A passenger on a Spirit Airlines flight bound for New Orleans this week earned himself a lifetime ban for vaping and getting drunk, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.
The passenger, a St. Petersburg, Florida resident, was vaping in the cabin, according to officials. When told that wasn't allowed, the man then went in to a lavatory, where his vaping set off the lavatory smoke alarm.
Other passengers reported the man appeared to be sneaking drinks while hiding under his jacket in his seat. FAA rules say passengers may only consume alcohol served to them by the airline.
According to the sheriff's office, a deputy was called to meet the flight when it landed at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Although the deputy says the passenger was visibly intoxicated, local authorities did not arrest him. A sheriff's office spokesman said violations that happen while in-flight are left to federal authorities.
The deputy said officials with Spirit Airlines banned the passenger from ever flying with them again.
