The UK Wants Its Flyers to Stop Getting so Drunk
Companies across the travel industry in the UK are teaming up to raise awareness for the consequences of drinking too much alcohol when flying. The campaign, coined "One Too Many," launched today on social media and 10 pilot airports across the UK.
The goal is to remind passengers that there are downsides to consuming too much alcohol, citing denial of boarding, plane diversions (and the often high fines involved in causing a plane to divert), up to two-year prison sentences and even being banned from an airline.
The campaign is convening associations in a way that no other campaign of its kind has. The UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF), the Airports Operators Association (AOA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines UK (AUK) are all supporting the new initiative.
"One Too Many" was brought to life by UK Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg and will be visible on Facebook and Instagram as well as select airports in the UK, including Manchester Airports Group (MAN, EMA, STN), AGS Airports (ABZ, GLA, SOU), Bristol Airport (BRS), Birmingham Airport (BHX), Newcastle Airport (NCL) and Gatwick Airport (LGW).
At the airports, the campaign will be visible "across digital screen signage, POS display, F&B retailer notices and through a dedicated police leaflet," according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
"Disruptive passengers have the potential to ruin other people’s flights, and this campaign is an important new step to ensure all passengers are aware of the consequences they face if they behave disruptively after drinking before or on board a flight," Sugg said at the program's launch. "I am pleased to see the industry come together to ensure the experiences at our airports and on flights remain positive for everyone."
TPG has reported on several cases of intoxicated passengers causing diversions from the UK, so it's no surprise that the issue is trying to be halted. Ryanair was even pushing for an initiative to end morning drinking at airports as well as overall restrictions on drinking at airports.
