By Adam Woodward • Updated: 28 Aug 2024 • 22:05 • 1 minute read
Leary wants clampdown on booze Credit: Alexandros Michailidis - Shutterstock
Michael O’Leary, boss of Ryanair, is calling for a two-drink limit on planes to put a stop to violent outbreaks of drunk passengers.
His comment comes in the wake of an increase in air rage incidents this summer where there have been an average of one a week. In most cases, excessive alcohol consumption or use of ‘powders and pills’ was a contributing factor, according to O’Leary.
Flights from the UK to so-called ‘party destinations’ have been worst effected, and as a result, Ryanair staff have taken to searching the hand luggage of passengers who appeared to be under the influence, before allowing them to board a flight. O’Leary’s suggestion is for airports to require passengers to have their passports checked on buying alcohol, much as they do when buying cartons of cigarettes.
While not begrudging travellers of a tipple during their journey, the Ryanair CEO claimed that the airports were against his idea as it would impact their bottom line. But O’Leary hit back saying that the airports don’t have to deal with drunk and unruly passengers – it is only when they are at 33,000ft that they become a serious problem.
He also mentioned that some of the excess consumption by passengers was related to frustration with time spent waiting for delayed flights and lengthy queues at passport controls.
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Passionate about music, food and the arts. After being completely immersed in the Spanish way of life for 25 years, I now share my knowhow and experience with you.
He seems to be avoiding the fact that his gate staff are supposed to stop drunken people from boarding the aircraft in the first place.
Well Mr O’Leary like your airline and it’s baggage rip off charges, the airports follow your lead, greed greed greed, money not customers care.
I agree with Malcolm, with the additional criticism that perpetual airport delays and cattletruck cabin conditions equate to ‘not worth the money or my time’ airline
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