BA cabin crew over the limits - Helsinki

[flyblue]

Hubbly,
thank you for your reply. It clarifies some of the things on your first post.
I would only like to add that I do not agree with:

I do not think the general public think ill of all Air crew because of this one incident.

First, it is not just "this one incident" because unfortunately there have been several cases in the last 4 years, and as you state too the media jump on it every time this happens. The echo from the last case has not died down that there is another one on line.
Second, you must not forget that this kindof news flows out of the borders, and that in other countries people do not share the same "social drinking" culture of the UK. This causes a cultural misunderstanding. I'll try to explain (and I'll base my observations on the fact that I worked as a CC in 3 different countries one of which UK). In the airline I have worked and are currently working (outside UK), we often meet for a drink. Sometimes in the hotel bar, sometimes outside, sometimes in a room. Usually (but not always) the Captain pays one round. And that's it. There's only one round. We are thirsty, we drink, and spend the time chatting. There's seldom a second round except in room parties (popular especially on Long Haul) but then not everybody is drinking alcohol and the second round could be a soda. Being tipsy is viewed as impolite and will make you appear as someone who cannot keep control. There is no understanding at all of "why" it is fun to have 4 pints. On the other hand for example, French are unable to have dinner without a glass or two of wine. It is funny to go out to dinner with French and British people. The French will dine on wine and have little else after while the Brits will start drinking after.
I remember, when I worked in the UK drinking in uniform was forbidden with a capital F. Here it's normal to have a drink in Uniform before getting to our rooms when we arrive at the hotel. Because people will assume you have ended your duty if you are drinking, and that you are chilling out with an odd glass of wine. Nobody "expects" anything different. There is no longing for the "first after landing pint".
It is difficult to explain a different culture because it is so deeply rooted on what we perceive as "normal" that whenever someone tries it is the norm to hear a tut-tut or two in the audience. But especially we aviation people must remain open to the diversity and keep in mind things we do might have a different meaning in a foreign country:
In conclusion, do you understand the bad that the news we were referring to can cause to the reputation of air crews and a specific airline on the public opinion of a country that doesn't have a "social drinking culture"?
Third: pax blame us even for delays due to ATC and weather. Would you expect them not to do so when air crews are caught one after the other breaking flight alcohol limitations?