What happens if a passenger passes through the boarding gate, but doesn't get on the aircraft?
At one time, I was bored because of a delayed flight and that question arose in my mind just for curiosity. I haven't observed any mechanism that checks or counts the passengers who get on the aircraft, so there is a possibility of abuse.
I guess airport security is responsible for that. The passenger may try to get on another aircraft or may get in the airport through a different gate. It must be a bigger problem at international airports and terminals.
If the passenger is caught, what does airport security do, just arrest? What does the airline do if they realise the incident before or after the take-off?
EDIT:
In case there is a jet bridge, of course it's tough to do something like that. I am especially intending the gates that are directly open to outdoor (parking area of the aircrafts). The passengers are expected to walk to the aircraft or are transported by bus depending on the distance between the terminal and the aircraft.
Best Answer
Strange that it wasn't mentioned: What you describe would be something that a person would do who has a ticking timebomb in their luggage. So the flight would be delayed until the identity of the missing passenger is confirmed, and either the missing passenger is found and brought back on board, or the missing passenger's luggage is removed.
That happens when passengers check in luggage and then don't check in themselves, but the same reasoning would apply if you checked in and then somehow managed to not board the plane.
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Can non passengers go to gate?
It is possible with what is commonly called a gate pass, also known as escort passes. Simply stated, a gate pass allows non-traveling passengers to go through security, where you can enjoy all that the terminals have to offer, while you drop off a loved one or await their arrival.Can someone walk you to your gate at the airport?
A few airports will issue an airport gate pass to anyone who wants to go through to the airport terminals. However, most airports don't offer gate passes and instead issue escort passes, which only allow accompanying people in special circumstances, such as minors and people with special needs.Can flight leave you if you have boarding pass?
It has nothing to do with the boarding card. The key question is, if your flights are a true connection (booking on one ticket) or if they are on separate tickets. If your flights are on one ticket, it is the responsibility of the airline to re-book you, if the incoming flights was delayed.Can someone accompany me to the gate?
Most airlines do give out gate passes, which allow non-ticketed individuals to accompany ticketed passengers past security to the gate. However, gate passes are typically meant, at least officially, for parents of unaccompanied minors, people assisting elderly or disabled passengers, and military families.A Plane Lost Its Roof At 24,000ft - This Is What Happened Next
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Answer 2
It depends on the airport and the country. In Canada, ID is checked at boarding, so a passenger couldn't easily board the wrong flight. A passenger could theoretically spend the day in airport security and not be detected if he didn't board his flight, but there is no harm in this anyway. (It is perfectly possible to get a gate pass to help take a passenger to his gate, without having a flight for yourself - it would be very unlikely that anyone would force such a person to leave the secure area if he wanted to explore the shops and restaurants.)
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