18 February 2013 Last updated at 05:53 ET

Man banned from Easyjet flight for 'joking' about bomb

A Northamptonshire man barred from boarding a flight at Luton Airport after using the word "bomb" in front of Easyjet staff has said he was "joking".

Brian McColghan, 64, from Duston, said he made a remark when he could not check his luggage in early.

He said he was questioned by police and asked to leave the premises, missing his flight to Lisbon on Friday morning.

Easyjet said security was its "highest priority" and comments were reported to police "where necessary".

Mr McColghan told BBC Three Counties Radio he was travelling to Portugal from London Luton Airport to visit friends, but was told he could not book his case in "for security reasons".

"I said, "if there was a bomb in [my case] I would blow myself up"," he explained.

"It was a joke."

He said he was told that he "could not mention that word" and security would be called if he did it again.

The retired hospital porter said he apologised but a short time later two police officers approached him, questioned him and took his passport.

Boarding denied

He claimed a security guard told him he "would not be travelling with Easyjet again" and he must leave the airport complex.

"To be told in my own country I can't use a word in the English dictionary - it's nonsense," said Mr McColghan.

Easyjet confirmed a man was denied boarding due to a comment made about a bomb but he "had not been banned for life".

"The safety and security of its passengers and crew is Easyjet's highest priority," a statement said.

"We take comments seriously and report them to the police where necessary."

A spokesperson from the airport said passengers "making threats or exhibiting threatening behaviour " would be removed from the airport.

A statement said: "Airport security is of paramount importance and is essential in protecting passengers and staff from malicious harm, crime, terrorism and other threats."