Jetstar, Qantas, Rex and Virgin Australia, together with airports, launch joint campaign to promote respect for frontline staff
Prompted by an increase in disruptive behaviour by some passengers
Backed by AFP and CASA and supported by a new aviation Code of Practice
As Australians take to the skies again ahead of the school holidays, airlines and airports, together with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), have launched a new campaign to promote respect and prevent disruptive behaviour at airports and on flights.
The joint campaign, ‘No More Carry On’, calls for patience and preparedness as travellers, airline crew and airport teams navigate a return to widespread flying while managing COVID-19 related travel requirements as a result of COVID-19.
The campaign follows an increase in disruptive and abusive behaviour towards airline crew, airport teams and other passengers during the pandemic, with hundreds of incidents reported across the airlines in 2021, many triggered by refusal to follow mask requirements. In extreme cases, crew have been threatened and physically assaulted by passengers.
The new awareness campaign plays on the concept that while carry-on luggage is welcome, disruptive or abusive ‘carry-on behaviour’ will not be tolerated. Airports in capital cities and regional centres around the country will display digital billboards throughout terminals and a powerful video message from airline crew will be shared on social channels.
Jetstar, Qantas, Rex and Virgin Australia have also signed up to a voluntary Code of Practice on Passenger Behaviour, which ensures a consistent approach across aviation in Australia.
