Alcohol is a major factor causing an uptick in in-flight confrontations.
Many airlines are contending with a disconcerting trend involving “unruly passengers,” which has witnessed a two-fold increase within just four years, according to statements from officials at KLM, the world’s oldest airline. Leen van Duijn, the vice president for security services at the Dutch carrier, disclosed that the upswing in antisocial behavior serves as a reflection of broader societal challenges. KLM, with a storied history dating back to the 1920s, saw an average of 15 unruly passenger incidents per month in 2019.
However, this figure soared to an alarming 30 incidents per month in 2023, even as the airline operated at 6% below its pre-pandemic capacity.
The repercussions of this concerning trend are extensive, casting a substantial impact on both passengers and airline staff. Van Duijn emphasized that any form of physical aggression towards crew members or fellow passengers is intolerable.
A noteworthy aspect of this surge is the role played by alcohol, identified as a significant contributor, involved in more than half of all recorded incidents. Disturbingly, 60% of these incidents unfolded on board aircraft, with the remaining 40% occurring in departure halls.
This escalating problem has prompted collaborative efforts between several European carriers and governments to effectively address the issue. KLM is actively exploring ways to enhance staff training to deal with unruly passengers and is considering the possibility of sharing its no-fly lists with other Dutch airlines, contingent upon compliance with privacy legislation.
However, the trend isn’t confined to European carriers, as similar incidents are on the rise across the United States. In recent months, a myriad of stories have surfaced, underscoring the severity of the issue. One such incident involved an American Airlines passenger, Tiffany Gomas, who gained notoriety after being removed from a flight due to her unhinged rant.
The incident was captured and shared on TikTok by another passenger in August, showcasing Gomas expressing erratic and nonsensical statements. This incident vividly highlights the challenges faced by airline staff in managing disruptive behavior.
In September, another unsettling incident involved Instagram influencer Morgan Osman, who made headlines for her disruptive behavior on an American Airlines flight. The incident, which occurred in the coach section, involved Osman berating another passenger and asserting her Instagram fame.
These incidents underscore the increasing strain on airline staff to manage disruptive passengers, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced training and collaborative efforts within the aviation industry to address this concerning trend.
The implications extend beyond individual incidents, impacting the overall safety and well-being of passengers and crew members alike. The surge in unruly behavior adds an additional layer of stress and complexity to an industry already grappling with the challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic.
As airlines strive to recover and rebuild, addressing the issue of unruly passengers becomes a critical component of ensuring a safe and secure travel experience for all. The collaboration between airlines and governments is crucial in developing comprehensive strategies and protocols to deter and manage such behavior effectively.
Only through concerted efforts can the aviation industry navigate these turbulent skies and ensure that the skies remain friendly and secure for all travelers.
Sources:
Unruly passengers’ on planes have doubled in 4 years, airline says: ‘Alcohol played a role’
Influencer’s American Airlines meltdown: ‘I’m Instagram famous, you f–king bum!’
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