Binge drinking, smoking tied to UK air rage epidemic

by Stephanus Surjaputra on December 8, 2008

In-flight binge drinking and smoking are behind a growing number of air rage incidents in the UK, according to a recent report.

The number of passengers becoming aggressive and drunk during a flight has risen from 696 in 2003-2004 to 2,702 in 2007-2008. It has jumped by more than a fifth in the past 12 months.

The Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport reports alcohol consumption and smoking were the main factors in nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of reported incidents, while 78 percent of cases involved male passengers. The number of incidents involving the cabin crew rose from 58 in 2006-2007 to 99 in 2007-2008.

Of the 21 percent of passengers reporting their ages, people in their 20s were the main offenders.

Of course, the increase is probably due to the fact that the number of people flying has increased. In 2007-2008, UK carriers transported 124 million passengers on some one million flights compared to 121 million passengers on slightly fewer flights from 2006-2007.

What has gone down? The number of incidents involving groups of 10 or more. In 2006-2007, there were 40 incidents and in 2007-2008, it went down to 31.

Aviation Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said that they have introduced ‘much tougher maximum penalties for people acting in a threatening or disruptive way on aircraft. “Disruptive behavior is completely unacceptable and our primary concern is to protect the safety and welfare of passengers and crew,” he said.

Print Friendly

Tagged as: Air rage, UK

  • Frank

    The number of passengers becoming aggressive and drunk during a flight has risen from 696 in 2003-2004 to 2,702 in 2007-2008. It has jumped by more than a fifth in the past 12 months.
    ==============================================================

    THANK YOU for keeping this CRIME in the headlines. I’ve followed air rage cases for the past 10 to 15 years online. Prior to 9-11, the US had a huge increase in the cases of air rage. Just prior to 9-11, hundreds of cases were being reported annually in this country. I’ve corresponded with some victims. A flight attendant who was soooooo badly injured, she required several surgeries on her back. I’ve met a gate agent who was bitten on the arm by a female, upset her flight was late due to weather. And, I’ve talked to a flight attendant who required medical attention after airport police stormed the plane to subdue a passenger who was beating his child. And, to care for the passenger next to him who’s face was slammed against the armrest, which resulted in his teeth flying everywhere!
    The UK has some 60 MILLION citizens. Yet, their air rage cases are many times higher then the US. WHY!!!! From this article, it sounds like an age issue. 20 year old’s. One can discuss the issue of this generation and comment on if they comply with regulations and crewmember instructions. My opinion, some people just dont know how to act like adults and should simply, STAY HOME.

  • Ed F

    maybe a little more assertive (I won’t use the British pejorative “aggressive” though Americans will know what I mean) “policing” of behaviour before boarding and restricting the alcohol consumption on board. The great British tradition of laissez-faire, stiff upper lip, look the other way, let someone else deal with, or, sadly, job’s worth approach, might mean the ground staff and flight crew need be a little more vigilant. What say?

  • http://hotmail David Farnham

    I can see drinking, but smoking? Smoking what?

  • Stephanus Surjaputra

    David,

    I think it’s the non-smokers getting upset with the smokers which leads to air rage. Think of it this way. Smoking is row 5-10 and non-smoking is 11-16. Like it or not, that smoke is going to waft your way.

    Someone in the non-smoking section who’s sensitive may take offense at that, which can lead to arguments and eventually, air rage.

Previous post:

Next post: