Hawaii-bound flights are not always the start of a relaxing island getaway. For some passengers, the journey has turned turbulent. With a rise in in-flight disruptions on flights to Hawaii, travelers and crew are increasingly left wondering: What can be done to handle unruly passengers better and ensure a safer, smoother experience for everyone onboard?
Just yesterday, an incident occurred on United Airlines flight 1175 from San Francisco to Honolulu. A passenger was arrested on arrival for causing a mid-air disturbance. This marks one of several recent incidents on Hawaii flights, leaving airlines and passengers searching for solutions.
The passenger who caused the in-flight disturbance interfered with the flight crew. Other passengers helped restrain the individual before the plane’s landing. Upon arrival in Honolulu, deputy sheriffs arrested the passenger, who was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Further details about possible charges or the nature of the disturbance are not yet available.
The rise of in-flight disruptions on Hawaii routes.
There continues to be a troubling rise in unruly passenger behavior on Hawaii flights. In April 2024, a mid-air altercation forced a Hawaii-bound flight to return to the mainland after intoxicated passengers caused a major disruption.
Another recent incident involved a brawl aboard a Kauai flight, captured on video. These incidents have reignited safety concerns, with many passengers voicing frustrations about alcohol policies and seating arrangements.
As Debi S commented, “People behaving boorishly reflects the decline of our society… Airlines must enforce severe penalties.”
Tight seating and overcrowded planes are also factors. Claudia K shared, “The man beside me weighed around 300 lbs… He snored the whole way. My nerves were frayed by the time we arrived.” Packed flights and cramped seating only add to the tension, especially on long-haul journeys to Hawaii.
Alcohol consumption: A common trigger for flight disruptions.
Alcohol consumption is frequently cited in comments and by experts as a major factor in in-flight disturbances. Donna, a Beat of Hawaii reader, pointed out: “If the airlines would stop giving alcohol to drunk passengers, there wouldn’t be as much trouble on flights.” Jay H echoed this, adding, “Reduce alcohol availability… If you’re inebriated coming on board, you’re cut off. Period.”
While some advocate for a total ban on alcohol, others, like Mike G, suggest that airlines focus more on profits, stating, “The more seats, the more money.” Bottom line.
The case for harsher penalties: Is it time for a no-fly list?
One of the most widely discussed solutions among passenger comments is the implementation of harsher penalties for unruly behavior. Many readers advocate for the creation of a no-fly list that covers all U.S. airlines. Long-time airline employee Rory R emphasized, “Flying is a privilege, not a right… Anyone who acts out should be banned across all airlines.”
Others suggest even more severe consequences. Jon W, another frequent flyer, argued: “Automatically award each passenger $1,500… If the perpetrator can’t pay within 30 days, automatic 6 months in jail.”
While these ideas may seem extreme, they reflect the growing frustration passengers feel when the actions of a few compromise their safety.
Are airlines doing enough to prevent in-flight disturbances?
Despite numerous calls for change, Hawaii travelers remain skeptical about whether airlines truly address the issue. Greg captured the sentiment: “There is not one factor causing these in-flight issues… seats are tighter, planes are fuller, and people are ruder.”
Many readers expressed concerns that airlines prioritize profits over passenger comfort and safety. By cramming more seats and cutting amenities, airlines may unintentionally worsen the problem. Debi S suggested, “It would help if airlines put more room between rows and offered free perks again—start showing more Aloha to courteous passengers.”
What needs to change?
As in-flight disruptions on Hawaii flights continue to rise, it’s clear that a multi-faceted approach will be needed to address the problem. Limiting alcohol sales, increasing penalties for bad behavior, and improving seating conditions are all ideas that could help reduce incidents. However, as Keoki pointed out: “It’s not just about alcohol. There’s been a decline in basic civility, and we need to address that, too.”
Solving in-flight disruptions will require a new level of cooperation between airlines, passengers, and law enforcement. Ensuring safety and comfort must remain the top priority.
Share your suggestions for the airlines reading this. Mahalo!
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If a customer (me) has booked and paid for a room at a Honolulu resort hotel and then the hotel service staff strikes for better working condition/pay, must the hotel refund the payment to the customer?
I have paid for an expensive four-night stay at such a resort hotel and refuse to cross a picket line. I have been informed there are no negotiations going on to resolve the strike. What are my rights?
All information will be helpful, please.
I don’t believe in punishing all for the behavior of the few. Alcohol isn’t the problem, but it can be a catalyst for bad behavior. It isn’t the only catalyst because some people are just jerks and don’t need alcohol to lose control. The threat of fines AND being put on a domestic no-fly list for the first offense may be the only real deterrent for their behavior.
There needs to be more room for passengers. We pay for seats that are so uncomfortable now and no room to hardly breathe. The airlines has done such a disservice to the passengers. Put more flights with less seating so there is a little room for comfort. Profit is not always the best answer. Maybe if we started boycotting the airlines until they fixed the problems of such over crowding they would wake up and smell the roses of much happier customers.
Airlines are part of the problem. Very tight spaces no leg room and now they are even making less leg room to benefit someone paying more! Drinking isn’t the only issue. Someone taking drugs before flying is an issue. Limit alcoholic drinks to no more than 2 per hour?
I’m 5’, I can barely move my legs in a plane. No room to move around someone to go to bathroom. No part of the flight has everyone watching the same movies viewed on on a single screen up front creating a more communal atmosphere and yes, some people who smoke are now required to not smoke for the entire duration of the flight, creating a set up for anxiety.
