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Blow into This…


Is it time to breathalyse passengers before boarding flights?


The sale of alcohol adds another layer of complexity, necessitating heightened awareness and proactive measures by flight crews to try and ensure passenger safety isn’t jeopardised.


Comprehensive preventative training courses for airline staff, with an emphasis on reading body language and understanding human behaviour, are crucial.


Training empowers staff to make informed decisions and handle situations effectively, even those that fall outside the usual policy framework.


Early Detection of non-verbal cues allows staff to address issues proactively by offering assistance, relocating passengers, or engaging in calming conversations.


Interpretation of body language helps in choosing the right approach, ie; understanding when a passenger needs space versus when they need reassurance.


With this knowledge staff can use their discretion more effectively, ensuring both passenger safety and satisfaction.


Examples of Discretionary Actions:


- Identifying passengers who have consumed too much alcohol and taking pre-emptive steps can prevent disruptive incidents.


- Recognising signs of emotional distress, providing support or arranging professional assistance can mitigate the risk of escalation.


- Limiting alcohol consumption for specific passengers or altering seating arrangements can help maintain order and safety.


The availability of duty-free alcohol can exacerbate the challenges faced by airline staff.


Passengers who consume alcohol before or during a flight are more likely to exhibit disruptive behaviour necessitating additional vigilance and proactive measures from the crew.


- Increased Intoxication


- In-flight Consumption


- Managing Intoxicated passengers


Preventative Strategies:


- Pre-boarding Screening can help staff identify signs of intoxication during the boarding process.


- Limiting access to duty-free alcohol during the flight can be enforced more effectively by trained staff.


- Informing passengers about the risks and regulations regarding alcohol consumption.


The integration of preventative training courses for airline staff, with a focus on reading body language and exercising discretionary judgment, is essential for reducing aggressive and violent incidents.


Understanding the implications of duty-free alcohol sales and implementing strategies to manage its impact further supports the goal of maintaining order and safety aboard aircraft.


Investing in comprehensive training and equipping staff with the necessary tools, can significantly improve safety and enhance services.





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