Wednesday, August 28, 2024 EasyJet has been identified as the airline most frequently associated with flight disruptions caused by intoxicated passengers. The study surveyed travelers to uncover the extent of inebriation-related disturbances during flights, highlighting the airlines most affected by this issue. Key Findings on Drunken Disruptions The survey revealed that nearly 29 percent of respondents who experienced flight disruptions due to drunken passengers reported that the incident occurred on an EasyJet flight.
This placed the UK budget airline at the top of the list, followed closely by Ryanair, with 22 percent of respondents citing it as the airline where such disruptions occurred. British Airways, the nation’s premium flag carrier, was not exempt from the list, with 15 percent of passengers noting similar experiences on their flights. Breakdown of the Affected Airlines The study provided a clear ranking of the top five airlines most frequently associated with disruptions caused by drunk passengers: EasyJet – 29% Ryanair – 22% British Airways – 15% TUI – 12% Jet2 – 10% The study also indicated that leisure travelers are more likely to encounter such disruptions, with 17 percent reporting experiences of intoxicated passengers causing disturbances.
In contrast, only 5 percent of business travelers faced similar issues. Legal Implications and Traveler Opinions Under the Air Navigation Order, it is illegal to be intoxicated on or while boarding an aircraft, with severe penalties including up to two years in jail and a £5,000 fine for those found guilty. Despite these legal consequences, a significant portion of travelers remains opposed to imposing strict alcohol restrictions during flights.
According to the survey, 57 percent of respondents are against any restrictions on alcohol consumption during flights, while 34 percent support a ban on alcohol sales by airlines. Meanwhile, 29 percent believe alcohol should be banned at airports altogether to curb the issue of drunken disruptions. Expert Commentary Rhys Jones, a travel expert provided insights into the findings, suggesting that the frequency of these disruptions may be linked to the destinations served by certain airlines, their alcohol policies, or the cost of drinks on board.
He advised travelers who prefer a disturbance-free flight to consider these factors when choosing their airline for future travel. Alcohol-related disruptions on flights The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing alcohol-related disruptions on flights. While EasyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways are the most frequently mentioned airlines in these incidents, the issue spans across both budget and premium carriers.
As the UK government continues to enforce strict regulations regarding in-flight intoxication, the debate over alcohol policies in airports and on flights remains a contentious issue among travelers..
