UK aviation industry reintroduces "One Too Many" campaign to prevent disruptive behavior
"One Too Many" signage in use at an airport departure lounge, and on passengers' mobile devices
The UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF), the Airport Operators Association (AOA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airlines UK have reintroduced the Government-backed "One Too Many" campaign, reminding passengers of the consequences of disruptive behavior while traveling.
Through in-terminal and in-store signage and targeted social media adverts, holidaymakers will be reminded of the serious consequences of disruptive behavior at airports or onboard an aircraft, which include:
A lifetime ban – causing a flight to be canceled could burden you with a life-time flying ban with that carrier
Jail time – disrupting a flight could lead to up to two years in prison
A hefty fine – delaying a flight from taking off could land you a £5,000 (US$6,447) fine, while causing an incident mid-air could result in a maximum diversion fee of £80,000 (US$103,140)
No holiday – if you are deemed unfit to fly, you will be denied boarding
Collectively, the campaign’s organizers represent most of the civil aviation and travel retail industry, from airlines and airports to airside retailers, food and beverage outlets and duty free brands.
According to data from the Civil Aviation Authority and accounts from airports, there have been no unexpected increases in reports of disruptive behavior since COVID-19 related travel restrictions were lifted. But the "One Too Many" campaign partners are encouraging passengers to continue behaving responsibly nonetheless. With many Brits expected to make one of their first international holidays since the pandemic this summer, the four organizations are warning passengers not to ruin their trips before they have begun.
The industry-wide campaign launched in 2018 with the support of the Government, including the Department for Transport, who have since praised the campaign in its Aviation 2050 strategy as a “first-of-its-kind” campaign, and the Home Office, as “invaluable in promoting awareness to passengers.”
"One Too Many" Facebook advert
With air travel now free from COVID-19 related restrictions, this year traffic is set to approach 100% of pre-pandemic levels at many UK travel hubs. As a result, passengers will this year receive the "One Too Many" reminders directly on their mobile devices, in an attempt to maximize awareness. Airports across the UK have displayed the eye-catching black and yellow campaign graphics physically in airside stores, on departure boards, and on their social media channels since the campaign first launched.
This year, passengers will also see fact-checking ‘Did You Know?’ alerts, reminding them of lesser-known airside rules, such as being banned from opening duty free purchases until they arrive at their destination.
Nigel Keal, Chairperson of the UK Travel Retail Forum, said, “UKTRF and its campaign partners have been clear for many years – there is no room for disruptive behavior of any form when traveling. The issue has long been one of our industry's highest priorities, as we have a duty to help protect passengers, customers, and the many staff members that help keep travelers safe at all stages of their journey.
"Our message to passengers is to enjoy their travel, behave responsibly, and not to ruin their holiday, or the holidays of others. The consequences of disruptive behavior while traveling are very serious, and could stop you from traveling for years to come.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, stated, “We want everyone traveling this summer to enjoy themselves and have a good time, but it is important that they do so in a responsible way. The 'One Too Many' campaign is aimed at reminding everyone that they have responsibility for their own actions and to make sure their behavior does not cause problems for others.
“Airports, along with partners across the sector, will be keeping a close watch for any disruptive behavior and will not hesitate to take action to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. This summer we’ll see many people getting away for the first time since the pandemic and it would be a shame if the actions of a few were to spoil it for the many.”
Simon McNamara, UK & Ireland Country Manager at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), said, “Unruly passengers are a continuing concern for air carriers. Though incidents are rare, an unruly passenger can pose a real threat to the safety of staff and other travelers. While our professional crews are well trained to manage unruly passenger scenarios, it is unacceptable that rules in place for everyone’s safety are disobeyed by a small but persistent minority of passengers.
"IATA is therefore delighted to support the UK’s 'One Too Many' campaign which is a stand out example of industry collaboration to effectively deal with triggers to unruly and disruptive passenger behavior.”
Aviation Minister Baroness Vere added, “We take a zero-tolerance approach towards disruptive behavior, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, as well as protecting our hardworking staff. I am pleased to see the relaunch of this collaborative campaign from industry – it serves as an important reminder that for all those flying: engaging in such behavior has serious consequences from jail time to a hefty fine. So, let's all work together to keep our skies friendly and enjoyable for everyone.”
The Facebook and Instagram ads will run nationally and at participating airports until September 1. "One Too Many" signage at airports will remain present all year round.
