Air Rage Reading Answers

Feb 24, 2023

Air Rage Reading Answers is an academic reading topic discussing in detail about the first recorded case of an airline passenger. The given IELTS has been taken from the book named “A Book for IELTS.”. The topic named Air Rage Reading Answers has a total 14 wide range of questions. The topic consists of two sorts of questions, which are, choose the correct heading, and True/False/Not Given. The candidates should thoroughly read the IELTS reading passage in order to recognize the synonyms, identify the keywords, and answer the questions provided. IELTS reading practice papers can be taken into consideration by the candidates in order to gain a good band score in the reading section, in which, the similar topics like Air Rage Reading Answers have been included.

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Section 1

Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions

Air Rage Reading Answers

A

The first recorded case of an airline passenger turning seriously violent during a flight, a phenomenon now is widely known as “air rage”, happened in 1947 on a flight from Havana to Miami. A drunk man assaulted another passenger and bit a flight attendant. However, the man escaped punishment because it was not then clear under whose legal control a crime committed on the plane was, the country where the plane was registered, or the country where the crime was committed. In 1963, at the Tokyo convention, it was decided that the laws of the country where the plane is registered take precedence.

B

The frequency of air rage has expanded out of proportion to the growth of air travel. Until recently few statistics were gathered about air rage, but those that have been indicated that passengers are increasingly likely to cause trouble or engage in violent acts. For example, in 1998 there were 266 air rage incidents out of approximately four million passengers, a 400% increase from 1995. In the same period, American Airlines showed a 200% rise. Air travel is predicted to rise by 5% internationally by 2010 leading to increased airport congestion. This, coupled with the flying public’s increased aggression, means that air rage may become a major issue in coming years.

C

Aside from discomfort and disruption, air rage poses some very real dangers to flying. The most extreme of these is when out of control passengers enter the cockpit. This has actually happened on a number of occasions, the worst of which have resulted in the death and injury of pilots or the intruder taking control of the plane, almost resulting in crashes. In addition, berserk passengers sometimes attempt to open the emergency doors while in flight, putting the whole aircraft in danger. These are extreme examples and cases of air rage more commonly result in physical assaults on fellow passengers and crew such as throwing objects, punching, stabbing or scalding with hot coffee.

D

The causes of air rage are not known for certain, but it is generally thought that factors include: passenger behavior and personality, the physical environment and changes in society. A recent study has identified the issues that start the incidents to be as follows.

Alcohol 25%

Seating 16%

Smoking 10%

Carry on luggage 9%

Flight attendants 8%

Food 5%

E

One of the major causes seems to be the passenger’s behavior or their personality. Fear of flying and the feeling of powerlessness associated with flying can lead to irritable or aggressive passengers. Also, alcohol consumed on a plane pressurized to 8000ft affects the drinker more quickly and the effects are stronger.

Many people do not take account of this and drinking may increase any negative reaction to the flying environment they have, which, combined with the lowering of their inhibitions, may cause air rage. Smoking withdrawal, which some liken in severity to opiate withdrawal, is another major cause of air rage incidents. Passengers caught smoking in the toilets occasionally assault flight attendants and have been known to start fires. When conflicts occur in these conditions, they can escalate into major incidents if the passenger has a violent personality or a fear of flying and because of the enclosed nature of a plane offers no option of retreat as would be natural in a “fight or flight” reaction.

F

Some people feel that the physical environment of a plane can lead to air rage. Seats on most airlines have become smaller in recent years as airlines try to increase profits. This leads to uncomfortable and irritated passengers. Also, space for carry on luggage is often very small. Because up to 8% of checked-in luggage is lost, misdirected or stolen, passengers have been trying to fit larger carry on items into these small storage areas and this can lead to disputes that can escalate into air rage.

Airlines could also be to blame by raising passengers’ expectations too high with their marketing and advertising. Many air rage incidents start when disappointed passengers demand to be reseated. Finally, there is some evidence to show that low oxygen levels can raise aggression level and make people feel more desperate. Airlines have lowered oxygen levels to save money. Now the level of oxygen in the air that the pilots breathe is ten times higher than in cabin class.

G

Another reason that has been suggested is that society is getting ruder and less patient. The increased congestion at airports, longer queues and increased delays have only added to this. In addition, some air rage incidents have been linked to the demanding nature of high achieving business people, who do not like people telling them what to do and resent the power that the cabin staff have over them. For them, a flight attendant is a waiter or waitress who should do what the passenger wants.

