We all love to visit family and friends around the holiday season and new year and occasionally, that involves flying.But have we been too quick to forget the importance of exhibiting good behaviour on board? Read on because this story will certainly give you something to chew on.

One 78-year-old passenger had to be reminded of on-flight etiquette the hard way after she was charged for an alleged shocking and violent act on a trip from New Zealand to the Gold Coast in January.

According to reports, she allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after the crew intervened in an altercation involving another passenger.

While it’s unclear what the argument was about in the first place, what is known is that she allegedly hit the other passenger in the face.

She is set to appear in court in April.

A 78-year-old woman allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after an altercation with another passenger on a Gold Coast-bound flight. Image Credit: Unsplash

The woman was one of 49 travellers facing 69 offences in total caught in a wider crackdown on unruly behaviour conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over the holidays called Operation Sleigh.

Another 24 people were served infringement notices for being intoxicated, offensive, and disorderly from December 20, 2022 - January 29, 2023.

Operation Sleigh was formally launched at nine of the country’s largest airports in response to an uptick in disruptive behaviour in the last six months of 2022.

In that time, 420 charges were filed against 330 alleged offenders for varying reasons, including possession of prohibited items and assault-related incidents.

‘In recent months, we have seen thousands more passengers travelling through airports across Australia, as state and international borders reopened after the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions,’ said AFP Commander Geoff Turner.

He noted that compared to the 2021-2022 holiday season, the 2022-2023 holiday break saw more untoward incidents.

The earlier period saw only 28 people charged with 49 offences. Sixteen of those were served infringement notices.

‘The AFP was more than prepared to manage the expected spike in passenger numbers, with increased patrols resulting in teams responding to a range of incidents to assist the travelling public across the country,’ Turner added.

In total, over 360 people were charged for 520 offences in Australia’s airports in 2022, according to reports.

The AFP said there was an increase in airport incidents over the holidays compared to the same period last 2021-2022 holiday season. Image Credit: Unsplash

Other incidents the AFP took note of include a 47-year-old man whose allegedly disorderly conduct while drunk forced a flight to return to Sydney last January 10 and a 42-year-old woman who allegedly refused to leave a flight bound for Melbourne due to intoxication.

Moving forward, the AFP has committed to continue to fight against bad behaviour in airports.

‘We have more than 500 AFP officers, including specialised teams and canines, keeping watch to protect the travelling public across all of Australia’s biggest airports,’ Turner said.

‘Most people do the right thing and they should not have their travel disrupted or feel unsafe because of the minority’s bad behaviour.’

Key Takeaways

• A 78-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly biting the arm of a flight attendant during a police crackdown, called Operation Sleigh, on illegal behaviour in Australia's major airports.
• The AFP said 49 people were charged with 69 offences over the holiday season.
• Twenty-four people were handed infringement notices for intoxication, offensive and disorderly behaviour, creating a disturbance and failing to comply with directions from airline staff according to the AFP.
• The targeted operation commenced after authorities responded to an increase in reported incidents at AFP-protected airports across Australia last year.
• AFP Commander Geoff Turner said an increase in bad passenger behaviour had been identified during the operation, compared to the same holiday period last year.

‘We again remind the public that airports are not nightclubs. We have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour at airports and on aircraft.’

‘Passengers who are convicted of an act of violence at an airport or endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight face serious penalties.’

Those found guilty of the charges face up to 20 years imprisonment, according to the AFP.

The public is encouraged to reach AFP’s Airport Watch hotline at 131 237 (AFP) if they wish to report disturbances in airports.

On that note, here are some stories you might find interesting:

• Aussies slashing travel budgets amid cost-of-living woes this year, poll says.
• See the world with an Australian passport: Where can it take YOU?
• How one man got revenge on this ‘annoying’ plane passenger.

So, what are your thoughts on this update from the AFP? Are you surprised to hear of someone biting a flight attendant on a flight at this point?

