Crew Accused Of Being Drunk Six Hours Before Departure

Just weeks after an incident in which a Virgin Atlantic pilot was arrested in the cockpit because he smelled of alcohol -- he's since been cleared -- a British Airways flight was cancelled after the cabin crew was accused of a little too much holiday cheer.

A British Airways flight from Manchester to New York was cancelled after the cabin staff was accused of being "drunk" just hours before take-off, according to the BBC.

Police answered an anonymous call at about 4:15 am on Friday, complaining that an airline crew was partying at a Manchester hotel. The plane was due to leave at 10:00 am GMT.

No allegations were made against the plane's two pilots, according to a British Airways spokesperson. Passengers were changed from the aircraft and put onto alternative flights to the United States from London’s Heathrow Airport.

"We are investigating an anonymous allegation made against our cabin crew. British Airways takes allegations of this nature very seriously," said the BA spokesman.

The airline would not comment on the condition of the crew. "It would be inappropriate to comment further until we have completed our investigations," the spokesman added. "Due to a shortage of crew the BA1503 Manchester-New York flight was cancelled and we have apologized for the disruption to the passengers."

Crew members were instructed to remain at the hotel once airline officials had been informed of the claims early on Friday morning, and they never reported for duty at Manchester Airport.

"Police received an anonymous call stating that a cabin crew staying at a city center hotel prior to an international flight was drunk,” A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said.

"Officers contacted the airline to make them aware so they could carry out their own inquiries. No criminal offenses were committed and there has been no further need for police involvement at this stage," said the police spokesman.

FMI: www.britishairways.com, www.heathrowairport.com/