Patterns of Alcohol Use Among Airline Passengers, United States, 2005-2006

This study was designed to examine the individual and situational factors that are likely to be related to airline passengers' use of alcohol. Specifically, the study sought to identify individual characteristics (e.g., gender, age, reason for travel) that are associated with the amount of alcohol that airline passengers consume in-flight, identify situational characteristics (e.g., duration of flight, time of day, day of week) that are associated with the amount of alcohol that airline passengers consume in-flight, and to quantify the proportion of airline passengers for whom high levels of alcohol consumption may pose a risk to others (i.e., those with a history of alcohol-related aggression, those sitting in an emergency exit row, and those who plan to drive after deplaning).
Respondents were asked details about their flight on the day of the survey, occurrence of air travel as well as information on their drinking and cigarette habits. Demographic variables include respondents' race, age, gender, education level, and household income.