New Jersey

I've known since I was a child that any little thing can get one thrown off a plane. This was drummed into me at an early age. It's been even worse since 9/11.

I don't think anybody here on DU misunderstands the meaning of the message on the shirt. I don't think any of us find it offensive.

However, airlines don't play. They don't bother to decipher meanings or try to discern intent. They are literal. Try to get on a plane with a tee shirt that says "bombing kids" and you might be asked to deplane. And that policy is not going to be consistently enforced. It is up to the staff on the particular flight. And no, you might not get a clear explanation.

This is the way it's been since commercial flights began. You may think it's unfair. You may think it's unreasonable. I've experienced plenty of unreasonable inconveniences on flights.

Also note: Joe Biden's administration imposed penalties on airlines that leave passengers stranded. Trump lifted those penalties. Thanks to Trump, airlines have more power over their passengers than ever.

PSA: if you want to use a commercial airline to travel, follow all their rules and don't draw attention to yourself. It's ridiculously easy to get in trouble with an airline and end up losing the privilege to fly.