Arrested for Being Drunk and Disruptive at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

What Happens Now?

Having a few drinks before a flight isn’t illegal, but when alcohol turns into unruly behavior at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), things can escalate fast. Maybe you had one too many at the airport bar, got into an argument at the gate, or just weren’t on your best behavior after a long layover. Next thing you know, security or the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) is involved, and you’re facing charges.

Can you get arrested for being too drunk at the airport?

Being intoxicated at the airport isn’t automatically a crime. However, public intoxication combined with disruptive behavior can lead to criminal charges.

At CLT, law enforcement takes a no-nonsense approach to passengers who interfere with airport operations. The most common charges for intoxicated and disruptive behavior include:

• Public intoxication (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-444) – While North Carolina doesn’t have a statewide public intoxication law, disruptive behavior caused by drunkenness can lead to other charges.

Potential penalties: Misdemeanor charge, fines, and potential mandatory alcohol education or treatment.

• Disorderly conduct (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-288.4) – If intoxication leads to aggressive, loud, or threatening behavior, you could face this charge.

Potential penalties: Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 60 days in jail.

• Resisting a public officer (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-223) – If you refuse to cooperate with law enforcement, you may be charged with resisting arrest, even if you weren’t violent.

Potential penalties: Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by fines and up to 60 days in jail.

• Trespassing (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-159.13) – If security asks you to leave and you refuse, you could face second-degree trespassing charges or charges for trespass upon airport property (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 63-26.1)

Potential penalties: Class 3 misdemeanor, fine up to $200, and up to 20 days in jail for repeat offenses. If the trespassing occurs in a secured airport area, charges may escalate to a Class 2 misdemeanor, carrying fines determined by the court and up to 60 days in jail. Depending on the circumstances, mandatory alcohol education or treatment may also be required.

• Interfering with a flight crew (49 U.S. Code § 46504) – If you cause a disruption on the plane, this federal law can apply, leading to serious penalties.

Potential penalties: This is a federal offense with fines of up to $35,000 and up to 20 years in federal prison.

What happens if you’re arrested for being drunk and disruptive?

If you’re causing a scene, airport security or CMPD officers will likely intervene. Here’s what typically happens next:

1. You may be warned or escorted out of the airport. If the behavior is mild and stops when addressed, security might just give you a warning.
2. You could be denied boarding. Airlines have the right to refuse service to intoxicated passengers. If you’re too drunk to board, you may have to wait for a later flight.
3. You might be arrested. If the situation escalates, you could be taken into custody and booked at the Mecklenburg County Jail. Depending on the charge, you may be released with a citation or held until sober.

Notable alcohol-related arrests at CLT

• Woman Fined Nearly $82,000 for Unruly Behavior (2021): A woman flying to CLT was hit with a record FAA fine of nearly $82,000 after assaulting flight attendants, trying to open the aircraft door mid-flight, and spitting at crew members. This case was one of the most severe disruptions reported in recent years, and it underscores how federal authorities do not take lightly to intoxicated and violent passengers. Additionally, new legislation could ban such offenders from flying permanently. Read more here.
• Passenger kicked off flight after drunken altercation (February 2018): A passenger exhibiting erratic behavior was removed from an American Airlines flight bound for Cincinnati. After deplaning, the individual stripped off his shirt and engaged in physical altercations with ground crew members on the tarmac. The incident escalated quickly, drawing significant attention and intervention from law enforcement. Read more here.
• Surge in unruly passengers at CLT during the 2021 holiday rush: As holiday travel ramped up, flight attendants based in Charlotte reported record numbers of intoxicated and aggressive passengers, many of whom had to be removed from flights. The stress of pandemic-related regulations, alcohol consumption, and overcrowding led to a sharp increase in altercations, with some passengers facing disorderly conduct and public intoxication charges. Read more here.

Will an arrest affect future travel?

An arrest at CLT can potentially impact future travel. If you’re convicted of a serious offense, you could be placed on an airline’s no-fly list, meaning you’ll need to find another carrier (or, in extreme cases, alternative transportation).

Additionally, if you travel internationally, some countries (i.e. Canada) have strict entry restrictions for individuals with certain criminal records.

A good lawyer can make all the difference

Having a drink at the airport is perfectly legal, but causing a scene, becoming aggressive, or refusing to comply with security might not be. If you’ve been arrested at CLT for public intoxication or disruptive behavior, don’t take the charge lightly. The attorneys at Jetton & Meredith understand North Carolina’s laws and can help you navigate the legal process.

If you need legal guidance after an airport-related arrest, call us today. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of reducing or dismissing the charges.