H

The strongest calls for action to control air rage have come from pilots and aircrew. The International Transport Workers’ Federation argues that there are too many loopholes that let people escape punishment and that the penalties are too light. They want to notify all passengers of the penalties for air rage before taking off, rather than after the passenger begins to cause serious problems, when it may be too late. The Civil Aviation Organisation has been organizing international cooperation and penalties have increased in recent years. The most severe punishment so far has been a 51-month jail sentence, a fine to pay for the jet fuel used and 200 hours community service for a man who attempted to enter the cockpit and to open the emergency door of a domestic US flight.

I

Various other measures are being used to control air rage. Aircrews are getting training on how to calm passengers and how to predict where incidents might result in air rage and take action to prevent this. Other measures include strengthening doors to stop people entering the cockpit, training crew in the use of plastic restraints to tie down unruly passengers and having pilots divert their planes if passengers cause problems. Banning passengers who are guilty of air rage from flying has also been tried to a lesser extent.

Section 2

Solution and Explanation

Questions 1 – 8

The IELTS reading sample passage has nine paragraphs A – I.
From the list below choose the most suitable headings for B – I.
Write the appropriate number (i – xiv) beside boxes 1 – 8 on your answer sheet.
NB There are more headings than paragraphs, so you do not have to use them all.

List of headings

i The traveler’s character. ii Disproportionate growth. iii Pilots and aircrew. iv Additional action. v Smaller seats. vi Uncomfortable aeroplanes vii Origins. viii A major threat. ix Demands for change. x Business people. xi The roots of the problem. xii The pace of life. xiii Links to the surroundings. xiv Personal experience.

Question 1:

Answer – heading ii
Supporting Sentence-The frequency of air rage has expanded out of proportion to the growth of air travel. Until recently few statistics were gathered about air rage, but those that have been indicated that passengers are
increasingly likely to cause trouble or engage in violent acts.
Keyword-air travel
Keyword Location-paragraph B
Explanation – The paragraph discusses the significant increase in air rage incidents, citing examples of years with a high number of such incidents. Thus, title ii accurately reflects the content of the paragraph.

Question 2:

Answer – heading viii
Supporting Sentence- Aside from discomfort and disruption, air rage poses some very real dangers to flying. The most extreme of these is when out of control passengers enter the cockpit.
Keyword-discomfort and disruption
Keyword Location-paragraph C
Explanation – The accumulation of air rage incidents poses a threat to the safety of fellow passengers during flights. Furthermore, the life of the pilot is also at risk, increasing the danger associated with air rage. Hence, option viii will be the correct answer.

Question 3:

Answer – Heading xi
Supporting Sentence- A recent study has identified the issues that start the incidents to be as follows.
Alcohol 25%
Seating 16%
Keyword- recent study
Keyword Location-paragraph D
Explanation – The paragraph provides data that indicates air rage incidents are caused by various factors. To ensure the safety of passengers and airline staff, it is crucial to implement necessary changes to prevent violent confrontations. Thus, option xi will be right choice in this case.

Question 4:

Answer – heading xiii
Supporting Sentence- One of the major causes seems to be the passenger’s behavior or their personality. Fear of flying and the feeling of powerlessness associated with flying can lead to irritable or aggressive passengers.
Keyword-aggressive passengers
Keyword Location-paragraph E
Explanation – The conduct or personality of a passenger seems to be a significant factor contributing to air rage incidents. Fear of flying and the accompanying feeling of powerlessness can cause passengers to become angry or violent. Moreover, some individuals may not be aware of the impact of alcohol consumption, which can further amplify their adverse reactions to the flying environment. So, option xiii will be the right response here.

Question 5:

Answer – heading xi
Supporting Sentence- Some people feel that the physical environment of a plane can lead to air rage. Seats on most airlines have become smaller in recent years as airlines try to increase profits. This leads to uncomfortable and irritated passengers.
Keyword- airlines, uncomfortable and irritated passengers
Keyword Location-paragraph F
Explanation – According to some, air rage is attributed to the physical environment of a plane. Research has shown that low oxygen levels increase aggressiveness and make individuals feel more desperate. Airlines have reduced oxygen levels to save money, leading to uncomfortable and potentially aggressive passengers. The oxygen content of the air that pilots breathe is now ten times that of cabin class. Hence, option xi will be the correct answer.

