A distraught passenger has been taken off a Jetstar flight after allegedly smoking and urinating on empty seats on a plane before take-off.
The 52-year-old passenger allegedly committed the disgusting behavior on a flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne on Monday night.
Australian Federal Police officers had to intervene to escort the passenger off the plane.
He was subsequently hit with a series of charges and had to appear in court the following year.
A man was escorted off a plane by Australian Federal Police officers at Gold Coast Airport on Monday (pictured).
The 52-year-old was reportedly seen smoking an e-cigarette before leaving his seat.
The cabin crew ordered him to stop, after which he got into an argument and tried to enter the toilet.
Fellow passengers then watched in horror as the man apparently dropped his shorts and urinated on empty seats.
The plane returned to the terminal so that the errant passenger could be removed from the delayed flight by AFP officials.
The man was charged with offensive or disorderly behavior on an aircraft and disobedience Safety instructions from the cabin crew and asobbing on planes.
The man will appear at Southport Magistrates’ Court on February 5.
The maximum fine for each of these offenses is $13,750.
“I am appalled at the disgraceful behavior of this aircraft,” Gold Coast Airport Chief Inspector Josh Kinghorn said.
“AFP does not tolerate misconduct at airports and this case is an example of how one person’s abhorrent actions have a direct impact on those around them.”
There will be an increased presence of AFP officers at airports during the busy Christmas period
“Smoking an e-cigarette and urinating on a seat is not only disgusting, but also poses a serious risk to passenger safety and comfort.”
“Such despicable acts will never be tolerated and we will ensure that appropriate action is taken to hold individuals accountable for the abhorrent behaviour.”
The AFP has increased alert patrols at major airports ahead of Christmas, the busiest travel time of the year.
Around 2.6 million passengers are expected at Australia’s biggest airport, Sydney, during the three-week Christmas holiday period, almost 500,000 more than last year
People are reminded that bad behavior can delay flights and lead to travel bans and criminal charges.
AFP officials urged travelers to do the right thing during the busiest travel season of the year (Stock photo of travelers at Sydney Airport)
At least 180 alleged offenders have been charged with 252 offenses at Australia’s busiest airports in the five months since July 1.
“We see increasing frustration among passengers at airports.” Part of this is due to bad behavior due to drunkenness, passengers who are not patient or tolerant, and part of it is due to travelers who are stressed because they arrived late or poorly prepared,” AFP Deputy Commissioner Away said.
“Vacation can be exciting, but also stressful.”
“Bad behavior can fail those we love, including families and children. So be prepared, patient and courteous at airports this holiday season.”
Travelers who see fellow passengers doing something wrong are requested to report the incident to the AFP hotline on 131 237.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
