Jet2 started flying out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport in March and the route has been a ‘runway’ success so far… but the airline has sent out a warning to passengers to ‘behave or else’. Tony McDonough reports

Jet2 says it has a zero tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour

Jet2 has issued a warning to those tempted to misbehave on its aircraft after a passenger was jailed for four months for disruptive behaviour.

Emma Woolley was jailed for four months at Leeds Crown Court a few days ago. She admitted entering an aircraft while drunk, smoking on an aircraft and behaving in a threatening, abusive or disorderly manner towards staff.

In January this year, the Jet2.com crew were left with no choice but to call for police assistance to offload Ms Woolley after flying from Antalya to Leeds Bradford.

This was in response to her smoking in the toilet and illicitly consuming alcohol which had been purchased in duty free.

Jailing her, Judge Ray Singh said: “I can’t avoid an immediate custodial sentence. These types of offences have to be met with a deterrent to ensure others do not behave in the way that you did.”

Jet2.com and Jet2 Holidays began flying out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport for the first time in March this year with more than 20 routes. And the Leeds-based company is so pleased with the response it is set to increase capacity from Liverpool for 2025.

While the majority of airline passengers are well behaved and respectful of other travellers and cabin crew, a disruptive minority can make life miserable for everyone on board an aircraft.

And Jet2 is using the Emma Woolley case to remind everyone of its Onboard Together campaign and to highlight how serious the consequences of disruptive passenger behaviour can be.

Managing director Phil Ward said: “This sentencing should send out a stark and sobering example to the tiny minority of people who cannot enjoy their flight responsibly.

“This summer we will fly millions of hardworking customers and families away to enjoy their well-deserved holidays, but sadly there are a handful of people who behave in a disruptive fashion, often fuelled by alcohol.

People hope their flights will be relaxing – but a minority can disturb the peace. Stock image

“Our message to them is very simple – we take a zero tolerance approach to disruptive passenger behaviour, as do the courts – and by acting irresponsibly you run the risk of a criminal record and even a prison sentence.”

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Phil said the airline will not hesitate to take action against disruptive flyers. He added: “That includes issuing bans, billing disruptive customers for costs that we incur, and working with the authorities to support successful prosecutions.

“Ms Woolley must now face the consequences of her behaviour and we are confident that this sentencing will send out a very clear message to others about how severe the consequences can be.”