Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has recently stirred debate with his proposal to limit alcohol consumption to a maximum of two drinks per passenger at airports before boarding a plane.
The suggestion, aimed at curbing inappropriate behavior on flights, comes in response to the growing concern that excessive alcohol consumption is a significant factor contributing to unruly passenger behavior. O'Leary emphasized that alcohol is often a determining factor in these incidents, which have, in some cases, forced planes to return to their airport of origin due to disturbances caused by intoxicated passengers.
In a candid interview with The Telegraph, O'Leary shed light on the challenges airlines face in identifying intoxicated passengers before they board. He pointed out that as long as passengers can "stand up and move forward," they often pass through boarding checks without much scrutiny. However, once in the air, the behavior of some intoxicated passengers becomes problematic, sometimes escalating to the point where extreme measures, such as flight diversions, are necessary. O'Leary likened the issue to drunk driving, arguing that while there is no intention to completely ban alcohol consumption, limits need to be established to prevent such incidents.
O'Leary also acknowledged that alcohol is not the sole culprit behind unruly behavior. He noted that in some instances, passengers mix alcohol with other substances, exacerbating their inappropriate actions. This combination further complicates the task of maintaining order and safety on board.
Ryanair, known for its stringent policies, has already implemented several measures to control alcohol consumption on certain flights, particularly those to popular holiday destinations. For example, the airline has banned passengers from carrying alcohol purchased at duty-free shops on board, following numerous instances where passengers attempted to consume these drinks during the flight. On routes like Ibiza, Ryanair has even prohibited passengers from carrying water bottles, as they were often found to be filled with vodka. O'Leary observed that most passengers arrive at the airport with sufficient time to have a couple of drinks before boarding, but delays often lead to excessive drinking, which can cause issues once the flight is underway. He suggested that passengers should opt for non-alcoholic beverages like coffee or tea during extended waits.
Despite the logical reasoning behind O'Leary's proposal, it has been met with skepticism from airport bar and restaurant operators, who stand to lose significant profits from alcohol sales. Among the critics is Sir Tim Martin, founder of the pub chain Wetherspoons, who argued that controlled consumption of alcohol in a supervised environment is safer than the alternatives. Martin also took the opportunity to criticize Ryanair for its own practices of selling alcohol on board, highlighting the airline's promotions offering discounts on double portions of Irish whiskey.
Michael O'Leary is no stranger to controversy, having proposed numerous bold and cost-cutting ideas during his three decades at the helm of Ryanair. His suggestions have ranged from eliminating onboard toilets to removing co-pilots, and even introducing flights where passengers would stand instead of sit. Although many of these ideas have not been implemented, they reflect O'Leary's relentless focus on optimizing resources and reducing operating costs.
As of now, Ryanair has not confirmed whether it will implement a limit on the number of alcoholic drinks passengers can purchase in-flight, but the proposal aligns with O'Leary's broader vision of enhancing safety and behavior on board. Whether or not this idea comes to fruition, it underscores the ongoing debate over how best to balance passenger freedom with the need to maintain a safe and orderly environment during flights.
Source: Vinetur