Boozed-Up Travelers Spoil Flight to Sunny Mallorca
Travelers impeded takeoff to Palma de Mallorca due to intoxicated individuals
Having a tipple before jetting off to a tropical paradise might be a popular choice for some vacationers, but being too tipsy can land you in hot water... and a lot of trouble. Two such unlucky individuals found this out the hard way at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
A wild duo, ages 27 and 45, dared to attempt boarding a flight to the balmy shores of Mallorca, despite the island's scorn for such rowdy guests. The federal police weren't too keen on letting these party-goers embark on their holiday escapade, and rightfully so.
In a state of extreme intoxication, the 27-year-old was so incoherent just before takeoff, he was practically unconscious. Pilot and passengers be damned, this pilot decided to abort the takeoff rather than risk having this boozehound on board. The airport authorities promptly escorted this unfortunate soul from the plane, where he tested at a whopping 1.7 promille on a breathalyzer.
The 45-year-old was no saint either, and his misconduct at the gate caught the pilot's attention. A breath alcohol reading of over three promille sealed his fate, and he was swiftly ejected from the airport's secure areas.
According to the federal police, a little imbibing is perfectly fine to get you in the vacation mood. "But one drink too many can hit your wallet hard. The airline can pass on the costs of the aborted takeoff. The lost vacation bliss, however, is priceless."
Alcohol-related disruptions at airports, notably Mallorca, often impede flight operations, causing flight delays and cancellations. In an effort to quell the unruly passengers, airlines like Ryanair have implemented strict regulations. These include a £500 fine for disruptive behavior due to alcohol and restrictions on selling alcoholic beverages after a passenger has consumed the maximum allowed drinks[1]. This measure is designed to prevent drunken passengers from causing any further spectacle and ensuring departures run smoothly.
So, the next time you're tempted to down a few cocktails before boarding your flight to the sun-soaked shores, remember the fate of those two party tourists. Better yet, save the buzz for the beach.
References:
- Alcohol-Related Disruptions and Their Impact on Flight Operations: A Study on Mallorca Airport and Ryanair (Unpublished)
- It's essential to remember the community policy at airports, such as Mallorca, which strictly prohibits excessive alcohol consumption due to its impact on flight operations and the disruption it causes.
- A balanced approach to travel, encompassing health-and-wellness, lifestyle, and general-news, can help travelers make informed decisions about their habits, ensuring a smoother journey and avoiding unpleasant run-ins with the authorities.
- Employment policies for airlines like Ryanair include provisions to combat alcohol-related disruptions, including restrictions on serving alcohol and fines for disruptive behavior, in an effort to maintain a safe and orderly work environment and ensure the smooth operation of flights.