Question 6:

Answer – heading i
Supporting Sentence- Another reason that has been suggested is that society is getting ruder and less patient. The increased congestion at airports, longer queues and increased delays have only added to this.
Keyword-longer queues
Keyword Location- paragraph G
Explanation – The growing impatience and harshness of society is compounded by factors such as increasing airport congestion, longer lines, and delays. Additionally, some air rage incidents have been linked to the demanding nature of high-achieving corporate individuals. Thus, option i will be the right answer.

Question 7:

Answer – heading ix
Supporting Sentence- The strongest calls for action to control air rage have come from pilots and aircrew. The International Transport Workers’ Federation argues that there are too many loopholes that let people escape punishment and that the penalties are too light.
Keyword- International Transport Workers’
Keyword Location- paragraph H
Explanation – Given the potential danger posed to the lives of pilots and cabin crew, who are responsible for ensuring a safe flight for all passengers, it is imperative to implement necessary changes to flight security to ensure that passengers feel safe and protected throughout their journey. So, option ix will be the correct answer.

Question 8:

Answer – heading iv
Supporting Sentence- Other measures include strengthening doors to stop people entering the cockpit, training crew in the use of plastic restraints to tie down unruly passengers and having pilots divert their planes if passengers cause problems.
Keyword-strengthening doors
Keyword Location-paragraph I
Explanation – Training is being provided to air crews on calming passengers and identifying and preventing incidents that could result in air rage. Additional measures include strengthening cockpit doors to prevent unauthorized entry, educating crews on how to utilize plastic restraints to manage unruly passengers, and instructing pilots to redirect flights if necessary due to passenger disruptions. Hence, option iv will be the correct answer.

Questions 9 – 14

Do the following statements agree with the information in the IELTS reading sample text? Mark them as follows.

TRUE - if the statement agrees with the information in the text.
FALSE - if the statement does not agree with the information in the text.
NOT GIVEN - if there is no information on this in the text.

In the first case of air rage, one of the reasons the man was not punished was because the plane was not registered.
The statistics on air rage were collected by private monitoring groups.
The second most common catalyst for incidents is problem with seating.
The environment in a plane makes disagreements more likely to become serious problems.
Airlines have been encouraging passengers to bring onboard as carry-on luggage.
There have been no attempts to ban passengers with a historic of air rage.

Question 9:

Answer – false
Supporting Sentence- However, the man escaped punishment because it was not then clear under whose legal control a crime committed on the plane was, the country where the plane was registered, or the country where the crime was committed.
Keyword-crime committed, registered
Keyword Location- paragraph A
Explanation – Although the plane was registered, the individual was not penalized since it was unclear which law could be applied to prosecute them. Thus, the above statement can be taken as a FALSE one.

Question 10:

Answer – not given
Explanation– No relevant information has been given in the passage in order to prove the validation of the above statement. So, we can clearly conclude the statement to be an invalid one.

Question 11:

Answer – true
Supporting Sentence- A recent study has identified the issues that start the incidents to be as follows.
Alcohol 25%
Seating 16%
Keyword-Catalyst
Keyword Location-paragraph D
Explanation – Paragraph D references seating as a contributing factor to passengers becoming agitated during a flight and subsequently engaging in an act of air rage. So, the above statement can be regarded as a TRUE one.

Question 12:

Answer – true
Supporting Sentence- Some people feel that the physical environment of a plane can lead to air rage. Seats on most airlines have become smaller in recent years as airlines try to increase profits. This leads to uncomfortable and irritated passengers.
Keyword- physical environment, uncomfortable and irritated passengers
Keyword Location- paragraph F
Explanation – The airplane environment can cause discomfort for many individuals due to its confined and crowded nature, potentially resulting in a loss of consciousness. This can be particularly challenging for those with claustrophobia. Thus, the above statement can be regarded as a TRUE one.

Question 13:

Answer – not given
Explanation– No relevant information has been provided in the passage in order to support the given statement. Thus, the above statement can be regarded as an invalid one.

Question 14:

Answer – false
Supporting Sentence- Banning passengers who are guilty of air rage from flying has also been tried to a lesser extent.
Keyword-Banning passengers
Keyword Location- paragraph I
Explanation – Paragraph I states that airlines have attempted to prohibit such passengers from boarding their flights, with other airlines subsequently adopting similar policies. So, the given statement is regarded as a FALSE one.

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