Air Rage

Lately we've seen both a rise in air rage incidents and in calls to limit alcohol both at airports and on flights.

Figures released by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) revealed that 114 incidents were recorded for 2014 with 85 in 2013 and only 47 in 2012. A bomb threat was made, cabin crews kicked, passengers scrapped, drugs were taken, a pipe lit (yes, really) items were thrown and parents refused to comply with safety instructions.

Apart from the aggression, one of the most frequent complaints were passengers smoking in the toilets. Usually, recalcitrant passengers were met by Police, but occasionally planes were forced to turn back or divert.

The CAA said there was no excuse for aggressive behaviour towards cabin crew or fellow travellers, it is a criminal offence to be drunk on board an aircraft as is refusal to comply with safety instructions issued by staff and crew.

Passengers are, of course responsible for their own safety, but also for the safety of others; fines can be onerous and a criminal record could be the end result. We are all urged to drink responsibly, let's not spoil our holidays and those of others.

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