The FAA wants airports to stop selling alcohol to go. Here’s why

The Federal Aviation Administration has called for all U.S. airports to help stop unruly passengers from getting on flights. The declaration came in a new letter released this week.

Does the FAA want airports to stop selling drinks?

Per ABC News, the FAA has asked airports to arrest more people who are unruly or violent on flights. The FAA said it wants airport bars and restaurants to stop selling drinks on the go as well.

• “Even though FAA regulations specifically prohibit the consumption of alcohol aboard an aircraft that is not served by the airline, we have received reports that some airport concessionaires have offered alcohol ‘to go,’” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said in a statement, per ABC News. “And passengers believe they can carry that alcohol onto their flights or they become inebriated.”

Alcohol appears to be a massive reason why there have been unruly passengers, Dickson said.

• “Airports can help bring awareness to this prohibition on passengers carrying open alcohol onboard their flights through signage, public service announcements, and concessionaire education,” Dickson said, according to ABC News.

Has there been an increase in unruly passengers?

Per The Washington Post, the FAA said it has received 3,715 reports of unruly passengers in airports and on flights in 2021. In fact, 70% of the incidents were related to face mask requirements on planes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

• The FAA previously said it would take a stance against poor behavior, per NBC News. Passengers who show off unruly or dangerous behavior can face up to $35,000 in fines, criminal charges and a potential lifetime ban, according to NBC News.