Jetstar and Qantas have banned Australian social-media creator Hugh Lovett after he inflated a passenger life jacket during the safety demonstration on Jetstar flight JQ768 from Sydney to Adelaide on 16 October. The aircraft continued to Adelaide, where Australian Federal Police spoke with Lovett. The duration and legal status of the no-fly order have not been disclosed.
Lovett pulled the inflation cord as the pre-recorded briefing instructed passengers to inflate life jackets only when leaving the aircraft in an emergency. His brother was seated beside him, and video of the incident circulated through the social-media account The Lovetts. Lovett was allowed to remain on board but reportedly moved to another seat and was among the last passengers to disembark in Adelaide.
Jetstar described the conduct as a breach of passengers’ legal obligation to follow crew safety instructions and not tamper with safety equipment unless directed. The airline has zero tolerance for behaviour that places passengers or crew at risk.
An inflated life jacket can restrict movement in the cabin and impede an evacuation. Once activated, the equipment may also require inspection or replacement before it is serviceable, potentially affecting seat availability and creating operational delays. The AFP confirmed that officers spoke with a passenger and that inquiries were continuing. No charge or fine had been confirmed, although some aviation offences can attract penalties of up to 50 Commonwealth penalty units.