Do you have any stories of unruly passengers causing a stir on any flight or trip you’ve had over the holidays? What happened?

Tell us your opinions and experiences below!

 

[F108426]

Maybe it's about time intoxicated passengers are no longer allowed to board and airlines stop serving alcohol except one with meals. This will make life much easier for everyone including people sitting next to highly intoxicated passengers.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

It’s hard to believe someone would do this! What sort of person would behave like this?

 

[maxesmum]

Maybe it's about time intoxicated passengers are no longer allowed to board and airlines stop serving alcohol except one with meals. This will make life much easier for everyone including people sitting next to highly intoxicated passengers.

I couldn’t agree more! Stop allowing clearly intoxicated and obviously drugged people onto flights and don’t bloody well serve them MORE once they’re on board! It’s not rocket science! As for that disgraceful woman….I hope she’s proud of herself. Shameful behaviour.

 

[Jennie]

We all love to visit family and friends around the holiday season and new year and occasionally, that involves flying.But have we been too quick to forget the importance of exhibiting good behaviour on board? Read on because this story will certainly give you something to chew on.

One 78-year-old passenger had to be reminded of on-flight etiquette the hard way after she was charged for an alleged shocking and violent act on a trip from New Zealand to the Gold Coast in January.

According to reports, she allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after the crew intervened in an altercation involving another passenger.

While it’s unclear what the argument was about in the first place, what is known is that she allegedly hit the other passenger in the face.

She is set to appear in court in April.

View attachment 13426

A 78-year-old woman allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after an altercation with another passenger on a Gold Coast-bound flight. Image Credit: Unsplash

The woman was one of 49 travellers facing 69 offences in total caught in a wider crackdown on unruly behaviour conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over the holidays called Operation Sleigh.

Another 24 people were served infringement notices for being intoxicated, offensive, and disorderly from December 20, 2022 - January 29, 2023.

Operation Sleigh was formally launched at nine of the country’s largest airports in response to an uptick in disruptive behaviour in the last six months of 2022.

In that time, 420 charges were filed against 330 alleged offenders for varying reasons, including possession of prohibited items and assault-related incidents.

‘In recent months, we have seen thousands more passengers travelling through airports across Australia, as state and international borders reopened after the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions,’ said AFP Commander Geoff Turner.

He noted that compared to the 2021-2022 holiday season, the 2022-2023 holiday break saw more untoward incidents.

The earlier period saw only 28 people charged with 49 offences. Sixteen of those were served infringement notices.

‘The AFP was more than prepared to manage the expected spike in passenger numbers, with increased patrols resulting in teams responding to a range of incidents to assist the travelling public across the country,’ Turner added.

In total, over 360 people were charged for 520 offences in Australia’s airports in 2022, according to reports.

View attachment 13425

The AFP said there was an increase in airport incidents over the holidays compared to the same period last 2021-2022 holiday season. Image Credit: Unsplash

Other incidents the AFP took note of include a 47-year-old man whose allegedly disorderly conduct while drunk forced a flight to return to Sydney last January 10 and a 42-year-old woman who allegedly refused to leave a flight bound for Melbourne due to intoxication.

Moving forward, the AFP has committed to continue to fight against bad behaviour in airports.

‘We have more than 500 AFP officers, including specialised teams and canines, keeping watch to protect the travelling public across all of Australia’s biggest airports,’ Turner said.

‘Most people do the right thing and they should not have their travel disrupted or feel unsafe because of the minority’s bad behaviour.’

Key Takeaways

• A 78-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly biting the arm of a flight attendant during a police crackdown, called Operation Sleigh, on illegal behaviour in Australia's major airports.
• The AFP said 49 people were charged with 69 offences over the holiday season.
• Twenty-four people were handed infringement notices for intoxication, offensive and disorderly behaviour, creating a disturbance and failing to comply with directions from airline staff according to the AFP.
• The targeted operation commenced after authorities responded to an increase in reported incidents at AFP-protected airports across Australia last year.
• AFP Commander Geoff Turner said an increase in bad passenger behaviour had been identified during the operation, compared to the same holiday period last year.

