A Solution to Drunk Airplane Passengers

I posted the following on Facebook yesterday and wasn't surprised by the blowback, even from people I respect a lot:

"An industry-wide "no-fly list" for violent airline passengers is being considered and I, for one, hope it becomes the law/rule/standard.

"I would suggest that drinking onboard significantly adds to the probability of bad behavior. Southwest Airlines has banned alcohol (during Covid), but now is considering serving it again. I hope it does not and that other airlines ban drinking onboard.

"It would also be a good idea to give suspected drunks breathalyzer tests before allowing them to fly drunk (drinking before boarding). They would also forfeit the cost of their tickets if they show up drunk. If that sounds harsh, you might consider whether you are having a problem with alcohol. If so, help is readily available."

Several people pointed out that not everybody is a drunk and that a drink or two relaxes them for the flight. I get that. I also get that a large airplane at 30,000 feet is not the safest place to have a drink. The pressurized cabin intensifies the effects of alcohol.

What I would like to see, after considerable thought, is the institution of zero tolerance for drunks or drug-addled people on flights. You drink or drug and get out of hand, you don't fly again. Ever. There would, of course, be a process for appeal, but reversal would be rare and deeply considered.

Those who have sat at the airport bar and poured down drinks before the flight would have to take a breathalyzer before the flight board and if they are legally drunk (1.8), they would lose their seat on the airplane and the money they spent for that seat. Drinks during flight would be limited to one.

In response to one of those replying to my suggestion, I wrote, "I think the difference between moderate drinkers and those of us who are addicted is important. I don't understand or identify with somebody who can easily drink one or two drinks and be satisfied with that. 

"Those of us who are addicted are the people who cause the trouble and estimates are that 12.7 percent of American adults are alcoholics, up 49 percent since 2000 (Washington Post). That compares to 5.6 percent of our citizens who are LBGT. Nine percent earn $100,000 a year (YouGov)."

As with wearing masks and getting vaccinations, moderate drinking--or none at all--during airline flights is not a big ask of anyone save those who are addicted. And like those Covid requirements, they are for the public good.

I, for one, don't want to get on board a commercial airplane with people who will make my flight more stressful than it already is and who will endanger the other passengers. Being sober seems to me to be a little to ask.