done exploring the city, globally renowned wine regions like Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Adelaide Hills are all an easy day trip. Better yet, United Airlines is making it easier to visit by launching the first-ever nonstop route from the U.S. to Adelaide this month on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Only one world capital borders two sovereign countries: Bratislava, which is nestled alongside Hungary to the south and Austria to the west. Vienna’s own capital, Austria, is just 45 minutes away by train, but after spending some time in Bratislava, you may want to cancel your multicity plans. The city’s Old Town is a destination unto itself, highlighted by Bratislava Castle, which was built in the 12th century and retains a certain majesty to this day, and the UFO Observation Tower (yes, it’s really called that), offering stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

If you have a few extra days to spare, catch the hour-long train to Trenčín, another charming historic city that was one of two cities named a European Capital of Culture for 2026.

Hong Kong

With 75 Michelin-starred restaurants — only Tokyo, Paris, Kyoto, and London have more — Hong Kong is a certified foodie haven, especially since so many of those fine establishments are surprisingly inexpensive. The famed noodle shop Ho Hung Kee, for instance, will set you back only about $20 USD for such delectable Cantonese fare as beef hor fun.

Hong Kong is also famous for its incredibly dense skyline — with more skyscrapers than any other city in the world — but nearly 40% of the city is protected green space. Some of the best vantage points can be found in the mountains surrounding the city, and four of Hong Kong’s Peaks — The Peak, Lantau Peak, Tai Mo Shan, and Sai Kung Hoi — will see their hiking trails upgraded in 2026. Plus, the city is easier to get to than ever before thanks to new flights out of Los Angeles and Seattle.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

You might think, given its two names, that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a large place. Quite the opposite, as the Caribbean nation is one of the smallest countries in the world, covering an area that’s only about twice the size of Washington, D.C. It has an island (Bequia) that you can walk across in under an hour and a population of just 100,000 people.

With overtourism becoming more and more of a problem across the world, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is also the rare off-the-beaten-path destination that’s actually off the beaten path (for now). Its international airport didn’t open until 2017, and many of its 32 islands are uninhabited. Delta recently added flights from Atlanta, but for an authentic experience, you might consider arriving via sailboat or ferry.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Yes, Chattanooga is as fun to visit as it is to say, and there’s no better time than 2026 to discover this underrated Southern gem. This year, it became the first place in America to receive the rare National Park City distinction that honors “special places where we have a better relationship with nature, culture and heritage and can enjoy and develop ourselves.”

That’s quite a turnaround from the late ’60s, when Chattanooga was America’s most polluted city — now, it’s a haven for lovers of the great outdoors, with a revitalized downtown riverfront and a thriving food scene to boot. As Mayor Tim Kelly puts it, Chattanooga is “a city in a park, rather than a city with some parks in it.” Some of the city’s most popular spots include Signal Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and the 16-mile Riverwalk. Six miles outside the city is Lookout Mountain (one of our favorite panoramic viewpoints in America), and underneath the mountain, hidden in a limestone cave, you’ll also find Ruby Falls — the country’s tallest underground waterfall.

Sardinia

Italy is one of the world’s most-visited countries for a reason, but it’s also increasingly crowded, particularly on the mainland. For a slightly more sedate experience, try Sardinia. The country’s second-largest island is one of the five original “Blue Zones,” a term coined for places whose inhabitants have figured out the secret to longer, healthier lives (short version: less meat, more fish and vegetables). The island’s unique way of living is something visitors can absorb alongside the amazing culture and gorgeous sights. With new direct flights from New York taking off next year courtesy of Delta, Sardinia is easier to reach than ever — even if it’s just as difficult to leave.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Asia’s most beautiful island, but 2026 might be time to change that. Phu Quoc received that coveted designation from Condé Nast Traveler, which placed the “Pearl Island” first among all Asian islands and third overall in its global rankings. More than half of Vietnam’s largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand near the coast of Cambodia, has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means there are hundreds of square miles of unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife to discover. Go soon before it’s no longer considered a hidden gem — Pho Quoc recently made Expedia’s list of the top trending destinations, so clearly the secret’s getting out.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is one of those rare places with so much to do it’s hard to even know where to start, but fortunately, it’s even harder to go wrong. In October 2025, America’s most European city was named a UNESCO Creative City of Music, one of only two U.S. cities (along with Kansas City) to be so honored. For proof, look no further than Frenchmen Street, an alternative to the touristy French Quarter, where jazz, blues, reggae, and other live music is on offer seven days a week and (almost) 24 hours a day.