‘We again remind the public that airports are not nightclubs. We have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour at airports and on aircraft.’

‘Passengers who are convicted of an act of violence at an airport or endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight face serious penalties.’

Those found guilty of the charges face up to 20 years imprisonment, according to the AFP.

The public is encouraged to reach AFP’s Airport Watch hotline at 131 237 (AFP) if they wish to report disturbances in airports.

On that note, here are some stories you might find interesting:

• Aussies slashing travel budgets amid cost-of-living woes this year, poll says.
• See the world with an Australian passport: Where can it take YOU?
• How one man got revenge on this ‘annoying’ plane passenger.

So, what are your thoughts on this update from the AFP? Are you surprised to hear of someone biting a flight attendant on a flight at this point?

Do you have any stories of unruly passengers causing a stir on any flight or trip you’ve had over the holidays? What happened?

Tell us your opinions and experiences below!

I am not a wowser, but surely people can last without having alcohol for several hours of a flight. Why is alcohol served at the airport.

 

[Bullwinkle]

Just what hope has the next generation got, if this is what they have to look up too!!!

 

[Sunshine45]

It’s hard to believe someone would do this! What sort of person would behave like this?

I hope the airline has blacklisted her and other airlines take note too!

 

[TomDevine55]

I hope the airline has blacklisted her and other airlines take note too!

I also hope she gets a heavy fine and or jail time for grievious bodiy harm and banned from flying again.

 

[michaelcowan2]

We all love to visit family and friends around the holiday season and new year and occasionally, that involves flying.But have we been too quick to forget the importance of exhibiting good behaviour on board? Read on because this story will certainly give you something to chew on.

One 78-year-old passenger had to be reminded of on-flight etiquette the hard way after she was charged for an alleged shocking and violent act on a trip from New Zealand to the Gold Coast in January.

According to reports, she allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after the crew intervened in an altercation involving another passenger.

While it’s unclear what the argument was about in the first place, what is known is that she allegedly hit the other passenger in the face.

She is set to appear in court in April.

View attachment 13426

A 78-year-old woman allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after an altercation with another passenger on a Gold Coast-bound flight. Image Credit: Unsplash

The woman was one of 49 travellers facing 69 offences in total caught in a wider crackdown on unruly behaviour conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over the holidays called Operation Sleigh.

Another 24 people were served infringement notices for being intoxicated, offensive, and disorderly from December 20, 2022 - January 29, 2023.

Operation Sleigh was formally launched at nine of the country’s largest airports in response to an uptick in disruptive behaviour in the last six months of 2022.

In that time, 420 charges were filed against 330 alleged offenders for varying reasons, including possession of prohibited items and assault-related incidents.

‘In recent months, we have seen thousands more passengers travelling through airports across Australia, as state and international borders reopened after the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions,’ said AFP Commander Geoff Turner.

He noted that compared to the 2021-2022 holiday season, the 2022-2023 holiday break saw more untoward incidents.

The earlier period saw only 28 people charged with 49 offences. Sixteen of those were served infringement notices.

‘The AFP was more than prepared to manage the expected spike in passenger numbers, with increased patrols resulting in teams responding to a range of incidents to assist the travelling public across the country,’ Turner added.

In total, over 360 people were charged for 520 offences in Australia’s airports in 2022, according to reports.

View attachment 13425

The AFP said there was an increase in airport incidents over the holidays compared to the same period last 2021-2022 holiday season. Image Credit: Unsplash

Other incidents the AFP took note of include a 47-year-old man whose allegedly disorderly conduct while drunk forced a flight to return to Sydney last January 10 and a 42-year-old woman who allegedly refused to leave a flight bound for Melbourne due to intoxication.

