Abusive passengers could be blacklisted from all airlines under new proposal
Abusive passengers could be blacklisted from all airlines under new proposal 21 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Faarea Masud Business reporter Getty Images Abusive air passengers could be put on a national blacklist and prevented from flying with any airline under a new government proposal. The scheme would allow airlines to share information on disruptive passengers and potentially restrict their access to flights. Rowdy, problematic and drunken behaviour spikes during the busy summer travel period. Currently, if a passenger is banned by one airline, they can potentially book with another. "Everyone should be able to enjoy a pint at the airport, but antisocial behaviour on flights is totally unacceptable," a government source told the BBC. "It threatens the safety of passengers and crew, and disrupts hard-earned holidays." Officials from the Department for Transport will meeting with airlines this month to discuss how the proposal could work. The national database could be co-operatively managed by the government and the airline industry. If implemented, the move would not require any changes in current law, though it is not clear how the plan would work under current data protection - or GDPR - rules. At the moment sharing of passenger details is not allowed under GDPR, so a disruptive passenger, if banned from one flight, could book with another. "There are already tough laws in place to deal with offences committed on flights, but we are exploring with industry how we can better address this issue, ensuring we crack down on people who persistently cause chaos," the government source added. "Everyone should be able to fly without fuss." The issue of disruptive passengers has been a concern for airlines for some time, with criminal prosecutions used in severe cases. In April, a court heard that drunk passenger Stephen Blofield, 61, became so abusive that the Ryanair pilot was forced to abort his first landing on a flight from Krakow to Bristol airport in November last year. Blofield was jailed for 10 months. In February, Jet2 banned two passengers from the airline for life after a mid-air brawl on a flight from Turkey to Manchester. The firm said the disruptive behaviour was "appalling" and led to an emergency landing in Brussels, where the men were arrested for intentional assault and battery . Airlines UK, which represents the airline industry, welcomed the idea and said it would work with the government on developing the proposal. "Additional measures for the most serious cases of disruption, including the creation of a national ban list, is an important next step ensuring a tiny minority of passengers cannot disrupt air travel for the majority," a spokesperson said. Jet2 hands passengers life ban after mid-air brawl Drunken plane passenger jailed for 'vile' abuse Customer service Air travel Travel
While I can understand the need to maintain order on flights, blacklisting all passengers based on behavior seems like an overreaction. Perhaps a more nuanced approach, like mandatory anti-drinking training for all passengers and stricter penalties for repeat offenders, would be more effective. #TravelSafety #AirlineResponsibility
Is it really a black-and-white issue? Airlines could benefit from a more balanced approach, like offering discounts to passengers who exhibit good behavior. After all, its not like everyone is going to be a disruptive passenger, and punishing the innocent with the guilty is no way to build trust in the industry. Plus, who knows? Maybe some of these so-called problematic passengers would turn out to be the most loyal customers once they realize they cant be banned from flying.
Blacklisting abusive passengers is a smart move. It protects other travelers and upholds the sanctity of air travel. Airlines should work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone.
Absolutely, blacklisting abusive passengers is a no-brainer. Its crucial for maintaining the integrity of our skies. Lets hope airlines collaborate to make travel a harassment-free zone for everyone!
Absolutely! Instead of a blacklist, lets reward good behavior with discounts. Airlines can create a loyalty program that incentivizes polite passengers, encouraging a culture of respect on planes. This way, everyone benefits: airlines get more pleasant flights, and frequent flyers save money. #PassengerResponsibility #Airlines #TravelBuddy
Blacklisting abusive passengers? Sounds like a great idea! We just need to make sure we dont accidentally blacklist the occasional jetsetter whos having a bad hair day. And while were at it, lets also remember to offer discounts to passengers who are consistently on time and kind to the staff. After all, its not like everyone is going to be a saint all the time. #LibertarianThoughts