Soaring High, Stumbling Low: The Troubled Skies of Alcohol and Air Travel
The friendly skies, often romanticized in travel brochures, can sometimes resemble a rowdy pub at 30,000 feet. Jodi Smith, an etiquette expert, recently witnessed firsthand the unraveling that can occur when alcohol takes the pilot seat of a passenger’s judgment on a flight from Boston to Los Angeles. Her seatmate, a nervous flier, steadily increased his rum and Coke consumption to a worrying level, blurring the line between nervous passenger and disruptive influence. Smith recounted the escalating situation, from slurred speech to an eventual eruption of "noise, agony and the discharge of bodily fluids." A scene best left to the imagination for the sake of a "family audience."
Smith’s reaction wasn’t just a disapproving glance. She wondered why the same legal obligations that bind bartenders on the ground – preventing them from over-serving patrons – don’t extend to those serving drinks in the air. It’s a valid question, echoing a growing concern about the role alcohol plays in air travel.
She’s not alone in her questioning. The outspoken CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, has pointed the finger at excessive alcohol consumption as a primary driver of air rage incidents in Europe, even suggesting a two-drink limit at airport bars. This call to action comes amidst a backdrop of embarrassing, alcohol-fueled incidents involving passengers, crewmembers, and even pilots. As summer approaches, the question isn’t whether drink limits are a good idea, but rather what form those limits should take.
A recent survey by Global Rescue sheds light on the passenger perspective. While opinions are divided, a significant portion (about 1 in 5) believes airlines should limit passengers to one drink every 30 minutes, while 17% favored a slower pace of one drink per hour. A majority still prefer to leave the decision to the discretion of the crew. Regardless of specific preferences, Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards emphasized the overarching responsibility of both travelers and the aviation industry: "While travelers should always be responsible for their consumption, airports and airlines also have a duty to ensure the safety of all passengers."
The knee-jerk reaction might be to impose a drink limit, perhaps even a federal law for domestic flights. But the issue is far more complex than it appears on the surface. For airlines, alcohol sales are a substantial revenue stream. Cutting off the tap would undoubtedly impact their bottom line. (The pandemic offered a temporary glimpse into a less boozy airspace when some airlines halted alcohol service amidst a surge in in-flight violence, only to quickly reinstate it to recoup lost revenue).
It’s widely acknowledged that limiting alcohol can improve the overall flight experience. Research from the University of Texas has identified alcohol consumption as a "significant contributor" to passenger misconduct. German researchers have also uncovered potential health risks associated with drinking on planes. However, the pushback comes from both sides: passengers often enjoy a pre-flight cocktail or a relaxing glass of wine at cruising altitude, and airlines are understandably hesitant to sacrifice a lucrative revenue source.
Adding another layer of intricacy is the pre-flight drinking culture at airports. Many passengers board already intoxicated, having indulged at airport bars. These establishments, which often sell overpriced drinks, depend on nervous fliers and celebratory travelers seeking liquid courage or relaxation before their journey. Any attempt to regulate alcohol consumption solely on planes would likely be ineffective without addressing the availability and consumption in airport terminals.
Surprisingly, a federal law already exists that addresses alcohol consumption on planes. It prohibits airlines from serving anyone who appears intoxicated or possesses a weapon. So, why then did Jodi Smith’s seatmate receive what she estimated was five to six rum and Cokes? Perhaps the flight attendant was under pressure to meet sales targets.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to drink on a plane is a personal one. The author prompts readers to consider the potential consequences, including the risk of being removed from the plane in handcuffs, before ordering that first drink.
The author, Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate and journalist, draws upon his extensive experience writing about problem passengers. He notes that in almost every instance, alcohol plays a significant role. He highlights the numerous warnings the airline industry has received over the years, from passengers exhibiting extreme behaviors to the surge in air rage incidents during the pandemic. His personal experiences, including witnessing the devastating effects of alcohol on relationships and even the loss of friends, led him to abstain from drinking a decade ago.
The discussion about alcohol consumption on flights is a nuanced one. While reducing or eliminating alcohol could improve passenger behavior and decrease instances of air rage, it is not a decision airlines can easily make. After all, alcohol sales are a significant source of revenue, and many passengers enjoy a drink during their flight.
However, the author argues that the potential consequences of excessive drinking on board – from unruly behavior to safety risks – far outweigh the temporary pleasure of a drink. He suggests that abstaining from alcohol while in the air is a responsible choice, pointing out that a few hours without a drink is not a significant sacrifice. He also proposes that airlines should prioritize passenger safety over profit and consider adopting a dry policy, similar to those implemented by some carriers in the Middle East.
The central question is whether the convenience of a drink is worth the potential risks it poses to the flight experience. In the case of Jodi Smith’s seatmate, the rum-and-coke binge served as a stark reminder that when alcohol is involved, not only the passenger but also everyone on board is at risk.
The article concludes with a personal appeal, urging readers to consider the potential ramifications before ordering a drink on their next flight, asking, "Is it really worth it?"