Moving forward, the AFP has committed to continue to fight against bad behaviour in airports.

‘We have more than 500 AFP officers, including specialised teams and canines, keeping watch to protect the travelling public across all of Australia’s biggest airports,’ Turner said.

‘Most people do the right thing and they should not have their travel disrupted or feel unsafe because of the minority’s bad behaviour.’

Key Takeaways

• A 78-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly biting the arm of a flight attendant during a police crackdown, called Operation Sleigh, on illegal behaviour in Australia's major airports.
• The AFP said 49 people were charged with 69 offences over the holiday season.
• Twenty-four people were handed infringement notices for intoxication, offensive and disorderly behaviour, creating a disturbance and failing to comply with directions from airline staff according to the AFP.
• The targeted operation commenced after authorities responded to an increase in reported incidents at AFP-protected airports across Australia last year.
• AFP Commander Geoff Turner said an increase in bad passenger behaviour had been identified during the operation, compared to the same holiday period last year.

‘We again remind the public that airports are not nightclubs. We have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour at airports and on aircraft.’

‘Passengers who are convicted of an act of violence at an airport or endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight face serious penalties.’

Those found guilty of the charges face up to 20 years imprisonment, according to the AFP.

The public is encouraged to reach AFP’s Airport Watch hotline at 131 237 (AFP) if they wish to report disturbances in airports.

On that note, here are some stories you might find interesting:

• Aussies slashing travel budgets amid cost-of-living woes this year, poll says.
• See the world with an Australian passport: Where can it take YOU?
• How one man got revenge on this ‘annoying’ plane passenger.

So, what are your thoughts on this update from the AFP? Are you surprised to hear of someone biting a flight attendant on a flight at this point?

Do you have any stories of unruly passengers causing a stir on any flight or trip you’ve had over the holidays? What happened?

Tell us your opinions and experiences below!

Oh dear! I feel for the other passengers, and staff too, from the behaviors of another piece of LOW LIFE; no excuse. and obviously no shame!

 

[Maurice_McGahey]

We all love to visit family and friends around the holiday season and new year and occasionally, that involves flying.But have we been too quick to forget the importance of exhibiting good behaviour on board? Read on because this story will certainly give you something to chew on.

One 78-year-old passenger had to be reminded of on-flight etiquette the hard way after she was charged for an alleged shocking and violent act on a trip from New Zealand to the Gold Coast in January.

According to reports, she allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after the crew intervened in an altercation involving another passenger.

While it’s unclear what the argument was about in the first place, what is known is that she allegedly hit the other passenger in the face.

She is set to appear in court in April.

View attachment 13426

A 78-year-old woman allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after an altercation with another passenger on a Gold Coast-bound flight. Image Credit: Unsplash

The woman was one of 49 travellers facing 69 offences in total caught in a wider crackdown on unruly behaviour conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over the holidays called Operation Sleigh.

Another 24 people were served infringement notices for being intoxicated, offensive, and disorderly from December 20, 2022 - January 29, 2023.

Operation Sleigh was formally launched at nine of the country’s largest airports in response to an uptick in disruptive behaviour in the last six months of 2022.

In that time, 420 charges were filed against 330 alleged offenders for varying reasons, including possession of prohibited items and assault-related incidents.

‘In recent months, we have seen thousands more passengers travelling through airports across Australia, as state and international borders reopened after the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions,’ said AFP Commander Geoff Turner.

He noted that compared to the 2021-2022 holiday season, the 2022-2023 holiday break saw more untoward incidents.

The earlier period saw only 28 people charged with 49 offences. Sixteen of those were served infringement notices.

‘The AFP was more than prepared to manage the expected spike in passenger numbers, with increased patrols resulting in teams responding to a range of incidents to assist the travelling public across the country,’ Turner added.

In total, over 360 people were charged for 520 offences in Australia’s airports in 2022, according to reports.

