A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 160; Flight Crew Total 11190; Flight Crew Type 7221
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Security; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
General Police / Security Involved
Human Factors
Prior to boarding; noticed two individuals in jetway boarding early. Bearded and wearing what appeared to be biker leather vests and one of them dropped the f-bomb while laughing and walking down jetway. At this point I thought they might have just been enjoying a few drinks in the bar while waiting on our two hour delayed departure; but was not very concerned since nobody else was in the jetway.  Agents were very motivated to try and turn the aircraft quickly to salvage connections. Told First Officer that biggest threat right now was the the time pressure being applied. To mitigate that we would take our time and methodically accomplish preflight items and checklist and go only when we were ready. They agents were pushing to get everyone boarded and door closed asap. As boarding was concluding (last 10 passengers boarding); the lead FA (Flight Attendant) advised that we might have a problem. Two individuals with military ID's had boarded early and appeared to be intoxicated. He was not sure if this was going to be a problem? Shortly thereafter; the other FA came up to express that the passenger in XXC who boarded early was slurring words and potentially disruptive. He was concerned that this individual might become problematic during our 3+hr flight and wondered why agents had boarded passengers in this state. I asked them if they were comfortable and they hesitated in responding so I asked to have CSR (Customer Service Representative) go back and assess condition of passengers. If he was intoxicated then I conveyed we would not be taking him. While agent was going back to check on passengers; held further discussions about pitfalls of taking passengers with First Officer and FAs. Also contacted [company] to briefly advise of situation. Agent returned to cockpit; and provided update. I conveyed that we would like passengers deplaned based on his prior actions and statements and concern expressed by FAs. At this point passengers came from XXC to front of cabin. As agents and FAs were talking with him to essentially convince him why he should deplane; he asked to speak to the Captain. I could see the situation escalating from my seat and cell phone cameras were coming out. I told FA or CSR that I'd be happy to chat with him in the jetway but not on the aircraft. He declined that invitation and refused to get off the airplane. At that point the decision to remove him from the flight was clear. The friend who was traveling with him (XXC had told FAs the other gentleman who boarded with him was his brother; but we later learned this was false. They had met in the bar approximately 4 hours prior) was able to convince him to deplane. At some point during this event the CRO (Complaint Resolution Official) showed up to deescalate the situation and was apparently met with resistance by one of the CSRs. passengers voluntarily deplaned and we pushed and departed. [Later] Dispatch asked us to come up on Commercial Frequency. Once connected we learned that passenger in XXC; after being removed from flight; allegedly made statement to CSR in boarding area that there was [an object] on board our flight in the bag he checked  and that this could be considered a potential Level 3 security threat if he was considered credible (second criteria used to determine legitimacy of threat). Conferenced with [company]; and Corporate security and consulted with Lead FA. After all available and reviewing threat Levels; requested recommendations and input from all parties. Determined that the threat was not credible. Switched off Wifi to prevent social media event and to contain the situation.
Removed drunk passenger off plane during boarding. During our final climb segment; a message from the company to contact them was received. Drunk passenger; that was kicked off our plane; made a threat to the gate agent that there was [an object] on the plane that he had been kicked off of. Captain immediately transferred controls and radios to me (FO) to contact [operations].  Drunk passenger had a checked bag still on flight in the cargo compartment (TSA screened). After much consideration; the inflight security coordinator (Captain) made the correct decision; in this situation; to continue on to [destination]. I think the Captain did an excellent job in this situation.
A320 flight crew reported an unruly/intoxicated passenger that was deplaned later claimed that there was an object in checked luggage. Threat was determined not to be credible and flight continued to destination.