Cabin Crew Reported to Have Been Physically Assaulted by Passengers Under the Influence

Research by British insurance company Direct Line has revealed the extent to which members of cabin crew have been physically or verbally assaulted by passengers who are high or drunk. According to these results, the cabin crew surveyed have also observed an increasing trend toward self-medication.

A survey by British insurance company Direct Line has revealed that almost four out of ten members of cabin crew have been physically assaulted by passengers under the influence of drugs within the last year, The Daily Mail reports. More than 2,000 passengers and 100 members of cabin crew took part in this survey, which also revealed that nearly half of participants received verbal abuse from travelers who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

According to the outlet, Direct Line’s research indicates that a small number – estimated to be at five percent of those surveyed – self-medicate with alcohol and drugs to the extent that “they would not be able to get off the plane without assistance in an emergency.”

To this end, 68 percent of cabin crew members who took part in the survey said that they had observed an increase in passengers self-medicating with drugs and alcohol over the last year.

Offering his comments to the outlet, Tom Bishop, Direct Line’s head of travel insurance, said, “It is shocking to see the scale of abuse flight attendants are forced to endure as they are trapped onboard with self-medicated and drunken passengers behaving erratically and inappropriately. Passengers often don’t know how they will react in the air, due to a combination of the effects of medication, alcohol and changes in air pressure.”

“While everyone wants an enjoyable journey, people need to moderate their drinking when flying to ensure they are always in control and only take prescribed medication in the correct dosage. Those nervous or anxious about flying should explore alternative options to calm themselves or seek medical advice from their GP,” he added.

[Image Source: Shutterstock]