View attachment 13425

The AFP said there was an increase in airport incidents over the holidays compared to the same period last 2021-2022 holiday season. Image Credit: Unsplash

Other incidents the AFP took note of include a 47-year-old man whose allegedly disorderly conduct while drunk forced a flight to return to Sydney last January 10 and a 42-year-old woman who allegedly refused to leave a flight bound for Melbourne due to intoxication.

Moving forward, the AFP has committed to continue to fight against bad behaviour in airports.

‘We have more than 500 AFP officers, including specialised teams and canines, keeping watch to protect the travelling public across all of Australia’s biggest airports,’ Turner said.

‘Most people do the right thing and they should not have their travel disrupted or feel unsafe because of the minority’s bad behaviour.’

Key Takeaways

• A 78-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly biting the arm of a flight attendant during a police crackdown, called Operation Sleigh, on illegal behaviour in Australia's major airports.
• The AFP said 49 people were charged with 69 offences over the holiday season.
• Twenty-four people were handed infringement notices for intoxication, offensive and disorderly behaviour, creating a disturbance and failing to comply with directions from airline staff according to the AFP.
• The targeted operation commenced after authorities responded to an increase in reported incidents at AFP-protected airports across Australia last year.
• AFP Commander Geoff Turner said an increase in bad passenger behaviour had been identified during the operation, compared to the same holiday period last year.

‘We again remind the public that airports are not nightclubs. We have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour at airports and on aircraft.’

‘Passengers who are convicted of an act of violence at an airport or endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight face serious penalties.’

Those found guilty of the charges face up to 20 years imprisonment, according to the AFP.

The public is encouraged to reach AFP’s Airport Watch hotline at 131 237 (AFP) if they wish to report disturbances in airports.

On that note, here are some stories you might find interesting:

• Aussies slashing travel budgets amid cost-of-living woes this year, poll says.
• See the world with an Australian passport: Where can it take YOU?
• How one man got revenge on this ‘annoying’ plane passenger.

So, what are your thoughts on this update from the AFP? Are you surprised to hear of someone biting a flight attendant on a flight at this point?

Do you have any stories of unruly passengers causing a stir on any flight or trip you’ve had over the holidays? What happened?

Tell us your opinions and experiences below!

Well, THAT'S DONE IT! Now we will all have to hand over our teeth before we board planes!

 

[michaelcowan2]

Might be a bit hard handing over my teeth (mostly crowns these days) at the airport without immediate dental extraction at the scene, but like the idea nevertheless if it helps protect other passengers and staff from such low life!

 

[Suzanne rose]

It’s hard to believe someone would do this! What sort of person would behave like this?

An intoxicated one

 

[Suzanne rose]

Anyone who behaves like this should cop a hefty fine and banned from flying for a certain time frame.

But I wonder if this 78 year old had problems . I wonder if she is someone who post on here

 

[michaelcowan2]

Inexcusable, I hope she has a problem now!

 

[Andrew]

We all love to visit family and friends around the holiday season and new year and occasionally, that involves flying.But have we been too quick to forget the importance of exhibiting good behaviour on board? Read on because this story will certainly give you something to chew on.

One 78-year-old passenger had to be reminded of on-flight etiquette the hard way after she was charged for an alleged shocking and violent act on a trip from New Zealand to the Gold Coast in January.

According to reports, she allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after the crew intervened in an altercation involving another passenger.

While it’s unclear what the argument was about in the first place, what is known is that she allegedly hit the other passenger in the face.

She is set to appear in court in April.

View attachment 13426

A 78-year-old woman allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after an altercation with another passenger on a Gold Coast-bound flight. Image Credit: Unsplash

The woman was one of 49 travellers facing 69 offences in total caught in a wider crackdown on unruly behaviour conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over the holidays called Operation Sleigh.

Another 24 people were served infringement notices for being intoxicated, offensive, and disorderly from December 20, 2022 - January 29, 2023.