There is no way not to be in someone’s way, or for them to not be in your way, unless you sit like a frozen person upright and uncomfortable.
Serving food that is filling and free reduces some of the alcohol issue, too. Offering food that is a snack, or paid meals, means a plane full of cranky people who feel they’ve paid for less than they are getting.
Crammed seats are #1 issue, and there is nothing the airlines are willing to do about that except have you pay more for more room. Airlines have caused this issue, benefitted from it, and will deflect their responsibility until passengers demand better.
Start by limiting alcohol to two drinks per flight. Then anyone that is disrupting the flight to the extent that other passengers must assist in flight crew support will require the offender to buy out every one’s ticket on that flight. If they cannot afford that 6 months in jail. If this is ruled mental illness the passenger will be on a no fly list for a minimum of 5 years. Any second offense would become no fly lifetime.
Discount Fares, the infrequent flyer is a variable, on any trip. The erosion of society, the rise of DEI-Equity, add poor behavior, improper dress adding to lost experience. Alcohol, is not the Problem, it is the passenger, as a former ‘Road Warrior’ flying 46-48 Weeks/Yr. from ‘86-2015. I’m all for a ‘No Fly List’ (Universal and for 5 Years), ditto, Security at Boarding to deny those who have over-indulged from boarding, in CH, one basically checks in 3 times from Ticketing, Security and Pre-Board, all that have a Q&A. There is no question, that Altitude does magnify symptom’s, but it would begin at Airline Club Rooms and Concourse Bars, if 60 minutes before Take-off a beer or wine to relax is fine, it might be time to limit Martini’s and the like. On-Board, Flight duration, time of day, and policing the carrying on of small bottles in purses and briefcases. More can be done, without the Blanket Abstinence, that compromises for all.
DEI has zero to do with this issue.
If the majority if incidents occur on long haul flights perhaps the airlines could restore civility by:
1. NOT packing people on like sardines! I know more passengers = more $$ and profit but allowing the passengers some sense of comfort gives a + reflection on your Airline which might promote better behavior.
2. Limit the amount of alcohol served…if they are inebriated coming on ..it’s only going to get worse . If a passenger is obviously inebriated at the boarding gate he shouldn’t be boarded! Rebook him!!
3. Air Marshall on all long haul flights! I know it will add cost …but as a passenger I believe it’s a necessary cost..safety over profit !
I do not remember these problems occurring as often in the past. Flying was a pleasant experience even in” coach”.
Airlines are not in charge of the criminal portion, which needs to be 2-5 five years in prison for interference, no questions asked. Airlines should absolutely do no fly bans. Alcohol is like any other discretion and is up to crew to know when to cut off, just like a bartender. Lastly, yes – airlines bare some responsibility for squeezing every last dollar out of all of us at the cost of even basic comfort. Lack of basic comfort is a setup for confrontations.
My dream flight begins with this announcement …
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, Captain Paul. Welcome to my airplane, where my crew and I will do everything we can to get you safely to our destination. You are responsible for following my crew’s directions at all times, as if I was there giving you the directions myself. If you disrupt our flight on my airplane, I will personally see to it you are taken off the plane when we land, arrested, and taken to jail. So, you just sit down, sit still, relax, enjoy the flight, be nice to my crew, and be nice to everyone else in my airplane. Enjoy your flight.”
Breaking news: Airlines do not care one bit about the passengers. Until they do, hire a big law firm, and file a class action lawsuit against the unruly passengers. Then advertise the awarded amount of money during preflight. $1,000 multiplied by 250 passengers is a hefty sum. Yes I know, crazy thinking. Or is it?
This isn’t a Hawaii flight problem it;s all airlines at least in America and maybe beyond.
I’m convinced that if they cracked down on serving alcohol, I bet these incidents would drop significantly. Also dealing with alcohol at airports would help.
There’s a lot going on here, but the fact that seats are getting tighter just adds to the existing tension. Not sure what the answer is but I don’t like it.
Forget about passengers for a moment, I can’t imagine how stressful this must be for the crew. They deserve more support from the airlines to deal with these situations. Inexcusable.
Overcrowded flights and tight seating are only making these disruptions worse. The airlines need to rethink their approach, which has been all about money, no matter the cost.
Airlines need to stop giving passengers who act out a free pass. I’m all for a no-fly list to help prevent future incidents.
Maybe airlines need air marshalls on every flight. It seems wrong that the burden would fall on flight crews and passengers to subdue unruly passengers. I agree with comments cited in your article that uncomfortable flight conditions can contribute to problems if a passenger is already struggling in some way. Even if everything in your life is going well, the conditions of air travel can make anyone grumpy. I generally don’t fly unless I can get an aisle seat, and I often pay more for extra leg room. I’m 70 and it’s just too hard to be squished in and have to climb over people to use the restroom, etc. But obviously not everyone can have an aisle seat. I don’t see a solution in sight, unfortunately.
In the name of profits, airlines have eliminated the most basic human needs — food, reasonable space, and safety. Simple changes could make a big difference in comfort — and make flying less anxiety provoking. I used to love to travel. Now, I have curtailed almost all flying. Of course, there is no other way to get to Hawaii. But I wonder if there is another “protest” action we can all take to send a message?
Maybe it’s time to return to air marshals on board?
I put the blame for these incidents squarely on the airlines. When they force passengers to endure crowding and discomfort for hours on end, this is the predictable result. I’m betting that few or none of these incidents happened in first class seating. As seats and leg room have shrunk, these incidents have increased. It’s not rocket science to make the connection.