FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Air New Zealand Passengers Ejected After Refusing to Review Safety Materials

by Erich Martin

May 15, 2019
eFlyer Lead

In-flight safety is always at the top of the list of priorities for flight staff. One couple flying Air New Zealand was recently removed from the plane after refusing to review the proper safety materials.

According to reporting by Stuff NZ, a man and woman were removed from a plane at Wellington Airport. The plane made it as far as the taxi phase before returning to the gate. The couple, seated in an emergency aisle, apparently failed to pay attention to the airline’s safety video and also refused to view the safety card in their seats.

Flight staff patiently attempted to get the couple to pay attention. The woman reportedly responded to these attempts by putting her fingers in her ears. Multiple outlets reported another passenger told authorities more passengers would pay attention to the safety videos “if they weren’t ‘Rachel Hunter ice cream ad’ style videos.” The passenger was referring to a series of ads which ran in the early 1990s in New Zealand, featuring supermodel Rachel Hunter eating Trumpet ice cream.

The turnaround and removal of passengers delayed the Auckland-bound flight about 25 minutes.

Airline safety is in the forefront after what seems like a constant stream of problems, from the most recent Aeroflot explosion to the Boeing 737 MAX crashes earlier this year and late last year.

Do you think the behavior of these passengers was acceptable? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
September 2026
Sep 19, 2026

Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces

Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils its all-new Solara Sports Deck and Solara Pool Deck aboard Seven Seas Prestige, introducing a new era of open-air relaxation and active luxury.

IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel

IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.

Daily
Sep 18, 2026

Downtown Phoenix Welcomes First Upscale Urban Retreat

This month, in Phoenix, Arizona, Pacific Hospitality Group opens Denū Hotel & Spa, the newest hotel property in The Meritage Collection.

Daily
Sep 18, 2026

New Short-Term Rental Brand Just Hit the Scene … And It’s Worth a Second Look

In early 2026, more than 5,500 former Vacasa homes across 24 markets were quietly taken over by an emerging brand. From beach destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast to mountain getaways in Park City, Utah, these properties are now under Avari, formally launched this month.

Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect

JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!

Daily
Sep 18, 2026

Windstar Unlocks Tower of London After Dark and Other New 2027 Experiences

Explore three different remarkable European destinations in 2027 with Windstar Cruises. The brand’s newest 224-guest, all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, debuts alongside complimentary Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London.

eFlyer News
Sep 16, 2026

Celebrity River Cruises’ First Ship Completes Float Out for August 2027 Debut

Celebrity Cruises celebrated the float out of Celebrity Compass, the brand’s first ship in its highly anticipated Celebrity River Cruises fleet. Set to sail in August 2027, Celebrity Compass sets a new standard in river cruising, bringing Celebrity Cruises’ signature approach to elevated travel to the world’s most iconic rivers.

An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments

On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

eFlyer News
Sep 16, 2026

LXR Hotels & Resorts Coming to Costa Rica in 2029

Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts in Costa Rica in 2029 with the launch of Maravé Manuel Antonio, bringing a new level of luxury to Costa Rica’s Pacific beachfront. The property will sit on a nearly 40-acre estate of rare beachfront that descends from rainforest ridge to ocean.