Can Flight Attendants Refuse Service to Passengers They Feel Are Too Intoxicated?

The question of whether flight attendants can refuse service to passengers who appear too intoxicated to be safe has been addressed by federal aviation regulations for decades. Under the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), specifically part 121.574, flight attendants have the legal authority to take decisive action in these situations to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.

Introduction to FARs and Their Relevance

These regulations, which have been in place since 1958, provide clear guidelines for flight crew's responsibilities, particularly regarding the safety and well-being of passengers. They emphasize the prevention of disturbances and ensure that all individuals aboard an aircraft are not in a state that could compromise the safety of the flight.

Key Provisions of FAR 121.574

A. Serving Alcohol

No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him. This means that only authorized personnel, usually the flight attendants, can serve alcohol to passengers.

No certificate holder (i.e., the airline) may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person who appears to be intoxicated. This is a clear directive for flight attendants to evaluate each passenger before serving alcohol.

No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if the individual appears to be intoxicated. This emphasizes the preventive measure of not even allowing intoxicated individuals to board the aircraft in the first place.

These rules are crucial for maintaining order and safety on board the aircraft. By strictly adhering to these guidelines, flight attendants can actively contribute to reducing the risk of alcohol-related disturbances during flights.

Reporting Refusals and Incidents

Under FAR 121.574, flight attendants are required to report any incidents involving individuals who refuse to comply with the aforementioned rules or who cause disturbances due to intoxication. This is mandated to be reported within five days. Reporting these incidents is not only a legal requirement but also a best practice to ensure continued safety measures and to facilitate any necessary follow-up actions.

Understanding the FARs Compliance

For flight attendants, understanding and properly implementing these regulations is essential. This includes:

Evaluating passengers' state before serving alcohol.

Declining to serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals.

Refusing boarding to individuals who appear to be intoxicated.

Reporting all incidents as required.

Proper training and awareness are key to ensuring that flight attendants can effectively manage situations involving intoxicated passengers and thus, ensure the safety of all individuals on board the aircraft.

Conclusion

The guidelines set forth in FAR 121.574 empower flight attendants to take necessary actions to maintain a safe and respectful environment on board the aircraft, especially when dealing with intoxicated passengers. By following these regulations, flight attendants can play a critical role in preventing disturbances and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. Therefore, it is crucial for flight crews to be thoroughly familiar with and strictly adhere to these guidelines, which have been in place since 1958.

Understanding and implementing these regulations not only ensures the safety of the flight but also aligns with ethical and legal standards in the aviation industry. As the industry continues to evolve, these guidelines remain a cornerstone in maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.