HOLIDAY ‘flights from hell’ caused by drunken, abusive passengers are being reported increasingly in the media, and I’ve just been on one to Malaga.

Six men in their early 20s going to a weekend stag party were steaming drunk when they got on the plane, yelling and swearing at the top of their voices even before take-off, then hitting seat backs intermittently and even throwing sweets.

And they were sitting across the aisle and in the row right behind us.
The stressed-out Spanish crew still sold them booze, and, when the seat belt warning sign was on, even allowed them to wander about carrying drink and use the toilets.

These were not all stupid individuals. One was discussing his aeronautics course at college.

But they had absolutely no respect for aircraft safety or fellow passengers.

After we asked them to pipe down, one spat arrogantly: “What do you expect on a cheap flight?”

I finally cracked up when we were sprayed with beer after a can was opened behind us.

That prompted a belated warning from the chief stewardess. She refused to sell them more drink, and said the Spanish police would be alerted if they didn’t behave.

But that was far too late.

I told one of the neds he should be arrested.

“What?” he replied incredulously, “for just enjoyin’ ourselves?”

Airlines should put security staff on flights likely to have drunks going to and from stag parties, even if it increases ticket prices.