A drunk passenger who threw a 'haymaker' punch at a pilot claimed he was as 'sober as a judge'.
Jack Bailey, 30, was already drunk as he boarded the Jet2 flight to Barcelona at Manchester Airport, at about 7.30am.
The pilot moved out of the way and the blow landed on his shoulder.
He described the incident as the 'worst' in his 15 years as a pilot.
Manchester Crown Court was told cabin crew said Bailey smelt of 'intoxicants' he boarded the plane, on April 24 last year.
One crew member went to check on Bailey at his seat as he appeared to be having an 'unwanted' conversation with a woman.
Bailey was deemed nfit to travel.
He was asked to leave the plane and was escorted to the front of the aircraft.
The captain became aware of 'raised voices' and left the cockpit to investigate, prosecutor Duncan Wilcock said.
Bailey was shouting 'I'm not drunk', but the captain told him he would not be flying.
He was told to 'go home' and 'sober up'.
But he refused to leave and said 'I'm not drunk' and 'I've done nothing wrong'.
Eventually, the captain asked cabin crew to call police.
When Bailey was told officers had been called, he replied: "I'm not bothered. They will have to take me off."
The crew tried to calm him down, but 'without warning' Bailey 'swung a clenched right fist' towards the captain's head.
The punch was described as a 'haymaker' and a 'powerful blow'.
Cabin crew moved between Bailey and the pilot.
Bailey told the captain: "I'm going to find out where you live and I'm going to get you.
"I've not f****** done anything.
"I'm as sober as a judge."
The police arrived soon after and Bailey was removed from the plane.
Interviewed by officers, he claimed he had been attacked and was acting in self-defence.
In a statement read to the court, the captain said the incident was the 'worst he had encountered in his 15 years as a commercial pilot'.
He said he 'didn't sleep properly for about a week' and felt anxious.
Defending, Chudi Grant said the aircraft was not put in danger.
Mr Grant said Bailey has difficulties with drink, drugs and mental health.
Sentencing, Judge Elizabeth Nicholls jailed Bailey for seven months.
She told Bailey: "This was a serious and alarming incident.
"It caused considerable distress, and it was upsetting for other passengers who were trying to board their flight.
"There is absolutely no excuse for your wholly antisocial behaviour."
Bailey, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to drunkenness while entering an aircraft and assault.
