Drunk passenger to pay QF 18K in costs

[markis10]

Ironic timing of this news story given the thread yesterday on what is too much to drink on a flight!

A WOMAN who caused a New Zealand-bound Qantas flight to turn back to Melbourne with an alleged outburst of drunken violence and foul language has been ordered to pay the airline $18,000 for the disruption. Frances Lillian Macaskill, 58, was heavily intoxicated when she began punching seats and yelling profanities at passengers and crew on board the Qantas flight that left Melbourne Airport on Saturday morning, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard.
She then punched a male passenger in the face with a closed fist, causing a 6cm abrasion to the right side of his face and heavy bleeding.

Read more: Drunken grandma told to pay Qantas $18,000 | News.com.au
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[simongr]

Hmm - if QF gave her the alcohol there is an argument that they are partly responsible.

 

[TheInsider]

Hmm - if QF gave her the alcohol there is an argument that they are partly responsible.

They didn't.

 

[Mal]

Good.

I don't generally mind drunks, but can't handle the ones who turn violent after a few drinks. Perhaps if some more jail terms were handed out, there would be less glassings in pubs and street fights.

 

[simongr]

Interesting then whether QF should/have a policy regarding of not letting someone who is obviously drunk board the aircraft. Not blaming QF - just wondering what the plan is if someone comes on board that is obviously drunk. Unless she was tucking into the duty free bought airside...

 

[markis10]

QF could refuse to board the passenger if they feel they are a threat to safety, but its a big judgement call! I like what has happened in this instance, for once a court seems to have given due consideration to the consequences of the offence committed in the judgement.

 

[moa999]

Thread on FT suggesting that the pax was exhibiting 'signs' in the terminal.

 

[harvyk]

It looks like she has been banned from QF \ JQ services for the next 10 years. What's the bet that VA will want to keep her off their A/C's for that duration as well considering she had prior form with them?

 

[Austman]

Interesting then whether QF should/have a policy regarding of not letting someone who is obviously drunk board the aircraft. Not blaming QF - just wondering what the plan is if someone comes on board that is obviously drunk. Unless she was tucking into the duty free bought airside...

I have been on board a QF SYD-MEL evening flight, about to depart, when a woman sitting a row or two in front of me (in J) was escorted off. The captain came on the PA to apologise for the delay, stating that one passenger had to be removed due to her consuming too much "happy juice". I hadn't noticed anything unusual about the lady's behaviour, but then again I wasn't sitting beside her or even in the same row.

 

[mannej]

I feel sorry for Tiger Passengers now...

 

[DC3]

Maybe she can try Air New Zealand next time.

 

[seanpodge]

Not sure how much QF will end up getting since she's a DSP recipient, according to the article. "Loaded" isn't usually the term used to describe such people.

 

[VHOEJ]

It looks like she has been banned from QF \ JQ services for the next 10 years. What's the bet that VA will want to keep her off their A/C's for that duration as well considering she had prior form with them?

Hopefully VA and other carriers do the same thing. This is not a one off, she has form.

Well done to the courts for imposing the sentence, not only the cost to the airline but for iritating the other passengers on board.

Clearly more should have been done on the ground but unless you are watching a person for 5-10 minutes, they can easily not be showing signs of drinking alcohol. Gate agents are worried more about scanning boarding passes to spend time looking at someone in detail to determine if they are fit to fly.

 

[yohy?!]

Hopefully VA and other carriers do the same thing. This is not a one off, she has form.

Well done to the courts for imposing the sentence, not only the cost to the airline but for iritating the other passengers on board.

Clearly more should have been done on the ground but unless you are watching a person for 5-10 minutes, they can easily not be showing signs of drinking alcohol. Gate agents are worried more about scanning boarding passes to spend time looking at someone in detail to determine if they are fit to fly.

Surprised they let her board after spotting her drinking the contents of her duty free in the gate lounge!

 

[Flying Fox]

If QF asked for more $, maybe she could help them back into the black

 

[docjames]

Well done to the courts for imposing the sentence, not only the cost to the airline but for iritating the other passengers on board.

.

I wonder if the other pax would have grounds to sue(the drunken pax) for losses incurred (cost of missed connections, missed functions etc)?

 

[Moopere]

I wonder if the other pax would have grounds to sue(the drunken pax) for losses incurred (cost of missed connections, missed functions etc)?

I'd say the Pax who got hit in the face would have multiple opportunities here, both against the aggressor herself and possibly also against QF. That last may be helped or hindered by any visual or verbal clues once the woman got on board. If she was an obvious problem and it could be ascertained that cabin crew didn't act quickly enough or even ignored the problem I'd say he could easily sue the airline and have good odds.

[Edit: Just read the story ... she was smoking on board!!! You'd have to read the play of events, but that would be a sure sign to the crew to get the handcuffs ready wouldn't you think?]

 

[Hvr]

I wonder if she'll give up her EDR card now?

On a serious note well done to the court for imposing costs and I hope QF get a decent amount back. IMHO the 10/20 year time frame for the ban should start the minute the full amount is repaid, until then she is banned pernamently.

 

[Moopere]

My guess is that the airline will get nothing and she'll declare bankruptcy. But I doubt the airline was in it for the money.

They have to be extremely careful and this ruling gives them the ability to ban the offender from flying with them - I'm sure this is really what QF was after. 18K is nothing, I'm surprised this was the judgement for turning an airline around. It probably cost QF this much just to fire up their legal machine.

 

[Simo]

she has form with the airlines.

I wonder how she is getting back to PER.

I am glad they have taken a harsh stand with people in this instance.