The Big Easy also abounds in uniquely beautiful architecture, cemetery tours (one of which features Nic Cage’s prepurchased mausoleum), and, of course, food. Gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and po’ boys are all must-eats when visiting, but make sure you also get a whisky grilled cheese and frozen Irish coffee at Erin Rose.

Belize

Costa Rica tends to be the go-to for Americans who want to experience Central America, but our advice for 2026 (and beyond) is: Don’t sleep on Belize. Travelers are spoiled with choice for both budget-friendly accommodations in Belize City and eco-friendly beachfront resorts like Copal Tree Lodge, which offers all-inclusive packages. For those looking to really splurge, Caye Chapel, the first private Four Seasons island in the Americas, also will be debuting next year.

Either way, the Jewel of Central America has all the makings for a great getaway: gorgeous beaches, Maya ruins, the second-largest coral reef in the world, and amazing food. (Once you try fry jacks, you’ll want to eat them every morning.) Plus, English is the country’s official language and U.S. currency is accepted just about everywhere, making a trip to Belize even easier.

No matter where you’re flying, you mostly follow the same path at the airport, from the check-in desks in the departure hall to security screening checkpoints and the airside gates. But there’s far more to a large airport than its public parts. Take a look at five areas where public access is restricted and explore the hidden rooms of airports that most passengers never see.

Baggage Handling Spaces

After you check your bags at the counter, they follow a clearly determined path to the plane’s cargo hold via a series of automated conveyors and chutes. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), more than 4 billion bags are checked annually, requiring a finely-tuned system to ensure each one makes its intended flight. Under Resolution 753, airlines are required to scan baggage tags so that they can be tracked throughout their journey at the airport. This is achieved using methods such as laser or image optical scanning of barcodes on the tag, manual recording, RFID scanning, optical character recognition, and Bluetooth.

Security measures are also employed, including Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), X-rays, and CT scans, to ensure that all bags are screened for prohibited items — anything suspicious is flagged for a manual search. Once bags pass through these steps, they are loaded into containers or onto open-sided carts to be delivered to the aircraft. At this point, you might see them again through the terminal window or as you board.

Air Traffic Control Centers

Air traffic controllers are the people responsible for safely managing aircraft departing or on approach to an airport, as well as movements on runways and taxiways. As passengers, we put our trust in these highly skilled individuals who are trained to prevent collisions and keep us safe. According to data published by the FAA, air traffic controllers manage 45,000 planes and an estimated 2.9 million passengers every single day in the U.S. alone. 

Operations specialist Flightworx describes the rooms inside air traffic control towers as “strategic nerve centers for the aviation industry.” Typically, these spaces are designed to maximize visibility and are circular in shape with large windows. They’re equipped with state-of-the-art computer systems, advanced weather modeling systems, and technology such as primary and secondary radar systems to track aircraft movements.

VIP Suites, Lounges, and Terminals

If you live your life under public scrutiny, perhaps the greatest luxury of all is privacy. Often, A-list celebrities and the super rich can opt for a more discreet route through a busy airport by taking advantage of a dedicated VIP terminal that is separate from the main airport, allowing them to reach their plane undisturbed.

For travelers to and from London, for instance, the Windsor by Heathrow offers well-heeled clients the option to check in at a more exclusive location. There, they’ll be fast-tracked through security and immigration procedures. Before their flight departs, they might enjoy chauffeur-driven transportation and relax in an elegant lounge with Michelin-quality food. The service costs a cool $5,000 for up to three guests, and similar experiences are available at airports including Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.

