Holidaymakers Face Jail Time and £80,000 Fines for Excessive Drinking on Flights

A new campaign called One Too Many is warning holidaymakers about the severe consequences of excessive drinking on flights. Jointly organized by the UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF), the Airport Operators Association (AOA), Airlines UK, and ITATA, the campaign aims to curb alcohol-induced disruption during air travel.

Running from July 10 to September 1, the campaign urges passengers to behave appropriately on aircraft and emphasizes the personal responsibility they hold. Those who disrupt air travel may face penalties such as lifetime bans, fines up to £80,000, and even imprisonment.

Passengers risk a lifetime flying ban with the airline if their behavior causes flight cancellations, or they may be denied boarding and lose their holiday. Although there haven’t been any unexpected increases in flight disruptions since the lifting of COVID-related bans, the campaign highlights that this summer may be the first international holiday for many individuals post-pandemic and urges them to continue behaving appropriately.

The One Too Many campaign, supported by government sectors like the Department for Transport and the Home Office, has been active since 2018, promoting awareness among passengers. Fact-checking alerts will be provided to remind passengers of airside rules, such as restrictions on opening duty-free purchases before reaching their destinations.

Nigel Keal of the UKTRF emphasized the importance of responsible behavior during travel, stating that disruptive behavior is a top priority for the industry in order to protect passengers, customers, and staff members who ensure traveler safety throughout their journey. Keal urged passengers to enjoy their travel responsibly and avoid ruining their own holiday or the holidays of others, as the consequences of disruptive behavior can result in travel restrictions for years to come.

With airport traffic levels expected to reach 100% of the post-pandemic level this year, the campaign aims to raise awareness through mobile push reminders, eye-catching black and yellow graphics in airside stores, departure boards, and social media channels.

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere expressed a zero-tolerance approach towards disruptive behavior, emphasizing the commitment to passenger safety and enjoyment while protecting hardworking staff. She commended the relaunch of the collaborative campaign and highlighted the serious consequences of engaging in disruptive behavior, including potential jail time and substantial fines. The campaign encourages everyone to work together in maintaining friendly and enjoyable skies for all.

Signs of the One Too Many campaign will be displayed year-round, and Instagram and Facebook ads will run in national airports until September 1.