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Video recorded from bodycams at Tampa International Airport shows the challenges faced by airline employees when dealing with disruptive and drunk passengers.
WFLA captured footage that provides a view of the challenges faced by Tampa airport employees and airport staff nationwide when a passenger becomes overly intoxicated prior to boarding a flight.
In a video, an officer is seen requesting that a man, who they suspect to be under the influence, vacate the airport premises.
Next, the video shows law enforcement holding onto the man’s arm and urging him to walk, while assuring him that their intention is to help him avoid going to jail by getting him out of the situation.
The officer informed the passenger that he was intoxicated and would not be allowed to board. At one point, the officer also requested that he put his shoe back on.
The traveler appears to not comprehend that he’s being requested to depart and tells the officers, “I’m fine where I am,” to which one responds, “No, you’re not.”
The passengers are then restrained with handcuffs. The passenger expresses disbelief, asking, “Seriously?” The officer responds, stating, “Yes.”
In a separate clip from a bodycam recording, officers can be heard informing a woman, accompanied by a man, that she will not be allowed to board the aircraft.
“It’s unjust. I am aware of my rights,” the woman responds.
The woman began shouting at airport employees, demanding to be arrested for asserting her rights. She insisted that she was not under the influence.
Finally, after being told several times to be taken into custody, law enforcement takes action and restrains the female suspect, who then inquires, “Why am I being arrested?”
The Federal Aviation Administration reported a total of 2,075 instances of disruptive passengers in 2023. As of February 25, 2024, there have been 286 reported incidents just within this year.
Nonetheless, there has been a decrease of more than 80% in the number of unruly passenger incidents compared to the record-breaking figures in the beginning of 2021, with a total of 5,973 recorded cases in that year.
Retired pilot John Cox explained to WFLA that there is a low tolerance for intoxicated passengers because they can pose a danger to themselves and those around them.
Although not all rowdy passengers are necessarily under the influence of alcohol, any type of disruptive behavior could jeopardize the safety of the entire flight.
In 2023, there were several occurrences involving assault towards passengers and flight attendants, as well as attempted opening of the aircraft door.
Passengers who behave disruptively may be fined up to $37,000 for each offense and may also be subject to imprisonment or future travel limitations.
Source: independent.co.uk
