Roberta Aguirre
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago's airports allowed people to drink indoors, despite bars and restaurants across the state being banned from serving customers inside. This led to criticism from some who believed it was a 'ludicrous double standard'. However, a mayoral spokesperson said that the city's COVID-19 restrictions aligned with the state's guidelines, which allowed restaurants in airports, hospitals, colleges, and universities to serve residents and visitors while abiding by restaurant guidelines, including mask-wearing, social distancing, and strict cleaning standards. While drinking at the airport is permitted in some places, it is important to remember that airlines can cut you off if you appear tipsy, and drinking before or during a flight may not be the best idea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking at the airport during COVID | Drinking at the airport is allowed, but it is advised not to get drunk. |
| Drinking on the flight | There is no limit to the number of cocktails you can order, but flight attendants will cut you off if you appear tipsy. |
| Drinking at Chicago's airports during COVID | Bars and restaurants were open at O'Hare and Midway airports in Chicago during COVID, despite higher COVID-19 risks among travelers. |
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What You'll Learn
Drinking alcohol at the airport during COVID
While there are no specific restrictions on drinking alcohol at airports during COVID, it is important to follow general COVID guidelines and local regulations to ensure a safe experience. Here are some key considerations for drinking alcohol at the airport during the COVID pandemic:
- Local Regulations: During the COVID pandemic, local regulations and guidelines regarding indoor dining and drinking may vary. For example, in Chicago in 2020, bars and restaurants across the state were banned from serving customers indoors. However, the city's airports, such as O'Hare and Midway, allowed people to drink alcohol inside bars and restaurants. Always check the latest local guidelines before travelling to the airport.
- Social Distancing and Precautions: Regardless of the local regulations, it is important to follow basic COVID-19 precautions. This includes wearing masks, maintaining physical distance from others, and practicing good hand hygiene. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of virus transmission, even in enclosed spaces like airports.
- Personal Responsibility: While airports may allow drinking at bars and restaurants, it is essential to make smart personal choices to reduce your risk of exposure. Consider opting for takeout options or spacing out from others at the gate to minimize close contact. Remember that drinking indoors, especially in crowded places like bars, increases your risk of COVID-19 exposure.
- Airline Policies: Different airlines may have their own policies regarding alcohol consumption during COVID. Check with your airline to understand their specific rules, as they may have implemented additional restrictions or guidelines to ensure passenger safety.
- Duty-Free Alcohol: If you purchase duty-free alcohol at the airport, be aware that consuming it during your flight is illegal. It is important to follow the law and refrain from opening and consuming duty-free alcoholic beverages until you have reached your destination.
- Moderation and Flight Experience: While drinking at the airport during COVID may be allowed, it is important to drink in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption may impair your judgement and increase your risk of COVID-19 exposure. Additionally, drinking too much before or during your flight can negatively impact your overall flight experience and the comfort of those around you.
In summary, while drinking alcohol at the airport during COVID may be permitted, it is crucial to follow local regulations, practice COVID-19 precautions, and make responsible personal choices. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you, and consider alternative options like takeout or spacing out at the gate to reduce your risk of virus transmission.
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$21.99
Drinking on a flight
Firstly, it is important to note that drinking your own alcohol on a commercial flight is prohibited by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This means that you cannot bring and consume your own alcoholic beverages during the flight. However, you can purchase and consume alcoholic beverages served by the flight attendants. Airlines do not limit the number of cocktails you can order, but flight attendants will cut you off if you appear intoxicated. It is also illegal to consume duty-free alcohol during the flight.
When it comes to bringing alcohol on a plane, there are specific regulations to follow. Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol must be in unopened retail packaging and are limited to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger in checked bags. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. For carry-on luggage, the standard 3-1-1 rule for liquids applies. You can bring small bottles of alcohol that are 3.4 ounces or less in a clear, quart-sized bag.
Some travellers may choose to consume alcohol at the airport before their flight. While this is allowed, it is important to remember that airports, like any other public space, require you to maintain proper etiquette and behaviour. It is advisable to dress and behave appropriately and avoid getting drunk at the airport bar. Additionally, be mindful of the security checks and have your electronic devices ready for inspection.
Lastly, layovers and long flights can be challenging when it comes to managing your alcohol consumption. Some travellers suggest buying lounge access during layovers to consume alcohol. However, be cautious as drinking excessively before or during your flight can lead to negative health consequences and may disrupt the comfort and experience of other passengers.
