A Perspective on Air Rage

In flight incidents requiring intervention appears to be increasing. One such incident involved a intoxicated female adult passenger who became belligerent and assaulted a female flight attendant. The assault took place when the passenger was asked to assume a seated position with her seat belt fastened during encountered air turbulence. As a result of the attack, the flight attendant received minor personal injury, which interfered with her ability to perform as a crew member for the remainder of the flight, potentially affecting passenger safety.

Unruly behavior and incidents like this aboard commercial airliners is not new. One of the first reported cases took place in 1947 and involved an intoxicated and unruly male passenger on a flight from Havana, Cuba, to Miami, Florida. The man physically assaulted a fellow passenger causing injury. Recent incidents have been wide range involving both males and females of all ages, income levels, and occupations. Statistically the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported an overall increase in the number of incidents attributed to unruly passengers in recent years.

The media coined the label “air rage” in the 1990s. Although opinions vary as to what causes it and what it encompasses, the popular term seems to adequately describe the various incidents that occur during air travel.

Research coupled with thorough collection of specific information on incidents of passenger misconduct can add focus and help in the recognition, assessment and control of air rage.

The lack of a specific and legal description of air rage and what it encompasses has made recognizing it difficult.

While further research is needed, it seems logical that some, not all, criminal behavior during air travel may characterize air rage. Specifically any violent or disruptive behavior affecting the flight crew or passengers. Such behavior as mere noncompliance with safety directives or other airline rules; verbal outbursts, such as shouting, belligerence, and the use of profanity; physical displays of aggression, such as threatening gestures or intended harm to others; and assaultive behavior that results in property damage, injury or death are all forms of air rage.