Alcohol-induced air rage prompts police to ban alcohol at Gatwick airport

There is something very British about spending the time between checking in and boarding a plane in a bar.

Every year holidaymakers head to warmer climes for a week of sun, sand and drinking. The problem is that many drink far too much before boarding their flight, and the combination of being enclosed in a tight space, stress and alcohol can result in air rage incidents.

Sussex Police have decided to step in and help the airlines to control this problem. They are now patrolling Gatwick airport with the aim of stopping binge drinkers from boarding flights and encouraging people to drink less.

The police have asked pubs and bars at the airport to not to serve anybody who appears to be drunk; they have also asked duty free shops to do the same.

Sussex Police have already reported a “significant reduction” in alcohol-related incidents since they launched the initiative.

The idea came from Jane Goodchild, a training and support officer for Monarch Airlines. As a former cabin crew member, she had experienced a lot of anti-social behaviour over the years and felt it was time for the airport to take some responsibility.

Monarch Airlines said: “The number of incidents on board our flights that are alcohol-related is a very small percentage, but they make the flight a very unpleasant experience for our passengers. We wanted to ensure that every passenger has the most pleasant experience possible. The initiative benefits every airline at Gatwick airport, as it makes everyone more aware of intoxicated people in the airport.”

There have been cases of captains being forced to carry out an emergency landing as a result of passengers going into a drunken rage.

Many people are afraid of flying and have a drink or two to help steady their nerves; however, this is often used as an excuse to drink to excess.