Being a frequent barfly before boarding a flight may not be as harmless as it seems, as intoxicated passengers are often forced to leave the plane before takeoff. A flight attendant named Tor shared a warning on TikTok, advising travelers not to make their drunkenness obvious when boarding to avoid any embarrassment or missed flights. She emphasized that both the passenger and the crew benefit from maintaining sobriety during the flight and that being legally required to remove intoxicated passengers is not a pleasant experience for anyone involved.
The consequences of excessive drinking before or during a flight can be severe, with instances of unruly behavior leading to passengers being removed or even sentenced to prison time. One such case involved a man from Long Island who was sentenced to six months in federal prison for causing chaos while intoxicated on a flight from Tel Aviv to JFK. In another incident, rowdy passengers from the UK were ordered off the plane due to their drunken behavior. Tor emphasized that these actions are taken in accordance with the law and are necessary for the safety and security of all passengers on board.
Despite the potential legal and personal consequences of drinking before a flight, some passengers still find it amusing to imagine the extreme level of drunkenness required to be denied boarding for being too intoxicated. Others who have chosen to abstain from alcohol while traveling have found the experience of arriving sober to be more enjoyable and less stressful. The effects of alcohol can be intensified at high altitudes, making it particularly risky to fly while under the influence, and passengers have shared that the fear of being intoxicated on a plane is enough to deter them from drinking before flying.
Flight attendants like Tor hope that sharing these stories and warnings will help passengers understand the serious implications of being intoxicated while traveling, and encourage responsible drinking habits to ensure a safe and pleasant journey for all. The information provided by crew members is meant to educate passengers on the legal requirements and potential consequences of being too drunk to fly, while also reminding them to consider their own comfort and well-being during the flight. By raising awareness about the risks of consuming alcohol before and during flights, airlines aim to create a more positive and secure travel experience for all passengers.