Three Hells Angels members were refused entry onto a commercial flight yesterday because their t-shirts were "intimidating" to the pilot.

The men, one aged in his 20s and two aged in their 50s, became angry when told they were not allowed on the Air New Zealand flight wearing their Hells Angels t-shirts.

The pilot ultimately made the decision to leave without the men after they refused to change clothes, The Otago Daily Times reported.

The men told staff they were confused as they were allowed to wear the t-shirts on a flight from Auckland to Dunedin but not on their return 10am flight back to Auckland.

Taieri-Clutha area response manager Senior Sergeant Alastair Dickie says Air New Zealand should "firm up their policy" because at the moment it is "a bit loose".

The men came back later and boarded a 6.30pm flight from Dunedin to Auckland.

All three are known to police and have extensive criminal histories.