Is the booze culture when travelling a peculiarly British thing? After 4.5 years living in the US, when I've probably averaged about 4 or 5 commercial flights a year, I've yet to see the sort of antics I used to observe in the waiting area at MAN airport. Now that doesn't mean there are no drunks, just that I have never seen anyone wasted at a US airport. And there's plenty of hanging around time to be filled when travelling here. Maybe its something to do with the wishywashy beer here
To say that the extended waiting time due to security changes is to blame for the drunkeness is a poor excuse. We all have to hang around and wait at various times in our lives, but don't get legless everytime. Whats wrong with watching a film, reading a book/magazine/newspaper, chatting to companions? Everyone has the choice, why do people choose to drink to excess? I don't know the answer to that one....fear of flying is definitely one reason, lack of self control or respect for others?