Holiday drink too many could land you in jail
MESSAGE AS AIRPORT BOSSES CRACK DOWN ON DISORDER IN TERMINALS AND ON FLIGHTS
HOLIDAYMAKERS are being warned that too much booze could land them in jail as aviation bosses crack down on drunk and disorderly behaviour at airports and during flights.
It comes as Manchester Airport experiences one of its busiest weekends of the year, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to fly in and out of the city over the next few days.
Ahead of the weekend, a new campaign – One Too Many – was launched to remind those travelling to act responsibly when travelling, and warn them what could happen if they don’t.
Flyers face tough consequences for rowdy and disruptive behaviour, such as being denied boarding, having a plane diverted and the associated costs which include heavy fines, up to two years in prison, an airline ban and a diversion fee up to £80,000 for the most serious in-flight incidents.
Manchester is one of a number of airports involved in the campaign, which is the first of its kind, is being rolled out via a national Facebook and Instagram social media campaign.
There will also be posters and leaflets handed out in airports.
One Too Many brings the UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF), the Airports Operators Association (AOA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines UK (AUK) together. It aims to stamp out drunk and disruptive behaviour by reminding people of the costs of drinking too much.
Launching the campaign, Francois Bourienne, chair of the UK Travel Retail Forum said: “It is an offence to be drunk on a plane. Not least to other passengers.
“The One Too Many campaign is to remind people of the consequences of irresponsible drinking at any stage of their journey and to highlight the fact that, while serious disruptive behaviour remains rare, it can be costly and cause delays.
“Other passengers become upset and a lot of holidays are ruined.
“The UKTRF, IATA, AOA and Airlines UK are committed to tackling the issue of disruptive passengers and to working together to ensure that passengers are aware that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The campaign complements existing individual airport initiatives being used by airlines, airports, bar and pub operators and retailers bringing it all under the one banner for the first time as we enter the busy holiday season.”
Aviation Minister, Baroness Sugg, said: “Disruptive passengers have the potential to ruin other people’s flights. I am pleased to see the industry come together to ensure the experiences at our airports and on flights remain positive for everyone.”