Drunken passengers force flight to land in Germany

[kyle172]

BERLIN - Two drunken British women went on a rampage on a charter plane, hitting one flight attendant with a bottle of vodka and trying to open a cabin door as the aircraft was cruising over Austria at 10,000 meters (32,800 feet), police said Saturday.

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The staff on the flight from Greece to England eventually forced the women back to their seats and the pilot made an emergency in Frankfurt on Thursday, police told The Associated Press, confirming a statement they had issued on Friday.

The identities of the women, aged 26 and 27, were not released, but police said the 26-year-old may be charged with attempted assault and interfering with air traffic.

Both women were released, police said.

The rampage occurred when a flight attendant denied the women alcohol because they were visibly intoxicated, police said. The 26-year-old took a swipe at a cabin attendant with a bottle of vodka, then attempted to open a cabin door.

"Apparently the 26-year-old wanted to catch some fresh air," the statement said, in an effort to make light of the altercation.

The two women were taken into custody by police at the Frankfurt airport and given a breathalyzer test. Both were legally intoxicated.

After an hour in Frankfurt, the flight continued on to Manchester, England.

[penguin44]

They really need to stop serving on planes period. They know what the mix of alcohol and altitude do to a person, and they don't let you even board if you are even mildly intoxicated, but they will gladly serve you in the air?

[kyle172]

I agree. I think in the past flying was like more of ritzy thing to do so they started serving drinks. But now with everything going on these days I think it's time to pull drinks off the menu

[MathFox]

I agree. I think in the past flying was like more of ritzy thing to do so they started serving drinks. But now with everything going on these days I think it's time to pull drinks off the menu

Did you look around at airports and see how much alcohol is available to carry on (either in a bottle or already in your stomach)? Do you want to make all sale of alcohol on airports illegal too?
How many responsible drinkers will be inconvenienced by a total ban on alcohol? After one glass of whisky or brandy I am able to get a few hours of sleep on a red eye; I find it much harder without.
P.S. I don't defend public intoxication and a plane is a public place. Remember the prohibition, it did not stop alcohol abuse either.

[dave]

I agree. I think in the past flying was like more of ritzy thing to do so they started serving drinks. But now with everything going on these days I think it's time to pull drinks off the menu

Yes, let's let the bad behavior of a tiny number of people ruin things for the overwhelming number of responsible people.  Please don't feed into the media hype.  It is not time to do anything.  Nothing is broken.   Unruly people don't need alcohol to behave badly.

Dave

P.S. And I don't drink much at all but I know plenty of people who like to relax with a drink, especially when flying.