Air rage campaign ignites

A campaign to tackle disruptive passenger behaviour on aircraft moved up a gear last week with a series of nationwide meetings under way with MPs of all parties.

The moves follow the launch by Jet2.com of its Onboard Together initiative, highlighted by aviation minister Robert Goodwill in a speech to the Airport Operators Association (see also ON TOUR).

The minister said: “Within our own sphere of responsibility we can each act to reduce the risks. Jet2.com has begun a campaign ... which seeks to educate passengers and empower their crew. The government must make sure that enforcement is effective.”

Other MPs taking up the issue include transport select committee member Karl McCartney, who said: “Onboard Together is highlighting the problems associated with disruptive passengers on aeroplanes, a serious issue that needs to be addressed. I am proud to offer my support."

A number of MPs have also raised the issue directly in Parliament, with several Parliamentary Questions tabled to date.  

They include a call for the mandatory use of tamper-proof, plastic duty-free bags across UK airports. Manchester and Glasgow airports are among those already trialing this approach.  www.jet2.com

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Mike Pitman, Jersey

Half if not more of the scale of this problem could be eliminated if greater vigilence was encouraged at the check-in and especially at the gate.The vast majority of passengers manage to enjoy a drink without becoming a problem and it isn't too difficult to recognise someone who has over imbibed. Fewer instances of this problem would occur if gate staff were more trained to prevent drunks boarding.