UK: Partygoers on flights warned 'excessive drinking' will lead to hefty fines

Groups of revellers heading to party destinations are being warned by the aviation industry to fly responsibly or risk being grounded at the airport and fined. The warning comes as new figures show that the larger the group, the greater the risk of disruption from excessive drinking and other antisocial behaviour before take-off or during the outgoing journey. Groups now account for up to two-thirds of all incidents at individual airports, according to the new data issued by partners in the government-backed One Too Many public awareness campaign, launched in July. Airports and airlines are now tracking and logging their results in order to better identify “at risk” groups, whereas previously the Civil Aviation Authority only released global figures. Glasgow airport, for example, says that over the year to date, an average of 65% of incidents (which result in a warning or more) are for passengers travelling in groups, including hen and stag parties. Passengers found drunk on a plane could be fined up to GBP5,000 and jailed for up to two years for breaching air navigation orders. If the plane is diverted due to antisocial behaviour then they may also have to pay a fine of up to GBP80,000 to cover the cost of an unscheduled landing.<br/>