Originally Posted by ckfred

My understanding is that intoxicated people aren't supposed to be allowed to board an airplane, and FAs aren't supposed to serve alcohol to passengers who have had too much to drink.

The reason for the rules is that passengers must be capable of following crew instructions, especially in an emergency.

It seems to me that AA dropped the ball three times, by letting the couple on the plane, letting them sit in an exit row, and serving them during the flight.