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RYANAIR has called on the European Union to implement a two-drink limit across the entire continent in response to growing violence on board flights.
But Love Island star Laura Anderson, who was runner-up in the 2018 series and worked for Emirates before finding fame, says airline bosses are going to suck the fun out of flying.
Melissa said safety was always paramount.[/caption]
The 35-year-old, from Stirling, said: “A two-drink limit is crazy, let people live and enjoy the holiday they’ve worked hard all year for.
“Don’t let the minority ruin it for the rest of us.”
And Laura says trained, professionals working on flights can handle the odd pesky passenger.
She explained: “Being cabin crew myself, I know too well the number of drinks an individual can handle differs dramatically dependant on weight, recent food intake, current hydration, medication, health and the list goes on.
“Cabin crew are trained to monitor unruly passengers and have the right to deny alcohol onboard completely.
“I trust cabin crew training to be able to handle their passengers especially on shorter flights that Ryanair operate.”
Ryanair chiefs have suggested the sensible approach to monitoring the limit would be to use boarding passes at bars in the same way they’re used for duty free, so that a curb is easily applied.
As well as problems in the sky, they claim long delays are also an issue as people are often drunk when it’s time to board.
It’s technically a criminal offence to be drunk on an aircraft and offenders can receive a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment, according to the Civil Aviation Authority, or fines up to £80,000. But it’s typically handled by cabin crew who can refuse service at their own discretion.
Melissa Douglas, worked for Jet2 and can see merit in both sides of the argument.
The 27-year-old, who is now a nurse, from Windygates, Fife, said: “I can see why they would want to do the two-drink limit as passengers can get carried away which can cause delays and disruptions.
“But to a lot of people, it’s where they start their holiday and some people use drink to help calm their nerves.
“It just seems a shame to limit alcohol for those who can handle themselves because of the few people who take it too far.
“We actually did serve a two-drink limit on certain flights, like Ibiza, where we know they would be drinking beforehand.
“They were just extra rowdy which affected the families on the flights, which seemed unfair.
“We would get passengers who would stand up and shout across the plane and sneak in their own miniatures.
“We definitely have a lot to deal with already on a flight so it could be quite a challenge and you had to prepare yourself to be more stern with drunk passengers too as they all just think it’s a big laugh.
“They forget their safety is the most important thing and that is our job to make sure they stay safe and everyone has a smooth flight – including the passengers who aren’t drinking.”
Melissa said in her time working with the airline, she had to take booze from passengers and separate large groups – but never had any major issues.
She said: “If they were really bad, we would get our manager and they would say they would have them taken off the flight if it continued.
“But it never happened and I think it was just to scare them into behaving.”
Although she thinks a strict two-drink limit would be overkill, Laura thinks there are other methods of limiting booze consumption that could be considered.
Much like police can breathalyse drivers they suspect to be over the limit, she thinks passengers believed to be drunk could be tested before they board.
A criticism of this approach would be that someone who is below the threshold could quickly skyrocket above it after a few drinks in the air.
But the former hostess thinks it would still give crew a head start on any potential problems.
Laura added: “Perhaps breathalysing prior to boarding may help any cause for concern as more damage may be done in the airport lounges where better vigilance may be required.
“It’s easier to deal with people when you know what you’re starting with. Idiots boarding who are already wasted can be a nightmare.”
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