In-flight alcohol ban: Passengers back restrictive new measures to prevent air rage

The majority of flyers are happy to to see Jet2 stop selling booze before 8am

Jet2 has handed lifetime bans to 50 passengers since 2015 (Getty Images)

Most holidaymakers back plans to curb passengers’ alcohol consumption prior to and during early morning flights, a survey has found.

Research released today by World Travel Market shows that 73 per cent of those surveyed agreed with Jet2’s decision to ban onboard sales of alcohol before 8am.

Alcohol or drug intoxication was a factor in 23 per cent of the 10,854-plus "air rage" incidents worldwide last year, according to data from the International Air Transport Association. And the number of “dangerous” in-flight incidents on UK airlines has risen fourfold in recent years, according to the Civil Aviation Authority, from 85 in 2013 to 386 in 2015.

IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac said: “The increase in reported incidents tells us that more effective deterrents are needed.”

Aviation law forbids anyone being drunk on an aircraft, and airlines have a right to refuse to carry passengers that they consider to be a potential risk to the safety of the aircraft.

Jet2 has has refused travel for more than 500 passengers since 2015 due to bad behaviour; over 50 of these have been given lifetime bans.

Ryanair, meanwhile, has banned passengers to Ibiza from bringing any alcohol into the aircraft cabin, because so many were swigging their own supplies on flights to the island.

In July, aviation minister Lord Ahmad announced he would examine the way alcohol is sold at airports due to the growing trend.

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