Air rage fear of airport lounges
AIRPORT lounges have been blamed for fuelling air rage incidents by encouraging passengers to drink excessively before boarding flights.
Health and consumer campaigners have criticised staff for turning a blind eye to travellers “pre-loading” on “free-flowing” supplies of alcohol.
The lounges, situated at many UK airports, typically charge between £20 and £50 per person, and are designed to allow economy passengers to escape the stress of the airport before boarding a flight and enjoy a slice of luxury, for a fee.
But the venues have come in for criticism. A recent report by the Institute of Alcohol Studies and the European Alcohol Policy Alliance warned the lack of licensing legislation in airports has led to problems associated with binge drinking.
It read: “[The lack of licensing legislation] allows for a proliferation of airport lounges.
“The alcohol is a key part of these lounges’ attraction – the Gatwick website advertises ‘free-flowing champagne and cocktails’ in their Clubrooms, and a ‘self-pour bar’ in their My Lounge. Stansted Airport’s website describes its lounge as ‘well stocked with branded drinks such as wines, beer and spirits’.”
Campaigners have called on the Government to tighten the law at airports. Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chairman of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said: “Passengers who are setting off on holidays or business trips should not have to worry about whether the behaviour of those who have drunk too much at the airport or on the plane will disrupt or delay their journey.
“Promoting alcohol offers that encourage people to drink excessively before or during their flights is irresponsible and puts the safety of both travellers and airline staff at risk.”
Which? Travel editor Rory Boland, said: “People should be able to take a flight without having to worry about their trip being disrupted or journey diverted by rowdy passengers who have had one too many. “Airports and airlines need to take more responsibility for preventing passengers having too many drinks.” A spokesman for the Airport Operators Association said only a small proportion of passengers used lounges. It said that where appropriate staff were on hand. It also said incidents of unacceptable behaviour were rare and the industry took the issue very seriously. Bad behaviour could result in missing the holiday, a fine, a flight ban or even prison.