Customs Interview Facilities

When flying internationally, if a traveler’s paperwork isn’t in order, they can be escorted from the regular immigration hall to a private office close by for further questioning. There, passengers can be interviewed to determine whether or not they have legal right to remain in the country. Officers may check to ascertain if they are likely to be in breach of visa conditions, such as having the intention to work when entering the country as a tourist. After their case is assessed, in some instances officials decide that entry will be denied. If this happens, such passengers will require a ticket for a plane out.

Staff Offices, Hangars, and Storage Facilities

It takes a great many people to staff and operate an airport, so it should come as no surprise that on-site break rooms and lounges reserved for crew are available throughout an airport. If flight crew members need to remain at the airport in between flights — for instance, if they are required for multiple short-haul legs within the same working day — they have a comfortable space in which to rest. 

In addition, there are numerous offices hidden from public view that are used by administrators, managers, and other personnel whose job it is to keep the airport functioning smoothly, manage finances, and ensure safety and operating protocols are adhered to. Maintenance staff — encompassing roles from janitors to aircraft engineers — also have dedicated workspaces, including storerooms for parts and other supplies as well as vast hangars. Lastly, specialist facilities are needed for airport operations such as on-site firefighting and animal welfare. 

Kyoto is a hugely popular place to visit, and for good reason. It was Japan’s capital for more than 1,000 years, until Tokyo became the capital in 1869, and it’s still widely considered the country’s cultural capital, seamlessly blending the ancient and the modern. Like much of Japan, however, it’s in some ways a victim of its own success: Kyoto received a record 10.88 million foreign visitors in 2024, resulting in crowded landmarks and unhappy locals. To combat overtourism, the city just announced it will be increasing the cost to visit — here’s when it goes into effect. 

Crunching the Numbers

Kyoto’s increased tax rate applies to the city’s accommodations and is levied on a sliding scale depending on how much your lodging costs. The maximum rate, which applies to hotels that cost more than 100,000 yen (roughly $665 USD) per night, will increase from 1,000 yen ($6.65) to 10,000 yen ($66.55) per night — a princely fee to be sure, but perhaps not a dealbreaker for anyone shelling out that much money in the first place.

Changes in other hotel categories are as follows:

• Hotels between 50,000 yen ($332) and 100,000 yen per night: Tax increases from 1,000 yen ($6.65) to 4,000 yen ($26.61) nightly
• Hotels between 20,000 yen ($133) and 50,000 yen per night: Tax increases from 500 yen ($3.33) to 1,000 yen nightly
• Hotels between 6,000 yen ($40) and 20,000 yen per night: Tax increases from 200 yen ($1.33) to 400 yen ($2.66) nightly
• Lodging that costs under 6,000 yen per night will not have its tourist tax of 200 yen changed

Too Much of a Good Thing

The new tax was announced on October 3, 2025, and will go into effect on March 1, 2026. The increased tax revenue will be used to “promote tourism that makes use of its diverse and profound charms” and “further promote harmony and compatibility between civic life and tourism,” the city announced on its website, adding that the tax will also help ease “congestion on roads and walkways” in popular areas like the Gion district, the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, and the Arashiyama bamboo forest.

Japan is hardly the first place to experiment with tourist taxes. Bhutan charges most foreign visitors a flat rate of $100 per day, which is actually half of what it used to be. New Zealand levies a onetime tax of NZD $100 (about $56 USD) on most visitors, which anyone hoping to do a Lord of the Rings tour should keep in mind. And American cities like New York and Los Angeles also have substantial tourist taxes, as do most of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.

In the case of Kyoto, the city has seen a notable surge of visitors following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the weakening of the yen against the U.S. dollar, and the number of international travelers has been increasing at a rapid rate. Whether the new taxes will change that remains to be seen, but local officials are hoping that it will help ease the negative effects of overtourism. 

As Nicholas Smith, holidays digital director at Thomas Cook online travel agency, explained in an interview with Euronews Travel, “After years of record demand, many destinations are seeking to reduce pressure on infrastructure and local communities while ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed more fairly. In practice, these taxes are rarely meant to discourage travel — they are designed to reinvest in the very things that make cities attractive: cultural preservation, public transport, cleanliness, and better visitor management.”

Featured image credit: inglabel/ iStock via Getty Images Plus