A recent survey has shed light on the troubling trend of flight disruptions caused by intoxicated passengers, with EasyJet emerging as the airline most commonly associated with such incidents. The study, which surveyed travelers about their experiences with disruptive behavior on flights, found that nearly 29% of respondents who encountered drunken passenger disturbances reported those incidents occurring on EasyJet flights.
This places the UK budget airline at the top of the list, followed closely by Ryanair (22%), British Airways (15%), TUI (12%), and Jet2 (10%). The survey also revealed a disparity in the likelihood of encountering such disruptions based on travel purpose, with leisure travelers (17%) significantly more likely to face issues related to intoxicated passengers than business travelers (5%).
The findings underscore the serious nature of the problem. Under UK law, it is illegal to be intoxicated on or while boarding an aircraft, with severe penalties including a two-year jail sentence and a £5,000 fine. Despite these legal ramifications, a significant proportion of travelers (57%) remain opposed to imposing strict alcohol restrictions during flights, while 34% support a ban on alcohol sales by airlines. A further 29% believe alcohol should be banned at airports altogether to curb drunken disruptions.
Travel expert Rhys Jones offered insights into the findings, suggesting that the frequency of disruptions may be linked to the destinations served by certain airlines, their alcohol policies, or the cost of drinks on board. He advises travelers seeking a disturbance-free flight to consider these factors when choosing their airline.
This study emphasizes the need for addressing alcohol-related disruptions on flights. While EasyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways are the most frequently mentioned airlines in these incidents, the issue transcends 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.
