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Can You Drink Alcohol On A Commercial Aircraft? 

Aviation regulators are particularly concerned about binge drinking. 

Passengers frequently observe people drinking beer or wine while eating on airplanes. While the act of having a few drinks while flying is generally innocuous, occasionally, travelers go too far and get quite drunk. 

stern guidelines 

Onboard intoxication may result in delicate circumstances. There may be instances of aggressive behavior, improper conduct, and risky circumstances. Thus, authorities have developed guidelines for intoxicated behavior on airplanes. 

Because of local laws where they are situated, several airlines don’t let any alcohol on board at all. Even yet, there are still regulations governing alcohol consumption on flights with airlines that do permit it.

One of the biggest causes of diversions, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is disruptive behavior, frequently brought on by excessive alcohol use. The group claims that disruptive behavior might jeopardize the safety of other passengers and have serious repercussions, including criminal prosecution. 

The authority comes to the conclusion that carriers are within their rights to decline to transport anyone they believe to pose a risk to flight safety. As a result, it is collaborating with operators, airports, and other authorities to develop fresh strategies for minimizing disruptions. 

As per the CAA: 

Depending on the degree of the disturbance, different penalties apply. Drunken behavior on an aircraft is punishable by a maximum punishment of £5,000 and two years in jail. An airplane safety violation carries a maximum five-year prison term. The airline may also request compensation from disruptive passengers for the cost of the detour. Depending on the size of the aircraft and the destination, divert fees typically range from £10,000 to £80,000. 

Beyond the pond 

The American Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) is eager to put a stop to the rise in disorder. Authorities in the US have fined people for disruptive behavior by the millions of dollars every year. 

To reduce safety risks, many American airlines implemented extended suspensions of the in-cabin sale of alcohol. This action was expected given the increase in incidences of drunk customers attacking flight attendants. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) underlines that boarding a passenger who appears intoxicated “is a violation of Section 121.575 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).” 

The agency furthers: 

“Passenger interference with a crew member may happen if they don’t follow the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) safety requirements. A criminal offense under Section 902(j) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended, may also be committed for this violation of FAR Part 91.11. 

a methodical strategy 

So, although while drinking is a common practice for many people when traveling by air and is not unlawful in and of itself, it can become problematic depending on what is done after drinking. If passengers become disorderly while having high quantities of alcohol in their systems, they may be fined. 

In order to be safe, it is therefore advised to limit alcohol intake when flying. In the air, alcohol may have a distinct impact on people, which could lead to more unpredictable results.

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