Filippo Capuano

Unruly Passengers Filippo Capuano

An IATA survey found that between 2007 and 2017, approximately 66,000 episodes were reported on board aircraft as a result of sexual violence, assaults, threats and intimidation. These episodes were perpetrated by passengers against other passengers or crew members. Very rarely these are people who are suffering from mental disorders. They are normal people, such as we would we meet every day, who behave unacceptably on the plane. There are numerous cases in which the aircraft commander had to order coercive measures. Passengers tied up like salami, handcuffed, gagged until landing and delivered to the authorities, often at airports along the route instead of the planned destination. These passengers are now labeled in the aviation world as unruly and disruptive. They are more than rude bullies. Those who choose to fly want to reach their destination safely and comfortably. They do not set out to experience uncomfortable, unexpected and dangerous situations in small and unfamiliar spaces or to be stranded in an unscheduled airport that has nothing to do with their travel plans. Rows with three, four and even five seats put people up close to strangers, forcing them to share a limited sleeping space, elbow-to-elbow. Attention must be paid to behavior on board, especially if one is sharing a seat row with an ill-mannered neighbor. Reactions are not always appropriate to the context and they may expose unaware passengers to serious consequences. What may be considered a sign of intemperance or a justified reaction in one Country, is considered a crime or an offence in other Countries, leading to imprisonment and hefty fines.