In a bid to combat disruptive behavior on flights, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary proposes restricting the sale of alcohol at airports before boarding. Passengers would be allowed to purchase only two drinks with each boarding pass, as per O'Leary's suggestion shared with the "Telegraph." This summer has witnessed a surge in violent incidents, with weekly reports of assaults.
Finding intoxicated passengers at the gate can be tricky, especially when they're traveling in groups, as O'Leary points out. As long as they can walk and move, they're permitted to board. But troubles often arise post-takeoff.
O'Leary isn't pushing for an outright ban on drinks; instead, he compares it to prohibiting driving under the influence while still allowing flying at 33,000 feet.
Frequent alcohol-triggered altercations on party flights
Troubles on flights from the UK to party destinations such as Ibiza and certain Greek islands are common, thanks to alcohol-fuelled incidents. For instance, in July, a Brit was given a suspended sentence for sexually assaulting a flight attendant on a Ryanair flight from Newcastle to Mallorca.
Such incidents, according to O'Leary, are a result of alcohol mixed with 'tablets and powders,' likely referring to drugs like cocaine. However, problems also surface on flights departing from Ireland or Germany. Long days marked by numerous delays can push some passengers towards drinking alcohol at airports, advises O'Leary. It's wise to opt for coffee or tea during these wait times.
Airline companies should consider strengthening alcohol policies at airports, as advocated by Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, to prevent disruptive behavior. O'Leary's proposition includes limiting airport alcohol sales before flights to tackle alcohol-driven incidents onboard aircraft.
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Enrichment Insights:
- Two-Drink Limit: Strongly advise implementing a limit of two drinks per boarding pass for passengers at airports.
- Responsible Service Policies: Enhance bar staff training to reflect high-street standards.
- Pre-Flight Screening: Enhance pre-flight scrutiny of passengers suspected of being intoxicated.
- Clear Policies and Enforcement: Establish clearer alcohol service policies, with proper enforcement.
- Breathalyzer Tests: Consider implementing a breathalyzer test policy at the time of closing tabs for visibly intoxicated passengers.
- Industry-Wide Collaboration: Collaborate with other industry players to fight alcohol-related issues.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch awareness campaigns to inform passengers about responsible behavior.
- Zero-Tolerance Policy: Adopt a zero-tolerance policy against disruptive behavior, similar to Jet2.com.
