A recent poll by Go Compare has revealed that half of Brits consider drunk passengers the most annoying aspect of flying. The survey highlighted incidents involving stag dos and rowdy behaviour that made other passengers feel unsafe.
Beyond being a nuisance, drunkenness on aircraft can result in severe penalties. The Civil Aviation Authority warns that offenders face a maximum fine of £5,000 and up to two years in prison.
Recent incidents include a brawl on a Ryanair flight from Bristol to Alicante involving around 30 'drunken Brits', and an easyJet flight from the UK to Turkey diverted to Greece due to disruptive passengers. London Stansted Airport has reminded travellers that those deemed unfit to fly may be denied boarding.
Other common annoyances include screaming children and baggage issues. One traveller reported having to wear multiple layers to avoid excess baggage fees. Despite these issues, some passengers expressed satisfaction with budget airlines, noting that low expectations often lead to acceptable experiences.
Ceri McMillan, travel expert at Go Compare, advises travellers to compare travel insurance policies to mitigate financial disruption from travel problems.