Operation Sleigh was formally launched at nine of the country’s largest airports in response to an uptick in disruptive behaviour in the last six months of 2022.

In that time, 420 charges were filed against 330 alleged offenders for varying reasons, including possession of prohibited items and assault-related incidents.

‘In recent months, we have seen thousands more passengers travelling through airports across Australia, as state and international borders reopened after the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions,’ said AFP Commander Geoff Turner.

He noted that compared to the 2021-2022 holiday season, the 2022-2023 holiday break saw more untoward incidents.

The earlier period saw only 28 people charged with 49 offences. Sixteen of those were served infringement notices.

‘The AFP was more than prepared to manage the expected spike in passenger numbers, with increased patrols resulting in teams responding to a range of incidents to assist the travelling public across the country,’ Turner added.

In total, over 360 people were charged for 520 offences in Australia’s airports in 2022, according to reports.

View attachment 13425

The AFP said there was an increase in airport incidents over the holidays compared to the same period last 2021-2022 holiday season. Image Credit: Unsplash

Other incidents the AFP took note of include a 47-year-old man whose allegedly disorderly conduct while drunk forced a flight to return to Sydney last January 10 and a 42-year-old woman who allegedly refused to leave a flight bound for Melbourne due to intoxication.

Moving forward, the AFP has committed to continue to fight against bad behaviour in airports.

‘We have more than 500 AFP officers, including specialised teams and canines, keeping watch to protect the travelling public across all of Australia’s biggest airports,’ Turner said.

‘Most people do the right thing and they should not have their travel disrupted or feel unsafe because of the minority’s bad behaviour.’

Key Takeaways

• A 78-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly biting the arm of a flight attendant during a police crackdown, called Operation Sleigh, on illegal behaviour in Australia's major airports.
• The AFP said 49 people were charged with 69 offences over the holiday season.
• Twenty-four people were handed infringement notices for intoxication, offensive and disorderly behaviour, creating a disturbance and failing to comply with directions from airline staff according to the AFP.
• The targeted operation commenced after authorities responded to an increase in reported incidents at AFP-protected airports across Australia last year.
• AFP Commander Geoff Turner said an increase in bad passenger behaviour had been identified during the operation, compared to the same holiday period last year.

‘We again remind the public that airports are not nightclubs. We have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour at airports and on aircraft.’

‘Passengers who are convicted of an act of violence at an airport or endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight face serious penalties.’

Those found guilty of the charges face up to 20 years imprisonment, according to the AFP.

The public is encouraged to reach AFP’s Airport Watch hotline at 131 237 (AFP) if they wish to report disturbances in airports.

On that note, here are some stories you might find interesting:

• Aussies slashing travel budgets amid cost-of-living woes this year, poll says.
• See the world with an Australian passport: Where can it take YOU?
• How one man got revenge on this ‘annoying’ plane passenger.

So, what are your thoughts on this update from the AFP? Are you surprised to hear of someone biting a flight attendant on a flight at this point?

Do you have any stories of unruly passengers causing a stir on any flight or trip you’ve had over the holidays? What happened?

Tell us your opinions and experiences below!

While on a bus tour Sydney two women in front of us were having a very loud conversation while the tour guide was giving her commentary. Informed them we were hear that. Not interested in what they were talking about.

 

[Cassiej]

We all love to visit family and friends around the holiday season and new year and occasionally, that involves flying.But have we been too quick to forget the importance of exhibiting good behaviour on board? Read on because this story will certainly give you something to chew on.

One 78-year-old passenger had to be reminded of on-flight etiquette the hard way after she was charged for an alleged shocking and violent act on a trip from New Zealand to the Gold Coast in January.

According to reports, she allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after the crew intervened in an altercation involving another passenger.

While it’s unclear what the argument was about in the first place, what is known is that she allegedly hit the other passenger in the face.

She is set to appear in court in April.

