A Brewing Controversy Over Safety and Revenue

Imagine arriving at the airport, frazzled and in a rush, only to be turned away from boarding your flight because of a steaming cup of coffee in your hand. This is becoming an increasingly common scenario at a growing list of European airlines, where passengers are being forced to discard their hot beverages before boarding.

The ban on hot drinks during boarding is not, as some might assume, a ploy to get passengers to buy overpriced coffee onboard. Instead, it’s a response to a growing concern over scald injuries caused by spilled coffee. Passengers, often in a hurry, are prone to accidents, and airlines are desperate to reduce the number of incidents.

One such case involved Stuart Harris, who was left scalded by a spilled cup of coffee on a Virgin Atlantic flight from Jamaica to London in 2023. Harris’s injury became national news, and he eventually won a payout from the airline after making a claim under the Montreal Convention. His case highlights the risks associated with hot drinks on flights, and the need for airlines to take action.

Some airlines have already taken steps to mitigate this risk by providing lids for coffee cups sold onboard. This is a move that could potentially reduce the number of scald injuries, and it’s one that’s being considered by other airlines as well.

However, the ban on hot drinks during boarding is not just about safety. It’s also about preventing passengers from sneaking in to-go alcohol, which airlines want to avoid to minimize the risk of drunken and unruly behavior.

As one flight attendant noted, the boarding process can be chaotic, with large bags being swung into overhead lockers and passengers trying to squeeze past one another in the aisle and their seats. It’s a recipe for disaster, and one that airlines are trying to avoid.

While some passengers may see this ban as an inconvenience, it’s clear that airlines have a responsibility to protect their passengers from harm. By taking steps to reduce the risk of scald injuries, airlines can create a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone onboard.

In fact, successive courts have ruled that airlines are generally liable for scald injuries caused by spilled drinks, making it clear that airlines have a duty to take precautions to prevent such incidents.