V-Flyer

US728 from Philadelphia to London, on Tuesday, returned to Philadelphia shortly into its flight due to the allegedly disruptive activities of one passenger that may, or may not, have included drinking vodka, being 'disruptive', and challenging Cabin Crew and Air Marshalls on board.

The individual involved was, apparently, travelling to London, to seek employment, after losing his job, but is now in custody awaiting a Federal hearing next week.

International treaties allow prosecution of disruptive passengers in the country of destination. Following on from other threads on this subject, US Federal law can impose fairly severe penalties, under civil and criminal law, on those found guilty, including civil fines of up to $1,100, and criminal fines of up to $10,000, for each violation of Federal aviation law

Additional criminal penalties include imprisonment of up to 20 years if the passenger was not armed and a life sentence if the passenger was armed (a person is considered armed if in possession of any object that can be used, or is used, to cause death or serious bodily injury).

A physical assault on a crew member could, theoretically, result in up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

For the benefit of v-flyers, disruptive behaviour is classified as any behaviour that interferes with an airline crew's duties, including the duties of flight attendants including verbal threats, physical threats, intimidation, assault, including attempt and/or conspiracy.

Additionally, airlines may, sometimes, ban individuals from their service for a number of years, or for life, especially if they are repeat offenders.

2013 FAA Enforcement Actions: 160 cases.

Given they're armed and highly trained, challenging an air marshal probably isn't the best idea ...

I have never the understood the need to get " tanked up " on an aircraft, especially when flying at high altitudes it just makes things worse

Me neither. Yet the recent disquiet about alcohol rationing on the LAS route suggests many see it as their right and an integral part of flying.

Maybe it's because it's "free".

Nearly every week a flight is diverted to Shannon to offload a passenger who is being disruptive. The usual cause is drink and/or drugs some of which may well be prescription or OTC drugs. People forget the effect altitude may have on alcohol consumption.

Now, if you'll excuse me, there's a G&T with my name on somewhere in the kitchen

I understand the need to drink ! I have never been disruptive on a plane though. Yet !

I think in certain cabin classes the amount offered to passengers is to much especially if you don't drink normally...this doesn't apply to me as I'm a very sensible drinker and I drink every night to avoid these types of complications. |:)

There's no excuse to abuse drunken behaviour in any environment! Learn your limits and stick to them!