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Duty-free alcohol
Purchasing Duty-Free Alcohol:
International airports typically offer duty-free shops that sell alcohol to outbound travellers. When purchasing duty-free alcohol, it is important to be aware of the regulations regarding the transportation of liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on baggage. In the United States, for example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces a limit of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags. Similar restrictions may apply in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Therefore, if you are purchasing duty-free liquor, make sure to consider the size of the container and follow the relevant guidelines for your destination country.
Consuming Duty-Free Alcohol at the Airport:
The consumption of duty-free alcohol at the airport may be subject to varying regulations depending on the airport and local laws. In some airports, it may be prohibited to consume your own alcohol in public areas, including the departure lounge. However, there are reports of travellers discreetly consuming their duty-free purchases before their flight. Additionally, airport bars licensed to serve alcohol can only allow consumption within their designated areas. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific rules of your departure airport and comply with any local laws regarding public consumption of alcohol.
Transporting Duty-Free Alcohol:
When travelling with duty-free alcohol, it is crucial to consider any connecting flights or stops you may have. If you are changing planes in a country with strict liquid restrictions, such as the United States, you will need to place any liquid, gel, or aerosol items exceeding the allowed limit in your checked baggage before boarding your next flight. Additionally, ensure that duty-free liquid items are packaged in tamper-evident security bags before leaving the duty-free shop. This will help facilitate the security screening process and avoid any potential issues during your travels.
It is worth noting that some travellers have reported instances of duty-free liquids being flagged and subjected to additional screening, even when properly sealed in duty-free bags. To protect expensive liquid items, consider wrapping them in a thick layer of bubble wrap or towelling, placing them in a box, and packing them securely in the centre of your checked baggage. This can help minimise the risk of damage or loss during transit.
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Drinking water at the airport
Drinking water is essential when travelling, especially when flying. The cabin air can be extremely dry, with average humidity levels of around 20%, so it's important to stay hydrated.
Drinking Water Options at the Airport
Most airports provide various options for purchasing bottled water before boarding your flight. However, some airports, such as those in Los Angeles and San Francisco, have banned the sale of bottled water. In such cases, it is advisable to bring your own reusable water bottle and fill it up after security.
Drinking Water on the Plane
It is worth noting that, according to a 2019 study, several major airlines were found to have poor cleanliness standards regarding their onboard water tanks. This means that any drink prepared with tap water, such as coffee or tea, may be contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to bottled water or other sealed beverages when flying.
Alcoholic Beverages at the Airport
While it is important to stay hydrated, be mindful that drinking alcoholic beverages at the airport can impact your flight experience and the experience of other passengers. While airlines don't limit the number of cocktails you can order, flight attendants will cut you off if you appear tipsy, and you are not allowed to consume your duty-free alcohol on the plane.
COVID-19 Considerations
During the COVID-19 pandemic, drinking indoors at bars and restaurants was considered a high-risk activity for virus transmission. While some airports, such as those in Chicago, allowed people to drink inside bars and restaurants, it is essential to follow local guidelines and make smart choices to reduce your risk of exposure. This includes wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and washing hands frequently.
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Bars and restaurants at the airport
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was criticism of the fact that bars and restaurants remained open at airports, despite the higher risk of COVID-19 transmission among travellers. In Chicago, for example, restaurants and bars across the state were banned from serving customers indoors. However, people could still legally drink inside bars at Midway and O'Hare airports.
This was justified by a mayoral spokesperson, who stated that the city's COVID-19 restrictions aligned with the state's guidelines, which permitted restaurants located in airports to serve residents and visitors while abiding by restaurant guidelines. These guidelines included ensuring staff and patrons wore masks, practised social distancing, limited gatherings, and followed strict cleaning standards.
Despite these precautions, some experts and members of the public criticised the decision to allow indoor dining and drinking at airports. Drinking indoors at a bar was considered the riskiest action during the COVID-19 pandemic, and travel was identified as a factor that could increase the risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19.
It is important to note that this information is from December 2020, and guidelines and restrictions regarding COVID-19 may have changed at airports since then.
While there may be bars and restaurants open at airports, it is advisable to exercise caution and follow the recommended guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. However, drinking indoors at a bar is considered to be the riskiest action during the COVID-19 pandemic, and airports are enclosed places where people can be in close contact. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol at the airport during COVID.
No, it is illegal to drink duty-free alcohol on the plane.
Yes, airlines don't limit the number of cocktails you can order. However, flight attendants will cut you off if you appear tipsy.
No, during COVID, it depends on the local regulations. For example, in 2020, bars and restaurants across Illinois were banned from serving customers indoors. However, people could still legally drink inside bars at Chicago's airports.
Yes, you can drink alcohol bought at the airport when you get to your destination, as long as you follow the local regulations at your destination regarding alcohol consumption.
