If you’ve ever spent three hours on a plane rubbing elbows with loud, lairy men who’ve been drinking since before sunrise, you may well agree with Imogen West-Knight. She argues that while the pre-dawn airport pint is a cherished ritual for some, it often leads to disorder and discomfort for others.
The Appeal of the Early Morning Drink
West-Knight admits she’s never been one for an early morning airport pint herself, finding travel at that hour miserable enough without a hangover. However, she understands the appeal: it takes the edge off waiting in the overlit limbo of Luton Airport, provides a seat, and feels transgressive in a thrilling way. Yet she cautions that anywhere else, drinking at that time would prompt concern from loved ones.
O’Leary’s Valid Point
Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s boss, recently criticised airport bars for serving alcohol at 5 or 6am, calling it “profiteering” that leaves airlines to handle the consequences. Despite his airline being voted the worst short-haul operator in the UK, West-Knight fears he has a valid point. She notes that as a nation, the UK struggles with moderate alcohol consumption, and too many people cannot be trusted to have just one beer and behave with dignity on a plane.
Statistics on Airport Disorder
A 2018 report from the Institute of Alcohol Studies found that 51% of people agree there is a serious problem with excessive drinking on flights. Scottish police statistics show crime and disorder at airports have risen by about 40% since 2022, with aviation security experts blaming alcohol. Stephen Wood from Leeds Beckett University noted a “large increase” in drunk passengers, linked to violence and sexual assault.
Airside bars are not subject to standard licensing laws on serving times. Airline staff can refuse boarding to obviously drunk passengers, but this is a high-stakes interaction. West-Knight has witnessed people being denied seats, and they rarely take it calmly. Moreover, passengers who board after a few drinks often continue drinking on the flight, sometimes for free on long-haul services, creating hazardous situations.
A Call for Moderation
West-Knight concludes that while she enjoys a glass of prosecco on holiday, perhaps we could avoid getting drunk before 10am and at least let people eat breakfast first. She acknowledges the divide in public opinion but stands by her judgment of the 5am airport pint.
