This isn’t the first-time alcohol at airports has hit the news, in September 2016 there were several calls from airlines to restrict the sale of alcohol in airport bars, pubs and restaurants and on-board flights in an attempt to stop drunken/disorderly behaviour.
For many a holiday starts with a Sambuca shot – or two – at the airport, for others it’s a glass of wine to calm those pre-flight nerves and with airport bars and restaurants permitted to sell alcohol at any hour, holidaymakers can easily get carried away.
Posing a threat to flight safety is a serious matter and those who are considered to be acting in such matter could face fines, imprisonment, flight bans or even country bans.
With almost 200 incidents taking place on aircrafts each year, the majority due to alcohol consumption, and no set laws on the limit of alcohol a passenger can consume it’s no wonder there are talks to extend the Licensing Act, 2003, to include airport bars, pubs and restaurants within the restrictions.
UK airline, Ryanair, has already put measures in place to reduce of alcohol induced abuse towards it’s staff and passengers by discontinuing the sale of alcohol in-flight and banning passengers from drinking alcohol purchased at duty-free. The low-cost airline has suggested a two-drink limit per customer and a no-alcohol before 10am policy to be set by airports.
The UK Aviation Industry Code of Practice on Disruptive Passengers Report, 2015, revealed; out of 4000 Ryanair cabin crew a quarter have reported being exposed to a flight safety risk with a staggering 87% witnessing disruptive behaviour.
Such disruption has previously caused flights to divert from their scheduled path and land at alternative airports – which comes at a huge expense to the airline.
Until the changes come into place it is worth bearing in mind that if you are refused boarding or are taken into police custody, your travel insurance will not cover the cost of you missing your holiday or if you cause the plane to be diverted your insurer will not cover the cost for you to return home.
Although drinking alcohol is a predominant part of the ‘holiday experience’, it is best to stick to the soft drinks until you have the all-inclusive bar in sight.