The little-known plane alcohol rule that cost a VERY drunk passenger $750 as he admits to having a screaming fit after landing at Sydney airport
- Passenger got drunk on Air Canada flight
- Hardik Patel, 46, was arrested at Sydney airport.
- He had been drinking his own bottle of Bacardi.
An inebriated passenger who only drew attention to himself in the last ten minutes of a 15-hour international flight after drinking his own alcohol on board has been fined $750.
Hardik Patel was arrested at Sydney airport after the Air Canada crew reported that he had become aggressive shortly before the Vancouver AC33 landed.
When the cabin crew realized the 46-year-old man was intoxicated, they discovered and confiscated a 1-litre bottle of Bacardi and a 1-litre bottle of water containing a liquid with a strong odor of alcohol.
Australian Federal Police officers who met Patel at Gate 30 at around 10am on 2 February noted that he had “a flushed face and a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his person”.
An inebriated passenger who had been consuming his own alcohol on a plane only came to attention in the last ten minutes of a 15-hour international flight. Stock Image
According to a statement of facts filed with the court, Patel was able to walk without assistance, but would become unsteady if he had to move even a little.
“He had poor ability to understand instructions and uncaring behavior that turned into abusive towards police,” the statement said.
The opinion of the police is that the defendant was well under the influence. The police informed the defendant that it is an offense to consume his own alcohol … while he is on an airplane.
Patel’s responses were “largely aggressive and incoherent,” according to the statement of facts.
The police further informed the defendant that they had contacted his wife and that she would attend the airport to pick him up.
“The police explained that they would escort the defendant to the pick-up area with him until his wife arrived to ensure that he left safely.”
Hardik Patel was arrested at Sydney airport after the Air Canada crew reported that he had become aggressive shortly before the Vancouver AC33 landed. Stock Image
Patel, from Rooty Hill in western Sydney, was hardly a nuisance, according to the statement of facts.
“The defendant, although still verbally aggressive, finally complied with the instructions of the police and proceeded to the waiting room in front of the terminal.”
‘While in the waiting room, the defendant continued to ask the police why he was arrested and was informed that it had been explained above.
“Defendant became more verbally aggressive and argumentative with police officers, yelling and yelling and trying to interact with members of the public.”
According to the statement of facts, the police decided to arrest Patel due to his level of intoxication, “for his own safety and well-being and for the well-being and safety of those around him.”
“The defendant continued to abuse the police and yell at members of the public.”
When Patel faced Downing Center Local Court on Monday, he pleaded guilty to one charge of disorderly and offensive behavior on a plane.
Judge Jennifer Atkinson convicted Patel and fined him $750.
The Civil Aviation and Security Authority states on its website that airline passengers may only consume alcohol provided by cabin crew during a flight.
The Civil Aviation and Security Authority states on its website that airline passengers may only consume alcohol provided by cabin crew during a flight. Stock Image