Airlines to get tougher on drink-related incidents

Airlines are intent on implementing a new get-tough policy against disruptive ‘floozers’ – by imposing a blanket ban on drunken passengers.

Airlines to crack down on boozy passengers. Image by Quinn Dombrowski / CC BY-SA 2.0

Carriers blighted by air rage incidents are also taking steps to curb such anti-social behaviour by reducing the amount of alcohol sold on flights that have a poor record.

Passengers may have in-flight drink limits reduced under new measures being planned by carriers Image by Austrian Airlines / CC BY 2.0

The MailOnline reports that one prominent airline recorded 360 drink-related incidents on its flights during the summer months.

Together with a number of other airlines, they have asked the British government for help to stamp out such incidents, according to Robert Goodwill, the Aviation Minister.

Among the measures being considered is a limit of how many drinks could be consumed at airport bars. Also being looked at is a system where gate staff would be given the responsibility to prevent intoxicated travellers from getting on planes.

Another real possibility is a reduction on booze sold in-flight to European resorts and to cities well known for stag parties.

The minister said there was an urgent need to weed out the minority who are hell bent on getting drunk whether they arrive at seven in the morning or evening at an airport.

Mr Goodwill said some passengers saw delayed flights as an excuse to load up with several drinks. This had to be stopped before things get out of hand, he added.

A number of airports have already taken measure to counter the problems they encounter because of drink. Prestwick Airport in Glasgow is planning to use bouncers to patrol its drinking areas while Manchester Airport is selling duty free alcohol in sealed bags as an experiment to stop passengers downing spirits before embarking.

Gatwick reported between June and September 118 drunken incidents, with 80 people barred from boarding.

Jet2 and a number of other airlines including Ryanair have already banned passengers for life because of unruly behaviour.