What are your rights when flying on Australian airlines?

The arrest of a Jetstar passenger, charged after refusing to return to his assigned seat, has left people wondering what their rights are. Here’s what you need to know.

The arrest of a 30-year-old man has left many scratching their heads, wondering what their rights and responsibilities are when it comes to plane seat allocation.

The man was tasered and forcibly removed from a Jetstar plane by Australian Federal Police after he refused to return to his assigned seat.

The violent exchange was caught on camera and shows Bolic Bet Malou arguing with staff aboard the Jetstar flight, who had requested he return to his assigned seat, claiming he just wanted to sit with his family.

Melbourne man, Bolic Bet Malou, who was tasered by police on a Jetstar plane. Picture: 9 NEWS/Supplied

The plane eventually took off without Mr Malou and his family.

Who was in the wrong remains unanswered, leaving many people wondering what they are and aren’t allowed to do. Here’s what you need to know.

SEAT SELECTION

You can select your seat on Qantas flights when making your booking, or any time before you fly. The earlier you do so, the more choice you have. However, a charge may apply, depending on the seat type selected.

Passengers who wish to sit next to each other but have made separate bookings will need to request their seat independently

Specific passenger criteria applies to exit row seats.

Most airlines allow you to select seats prior to check-in. Picture: Istock

Jetstar passengers can select their seats when making a booking, however a fee may apply.

If you choose not to select your seats, they will be randomly assigned at check in without cost.

For Virgin Australia, advanced seat selection is included in all fares, except Economy Lite.

For Economy Lite fares, you can select a seat at no charge within 3 hours of your scheduled departure, subject to availability.

CAN YOU SWAP SEATS ON A PLANE?

Airlines require passengers to be in their allocated seats for take-off for security reasons as, well as to match the weight and balance calculations.

It’s a requirement to sit in your allocated seat for take-off. If you want to move seats you should ask the crew if it’s ok after take-off.

You’re required to move back to your assigned seat, if cabin crew ask you to.

Mr Malou was asked to leave after refusing to return to his assigned seat. Picture: Jetstar

SEATING WITH FAMILY

For most airlines, adult passengers will always be seated with their children when flights are booked together.

Virgin Australia says if you are travelling in a booking of 3 or more, they will assign you the best seats from those remaining 48 hours before your flight departure.

And if you can’t all be seated together, they will ensure each child (under 12) is seated with an adult from your group.

Jetstar say they aim to seat families together however don’t guarantee it unless there are young children flying. Young children will be seated with a parent or guardian.

Most airlines will try to seat families together. Picture: supplied

CAN YOU BE ASKED TO LEAVE A FLIGHT?

Yes. Airlines may ask you to leave a flight if you refuse to follow instructions, or if you become abusive or hostile towards staff or other passengers.

You may also be asked to leave if you’re heavily intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, or causing an unnecessary disturbance to others.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority and while the vast majority of our customers behave well, we have zero tolerance for those who don’t,” Jetstar said in a statement.

Originally published as What are your rights when flying on Australian airlines?