Senator Feinstein asks Airlines to Voluntarily Set Stricter Guidelines to Limit Alcohol Consumption on Domestic Flights

July 13, 2001

Washington, DC - To combat the growing problem of "air rage," Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today asked the CEOs of seven major domestic air carriers to voluntarily set stricter guidelines on the amount of alcohol that can be consumed by airline passengers on domestic flights.

In letters to the chief executive officers of Delta, Continental, Northwest, US Airways, United, Southwest and American Airlines, Senator Feinstein wrote: "In view of the 5,000 'air rage' incidents each year, I believe it is time for the airline industry to set standards voluntarily, or else Congress may well step in. To that end, I am in the process of writing legislation that would limit each passenger to two drinks on domestic flights, regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage served.

I hope that introducing this legislation will not be necessary and you will be willing to voluntarily set limits on how many drinks a passenger can consume. Absent that, I am prepared to proceed with the legislation.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there is at least one occurrence of air rage each day and evidence suggests a majority of these incidents involve alcohol. I know alcohol is not the only reason for air rage, but I believe limiting its consumption is the first step your company can take to demonstrate your commitment to help ensure our skies are safe for both passengers and crew."

Under FAA regulations, airlines are prohibited from serving alcoholic beverages to any person aboard who appears to be intoxicated, but there is currently no drink limit.

Copies of Senator Feinstein's letters are available upon request.

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