View attachment 13426

A 78-year-old woman allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after an altercation with another passenger on a Gold Coast-bound flight. Image Credit: Unsplash

The woman was one of 49 travellers facing 69 offences in total caught in a wider crackdown on unruly behaviour conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over the holidays called Operation Sleigh.

Another 24 people were served infringement notices for being intoxicated, offensive, and disorderly from December 20, 2022 - January 29, 2023.

Operation Sleigh was formally launched at nine of the country’s largest airports in response to an uptick in disruptive behaviour in the last six months of 2022.

In that time, 420 charges were filed against 330 alleged offenders for varying reasons, including possession of prohibited items and assault-related incidents.

‘In recent months, we have seen thousands more passengers travelling through airports across Australia, as state and international borders reopened after the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions,’ said AFP Commander Geoff Turner.

He noted that compared to the 2021-2022 holiday season, the 2022-2023 holiday break saw more untoward incidents.

The earlier period saw only 28 people charged with 49 offences. Sixteen of those were served infringement notices.

‘The AFP was more than prepared to manage the expected spike in passenger numbers, with increased patrols resulting in teams responding to a range of incidents to assist the travelling public across the country,’ Turner added.

In total, over 360 people were charged for 520 offences in Australia’s airports in 2022, according to reports.

View attachment 13425

The AFP said there was an increase in airport incidents over the holidays compared to the same period last 2021-2022 holiday season. Image Credit: Unsplash

Other incidents the AFP took note of include a 47-year-old man whose allegedly disorderly conduct while drunk forced a flight to return to Sydney last January 10 and a 42-year-old woman who allegedly refused to leave a flight bound for Melbourne due to intoxication.

Moving forward, the AFP has committed to continue to fight against bad behaviour in airports.

‘We have more than 500 AFP officers, including specialised teams and canines, keeping watch to protect the travelling public across all of Australia’s biggest airports,’ Turner said.

‘Most people do the right thing and they should not have their travel disrupted or feel unsafe because of the minority’s bad behaviour.’

Key Takeaways

• A 78-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly biting the arm of a flight attendant during a police crackdown, called Operation Sleigh, on illegal behaviour in Australia's major airports.
• The AFP said 49 people were charged with 69 offences over the holiday season.
• Twenty-four people were handed infringement notices for intoxication, offensive and disorderly behaviour, creating a disturbance and failing to comply with directions from airline staff according to the AFP.
• The targeted operation commenced after authorities responded to an increase in reported incidents at AFP-protected airports across Australia last year.
• AFP Commander Geoff Turner said an increase in bad passenger behaviour had been identified during the operation, compared to the same holiday period last year.

‘We again remind the public that airports are not nightclubs. We have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour at airports and on aircraft.’

‘Passengers who are convicted of an act of violence at an airport or endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight face serious penalties.’

Those found guilty of the charges face up to 20 years imprisonment, according to the AFP.

The public is encouraged to reach AFP’s Airport Watch hotline at 131 237 (AFP) if they wish to report disturbances in airports.

On that note, here are some stories you might find interesting:

• Aussies slashing travel budgets amid cost-of-living woes this year, poll says.
• See the world with an Australian passport: Where can it take YOU?
• How one man got revenge on this ‘annoying’ plane passenger.

So, what are your thoughts on this update from the AFP? Are you surprised to hear of someone biting a flight attendant on a flight at this point?

Do you have any stories of unruly passengers causing a stir on any flight or trip you’ve had over the holidays? What happened?

Tell us your opinions and experiences below!

The woman should be charged. It doesn't matter what her age is or what the problem was, nobody should feel so entitled that they can behave that way!!

 

[Jenny07]

We all love to visit family and friends around the holiday season and new year and occasionally, that involves flying.But have we been too quick to forget the importance of exhibiting good behaviour on board? Read on because this story will certainly give you something to chew on.

One 78-year-old passenger had to be reminded of on-flight etiquette the hard way after she was charged for an alleged shocking and violent act on a trip from New Zealand to the Gold Coast in January.

