By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Proposed Two Drink Limit to Address Rising In Flight Violence
Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, has called for the implementation of a two drink limit for passengers at airports in an effort to tackle the increasing problem of disruptive behavior on flights. In recent years, the airline industry has seen a troubling rise in incidents involving aggressive and unruly passengers, many of which are linked to excessive alcohol consumption. O'Leary believes that introducing stricter alcohol limits before boarding could significantly reduce these occurrences, drawing a parallel to the strict regulations against drink driving. "We don't want to begrudge people having a drink," he told the Daily Telegraph, "but we don't allow people to drink drive, yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33,000 feet."
Impact of Alcohol on Passenger Behavior
O'Leary emphasized that the combination of alcohol and other substances is creating a volatile environment on flights. He noted that violent outbursts have become a weekly occurrence, often putting both crew members and other passengers at risk. The CEO explained that while in the past, overly intoxicated passengers might simply fall asleep or become sluggish, the current trend of mixing alcohol with drugs such as tablets or powders has led to a significant increase in aggressive behavior. This change has made it increasingly difficult for flight crews to manage these situations effectively, as the passengers involved are often more unpredictable and confrontational.
Challenges of Identifying and Managing In Flight Aggression
One of the major challenges, according to O'Leary, is the difficulty in identifying intoxicated passengers before they board the plane, particularly when they are traveling in groups. He explained that airport staff and airline crews are often unable to determine the true level of a passenger's intoxication at the gate. "As long as they can stand up and shuffle, they will get through. Then when the plane takes off, we see the misbehavior," O'Leary said, highlighting the limitations of current screening methods.
Delays at airports, which extend the amount of time passengers spend in airport bars, exacerbate the problem. The extended drinking time, combined with the already tense and stressful environment of air travel, can lead to a perfect storm of aggressive behavior once the flight is in progress. This is particularly evident on flights to popular "party destinations" such as Ibiza and certain Greek islands, where the problem is more pronounced.
To mitigate these risks, Ryanair has already implemented some measures, such as searching passengers' bags for alcohol before they board flights to these high risk destinations. However, O'Leary believes that a broader policy limiting alcohol consumption at airports is necessary to address the root cause of the problem. By introducing a two drink limit, O'Leary hopes to create a safer and more manageable environment for both passengers and crew, reducing the likelihood of in flight disruptions and ensuring that air travel remains a safe and pleasant experience for everyone involved.
