AIRLINE Jet2 is calling for an industry-wide crackdown on drunken holiday passengers.
Following a big increase in disruption to flights caused by intoxicated travellers, Phil Ward, managing director of Jet2.com, is calling for action.
He said: “Under no circumstances will we allow the disruptive few to spoil the experience for the majority of the fantastic customers that fly with us.”
Jet2.com is working closely with other high profile holiday companies and industry bodies to tackle disruptive conduct.
Cabin crew increasingly have to deal with people displaying abusive, racist and often noisy and aggressive conduct, causing misery and disruption for other passengers nearby.
The airline has empowered its staff to take decisions quickly regarding disruptive passengers including verbal and written warnings and, ultimately, the ability to divert the aircraft to the nearest airport.
Measures also include banning disruptive passengers for life, handing them over to the police, issuing a bill for the cost of the diversion and taking legal action, post travel.
They have also written to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, urging more decisive action to help crack down on the problem.
Mr Ward added: “Most passengers absolutely know how to behave on board, whilst having a good time too.
“It’s for that reason that we must stamp out this rise in disruptive behaviour.”