According to reports, she allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after the crew intervened in an altercation involving another passenger.

While it’s unclear what the argument was about in the first place, what is known is that she allegedly hit the other passenger in the face.

She is set to appear in court in April.

View attachment 13426

A 78-year-old woman allegedly bit a flight attendant’s arm after an altercation with another passenger on a Gold Coast-bound flight. Image Credit: Unsplash

The woman was one of 49 travellers facing 69 offences in total caught in a wider crackdown on unruly behaviour conducted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over the holidays called Operation Sleigh.

Another 24 people were served infringement notices for being intoxicated, offensive, and disorderly from December 20, 2022 - January 29, 2023.

Operation Sleigh was formally launched at nine of the country’s largest airports in response to an uptick in disruptive behaviour in the last six months of 2022.

In that time, 420 charges were filed against 330 alleged offenders for varying reasons, including possession of prohibited items and assault-related incidents.

‘In recent months, we have seen thousands more passengers travelling through airports across Australia, as state and international borders reopened after the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions,’ said AFP Commander Geoff Turner.

He noted that compared to the 2021-2022 holiday season, the 2022-2023 holiday break saw more untoward incidents.

The earlier period saw only 28 people charged with 49 offences. Sixteen of those were served infringement notices.

‘The AFP was more than prepared to manage the expected spike in passenger numbers, with increased patrols resulting in teams responding to a range of incidents to assist the travelling public across the country,’ Turner added.

In total, over 360 people were charged for 520 offences in Australia’s airports in 2022, according to reports.

View attachment 13425

The AFP said there was an increase in airport incidents over the holidays compared to the same period last 2021-2022 holiday season. Image Credit: Unsplash

Other incidents the AFP took note of include a 47-year-old man whose allegedly disorderly conduct while drunk forced a flight to return to Sydney last January 10 and a 42-year-old woman who allegedly refused to leave a flight bound for Melbourne due to intoxication.

Moving forward, the AFP has committed to continue to fight against bad behaviour in airports.

‘We have more than 500 AFP officers, including specialised teams and canines, keeping watch to protect the travelling public across all of Australia’s biggest airports,’ Turner said.

‘Most people do the right thing and they should not have their travel disrupted or feel unsafe because of the minority’s bad behaviour.’

Key Takeaways

• A 78-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly biting the arm of a flight attendant during a police crackdown, called Operation Sleigh, on illegal behaviour in Australia's major airports.
• The AFP said 49 people were charged with 69 offences over the holiday season.
• Twenty-four people were handed infringement notices for intoxication, offensive and disorderly behaviour, creating a disturbance and failing to comply with directions from airline staff according to the AFP.
• The targeted operation commenced after authorities responded to an increase in reported incidents at AFP-protected airports across Australia last year.
• AFP Commander Geoff Turner said an increase in bad passenger behaviour had been identified during the operation, compared to the same holiday period last year.

‘We again remind the public that airports are not nightclubs. We have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour at airports and on aircraft.’

‘Passengers who are convicted of an act of violence at an airport or endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight face serious penalties.’

Those found guilty of the charges face up to 20 years imprisonment, according to the AFP.

The public is encouraged to reach AFP’s Airport Watch hotline at 131 237 (AFP) if they wish to report disturbances in airports.

On that note, here are some stories you might find interesting:

• Aussies slashing travel budgets amid cost-of-living woes this year, poll says.
• See the world with an Australian passport: Where can it take YOU?
• How one man got revenge on this ‘annoying’ plane passenger.

So, what are your thoughts on this update from the AFP? Are you surprised to hear of someone biting a flight attendant on a flight at this point?

Do you have any stories of unruly passengers causing a stir on any flight or trip you’ve had over the holidays? What happened?

Tell us your opinions and experiences below!

Manners today have gone out the window. People have little regard for others these days, they think they are an entitled species