WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- The airline industry has flatly rejected a U.S. senator's request to impose a two-drink limit on all domestic flights.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., sent letters to seven major airlines, asking they adopt a new policy to help control alcohol-induced "air rage." In the letter, she threatened congressional action if the airlines did not comply. Her idea did not fly.

The Air Transport Association, the industry's Washington trade group, says, "This proposal is poor public policy that would unilaterally penalize the hundreds of millions of cooperative, law-abiding passengers because of the disruptive, rude, and often illegal conduct of a few."

Flight crews are also oppose the Feinstein plan, but from a different vector. The Association of Flight Attendants says airlines should limit passengers to one drink at a time during flights, and stop serving alcohol before takeoff.

The FAA, which reported 314 incidents involving unruly passengers last year, says it may study possible connections between drinking and "air rage."


[This message has been edited by raffy (edited 07-27-2001).]